You most certainly have heard of it, as it is the Spanish national dish. But did you know that Paella originates from Valencia, and is considered the best place to eat this rice, or as the Spanish say: “Arroz”?

The rise of paella globally

Nowadays, we see many Paella’s all over the world and it has reached across all borders. 

Most people in Spain love paella and the dish is eaten everywhere. However, not all ingredients are alike and many restaurants who offer “delicious” paella’s are selling you something far from the real taste of a GOOD paella.

It says a lot about the popularity and the huge name it has made during the last centuries. Nonetheless, the paella you’ll find in your nearby local store, market or supermarkt is from far not the same as a REAL paella.

No, to try paella, I can only advise you one thing: go to Valencia, and take a reservation in the best restaurants near or in Palmar (the Albufera region). This is the place where it all started decades ago.

The meaning of Paella 

If you are one of those who speak Spanish, you probably know what paellera means. Let me explain for the those who just started their Spanish language journey. It means pan. Just like the Valencian word paella. Paella=Pan: literally the pan you prepare the rice in. 

Cooking rice in another way apart from the typical pan is not considered a Paella by anybody from Spain. It can be even insulting their culture and pride. So don’t try it.

Why am I telling you this? Well, because many tend to believe this is the reason the dish is called like the way it is.

At least, my Spanish teacher told me this during my Spanish language and culture course. Maybe she just wanted to prevent us from the whole, long (and boring) story.

A Brief History of Paella

The battle over the origins of paella is a long one, but I’ll keep it short and sweet. There’s debate over whether it deep roots are coming from. 

Nonetheless, this iconic Spanish dish that dates back centuries, all started in the region of Valencia. Paella Valenciana, the original and authentic version, is a true culinary that has captured the hearts of many, just like me. 

It was in Albufera, where they cultivated the first paellas during the 19th century (around 1920), Paella was born as a humble yet ingenious creation of the local farmers and laborers. These hardworking folks needed a hearty and satisfying meal to fuel their long days in the fields.

Rice, vegetables, snails, and rabbit and (or) chicken – were the simple yet flavorful components that formed the foundation of the original paella.

But we can trace the origin of paella actually further back than the story of Valencian farmhands. Legend has it that paella emerged from the way Moorish servants in Arabic Spain repurposed leftovers.  They’d combine remnants from royal tables with rice, creating a flavorful, resourceful dish. This theory makes sense, as the Moors introduced rice and saffron (two essential paella ingredients) to Spain. In fact, Spanish still uses Arabic-derived words for these items! #

But the name “paella” itself may have an even more intriguing origin…

Undoubtedly, the concept of combining rice, spices, and proteins in a large pan wasn’t exclusive to Spain. Historians uncovered that paella is part of a broader family of Arabic rice dishes from 8th-9th century Persia, like Persian pilaf.

How did Paella become the Spanish national dish?

Paella’s transformation into a Spanish national icon is a testament to cultural assimilation and political influence. During Franco’s dictatorship (1936-1975), paella was elevated to symbolize a unified Spanish identity, despite its Moorish roots. Franco’s love for the dish led to its widespread popularity, as restaurants aimed to please him.

As the years passed, paella’s popularity spread beyond the fields of Valencia, making its way into the cities and eventually capturing the attention of the world. But even as it evolved and adapted to different regions and tastes, the essence of Paella Valenciana remained unchanged – a celebration of fresh, local ingredients and the art of communal cooking.

Today, you can find countless variations of paella, each with its own unique twist.  From the seafood paellas such as paella marisco to coastal regions to the vegetarian versions that cater to modern dietary preferences, the possibilities are endless. 

But the best way to eat a paella and the real classic remains: Paella Valenciana.

If you haven’t got a try, make sure to get to Valencia and eat a paella in the best restaurants.

Follow me for more tips about Valencia, and its beautiful culture, tasteful food and great offers it has. 

So, the next time you find yourself in front of a pan of paella, take a moment to appreciate the history and tradition that went into creating this iconic dish.