If you visit Valencia and don't try authentic Valencian paella, have you really been to Valencia?
At The Venue Hostel, we don't just offer you a comfortable bed, but also a taste of the local experience: every week we cook traditional Valencian paella for our guests. But before you try it... let us tell you how it's really made.
A little history: where does paella come from?
Valencian paella is much more than just a dish: it is a symbol of identity.
It originated in the orchards of Valencia in the 15th century, when farmers cooked rice with ingredients they had on hand: rabbit, chicken, fresh vegetables, and saffron. It was cooked outdoors over a wood fire and eaten directly from the paella pan.
The name “paella” comes from the pan in which it is cooked. And yes, authentic Valencian paella does not contain chorizo or any other unusual ingredients. It only contains the original ingredients that are part of its Designation of Origin.
Ingredients for authentic Valencian paella.
What ingredients does Valencian paella contain, and what does it not contain?
Here is the official recipe recognized by the Valencian Community:
- Rice (bomba type)
- Chicken and rabbit
- Green beans (ferraura)
- Garrofó (a typical white, flat legume)
- Crushed natural tomatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Water, salt, saffron, and paprika
- And if possible... a fire made from orange woodv🍊
The key is in the meat sofrito, the good broth, and cooking the rice just right, with that touch of “socarrat” at the bottom that makes it unforgettable.
Enjoy the paella experience at The Venue.
Would you like to know what a traditional Valencian paella tastes like?
At The Venue Hostel, we make it happen: every week we celebrate Paella Day, where one of our local chefs cooks the original recipe live, in the traditional style.
EN 
ES