Costa Blanca Cuisine: The Birthplace of Some of Spain’s Most Delicious Rice Dishes

Costa Blanca is more than just beaches and blue skies—it’s also a paradise for food lovers. While Valencia may be best known for paella, the Costa Blanca has carved out its own identity with seafood-based rice dishes that have become local legends.

If you’re visiting or planning to relocate here, exploring these regional dishes is a delicious way to connect with the traditions, people, and Mediterranean lifestyle that make this area so unique.

The secret lies in three key ingredients:

  • Fresh Mediterranean seafood,
  • High-quality locally grown rice,
  • And deeply rooted culinary traditions passed down over generations.

The result is a collection of rice dishes that are rich in flavor and deeply tied to the region’s coastal heritage.

Must-Try Rice Dishes of the Costa Blanca

Authentic Valencia paella in a pan with chicken, vegetables, and rosemary. Top view.

1. Arroz a Banda

Literally translated as “rice on the side,” this dish originated from the fishing communities along the Alicante coast. It’s made by cooking rice in a rich fish broth, then serving the fish separately. It’s simple, savory, and unmistakably local.

You can find Arroz a Banda in traditional restaurants in Dénia, Calpe, Torrevieja, and Altea.

2. Caldero

Originally from the Tabarca Island area, Caldero is a hearty fishermen’s dish made with rockfish, garlic, ñora peppers, and rice cooked in the leftover broth. It’s usually served in two parts: the fish first, then the rice.

Some of the best versions are served in Santa Pola and Alicante’s El Barrio district.

3. Arroz del Senyoret

This Alicante favorite features peeled seafood (prawns, squid, clams) in a saffron-infused broth, making it easier to eat without removing shells—hence the nickname “the gentleman’s rice.”

It’s a refined twist on traditional seafaring fare, often enjoyed with a glass of crisp white wine and a view of the Mediterranean.

In Costa Blanca, food isn’t just fuel—it’s a social event. Long lunches, Sunday family meals, and seaside dinners are all part of the rhythm of life here. Whether you’re visiting short-term or planning to relocate, learning about the region’s cuisine offers a deeper understanding of the culture and lifestyle.

Rice dishes like Arroz a Banda and Caldero aren’t just meals—they’re part of the story of Costa Blanca.