Typical Alicante dishes: what you must try

Alicante province not only enchants with its climate, coast, and natural charm, but also with its cuisine. We have a rich and varied gastronomy, from unmistakable rice dishes to stews, including Denomination of Origin sweets, Alicante's typical foods are diverse and delicious, utilizing all kinds of high-quality ingredients.

Today we want to share with you a small taste of our land, with a selection of typical Alicante dishes that we consider essential for any visitor wanting to savor the identity of our region. And while there are many more delicacies we could mention, and it was difficult to decide, these will provide an excellent starting point.

10 Typical Foods of Alicante:

Arroz a banda: the flavor of the sea on your plate

Talking about Alicante’s typical foods largely means talking about rice. Arroz a banda is perhaps one of the most famous, prepared with a robust stock of rockfish. Although it originated as a humble recipe of fishermen, today it is one of the most valued dishes for its intense flavor and perfect texture.

Arroz con costra: tradition baked in the oven

Originating from inland areas like Elche, arroz con costra combines rice, sausages (longaniza, blood sausage, white sausage...) and beaten egg baked to form a delicious crispy layer on top. It is a tasty, hearty dish, perfect for those who enjoy recipes with character.

Olleta alicantina: hearty and delicious

Olleta is a thick stew of legumes, rice, and vegetables, very typical during cold months and popular festivals. It has various versions depending on the town where it is prepared, but all are spoon dishes that comfort and nourish equally.

Borreta alicantina: a winter gem

This dish has a more maritime character and is one of Alicante’s typical foods. It is a stew made with spinach, dried cod, potatoes, and ñoras, perfect for the cooler days along the coast. Its flavor is mild but deep, ideal for those who enjoy traditional recipes of humble origin full of nuances.

Mojama de atún: the ham of the sea

Mojama is one of the oldest products in Alicante’s gastronomy. It is cured tuna in salt and air-dried, a delicate product often served in thin slices with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It is a sophisticated appetizer, rich in umami and perfect to pair with a cold white wine.

Pericana: tradition in every bite

This dish is mainly made with roasted dried peppers, shredded capellán tuna, and garlic, all seasoned with olive oil. Pericana is a common dish inland and is usually served with toasted bread, but it can also be a side or condiment for other dishes. Its flavor is robust, with a smoky touch that captivates everyone who tastes it.

Jijona and Alicante Turrón: the king of Christmas

Among Alicante’s typical foods, turrón is renowned worldwide, with two main versions: Jijona, soft and creamy, made with ground almonds and honey; and Alicante, hard, with whole almonds. Although mainly consumed at Christmas, it is available all year round as a dessert or even in ice creams.

Alicante-style Toña (panquemao): fluffy sweetness

The toña or panquemao is a sweet and fluffy bun, with a toasted exterior and soft interior. Traditionally enjoyed during Holy Week or family snacks, often accompanied by a cup of hot chocolate. Its texture is similar to brioche but bears the unmistakable mark of the traditional oven.

Coca amb tonyina: flavor of Hogueras

This dish plays a prominent role during the San Juan festival. Coca amb tonyina is a flat savory dough pie, filled with tuna, onion, and pine nuts. Simple in appearance but with a flavor that directly evokes the celebration, festivals, and Alicante’s traditions.

Bollitori: an ode to the garden

The bollitori is a stew of boiled vegetables such as green beans, potatoes, onion, pumpkin, tomato, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs. It is very common in everyday cooking among Alicante households and represents the healthier, vegetable side of this cuisine. It is typically served as a main dish or side.

Beyond this selection...

In the province, each municipality has its own specialty, and it would be impossible to cover all of Alicante’s typical foods in a single overview. Savory pies, fideuàs, cocido meatballs, convent sweets, artisanal sausages... The list is as extensive as it is delicious.

Therefore, from Villas Guzmán, we encourage you to explore these flavors during your stay on the Costa Blanca, whether at local restaurants or by cooking yourself in one of our villas equipped with a full kitchen and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean.