Gastronomy

Wed, 09/04/2024 - 20:29

Asturian Gastronomy

Discover the traditional dishes, flavours and culinary culture that make Asturias unique.

Fabada Asturiana

Fabada is one of the most iconic dishes in Asturias. This traditional bean stew is made with fabes, chorizo, blood sausage and pork.

Cachopo

Cachopo is made with two large breaded veal fillets filled with ham and cheese, usually served with fries and peppers.

The Cantabrian Sea on Your Plate

As a coastal region, seafood and fish play an important role in Asturian cuisine, offering some of the finest seafood in northern Spain.

The Land of Cheese

Asturias is often considered the cheese capital of Spain, producing more than 40 varieties of artisan cheese.

The most famous is Cabrales, a strong blue cheese matured in natural mountain caves. Other varieties include Gamonéu, Afuega'l Pitu, Los Beyos and Pría.

And of Course... Cider!

No food experience in Asturias is complete without trying sidra. More than just a drink, cider is an essential part of Asturian culture, identity and social life.

One of the most distinctive traditions associated with cider is escanciado, the unique pouring technique in which cider is served from above the head into a glass held near the waist. This process helps aerate the drink and enhance its flavour and aroma.

Asturian cider culture is so important that it was recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Pastel de Cabracho

A smooth fish pudding made with scorpionfish, eggs, tomato sauce and cream. It is usually served cold as a starter.

Tortos de Maíz

Traditional fried corn cakes, often served with minced pork, egg or cheese. Simple, rustic and deeply Asturian.

Escalopines al Cabrales

Small breaded veal fillets served with a creamy Cabrales cheese sauce and fries. A perfect dish for cheese lovers.

Pote Asturiano

A hearty stew made with beans, cabbage, potatoes and pork products such as chorizo, blood sausage and bacon.

Callos a la Asturiana

A strong traditional dish made with tripe, chorizo, ham, paprika, onion and garlic. A classic recipe full of flavour.

Pitu de Caleya

A traditional free-range chicken raised on natural products. Its meat is firm, flavourful and usually prepared in slow stews.

Bollo Preñao

A small bread roll baked with chorizo inside. It is especially popular at traditional festivals and informal gatherings.

Chorizo a la Sidra

One of the most popular Asturian tapas. Chorizo is cooked in natural cider, creating a simple but intense dish.

Sweet Treats

Asturias also has a rich pastry tradition and no visit to the region would be complete without trying some of its most beloved desserts. Arroz con leche is perhaps the most famous Asturian dessert: a creamy rice pudding often topped with caramelised sugar. Carbayones, originally from Oviedo, are delicate puff pastries filled with almonds and covered with a sweet glaze. Casadielles are crispy pastries stuffed with walnuts, sugar and anise, while frixuelos are thin pancakes similar to crêpes that are especially popular during Carnival celebrations. Moscovitas, made with almonds and chocolate, have become one of Asturias' most recognised sweet treats and are a favourite souvenir among visitors.

Arroz con leche

Carbayones

Casadielles

Frixuelos

Moscovitas

The Sidrería Experience

Whether you are enjoying a traditional meal in a village tavern or sharing a bottle with friends in a sidrería, eating out in Asturias is always a social experience. Restaurants and cider houses are places where locals gather, celebrate and enjoy long meals together.