The best horchata in Valencia, where can you find it?
If there is anything more Valencian than paella, it is, without a doubt, horchata. A very refreshing drink made from tiger nuts and originally from Valencia, specifically from the town of Alboraya. As well as having a very special flavour, it has a high protein content and is suitable for vegans. It is usually eaten with some sweet fartons, a typical long roll covered in icing sugar, which goes perfectly with horchata. Sounds good, right?
Although it doesn't have to be summer to enjoy a good horchata, it's true that with the 35 degrees in the shade and the humidity so characteristic of Valencia, you don't want anything other than a very cold and sweet drink. If you are going to spend this summer in Valencia, you cannot leave without stopping at one of the best horchaterías, the places where tigernut milk is made. We will tell you what they are. Can you come with us?
Horchatería Santa Catalina
From the orchard to Valencia's old town. Located next to the Plaza de la Reina and at the foot of the bell tower of the Santa Catalina church, the Santa Catalina Horchatería is one of the most emblematic places in the city, both for tourists and locals. It has been open for more than two centuries and preserves a very typical Valencian decoration.
Its decoration, made of Manises ceramics, recalls great moments in the city's history, such as the visit of Queen II in the middle of the 19th century. Here you will feel as if you have travelled back in time while enjoying a good liquid or granita horchata, hot chocolate, fritters and fartons, as well as other artisan products such as honey, nougat and jams.
Horchatería Daniel
If you ask any Valencian where to get the best horchata in Valencia, the answer will surely be Horchatería Daniel de Alboraya, although there are other places in the centre of Valencia. One in Colón market and another in the Plaza de la Reina.
During its 75 years of making natural horchata and authentic fartons, this horchata temple has been visited by many personalities who could not resist this Valencian delicacy. Among them are Salvador Dalí and Rafael Alberti.
Sariers horchatería
This horchatería is another of the most recommended places to get the best horchata in Alboraya. It has been in business for more than 60 years, although its relationship with tiger nuts goes back much further. Their ancestors already cultivated this product, which was transported from the field to the factory in sarias, or esparto baskets. In the 90s, the family decided to move the business to one of their fields. And now the place is known as one of the best summer terraces in Valencia, where you can enjoy the authentic horchata with views of the Valencian orchard.
History of the Valencia tiger nut and its properties
According to what they say, although this fact is not documented, the name of this Valencian drink was given by King James I when he tried it for the first time. The events supposedly occurred as follows: After the conquest of the kingdom of Valencia, King Jaume I asked a young woman: “Qué és això?” (What is this?), and she replied: “És llet de xufa” (It is tigernut milk). Jaime I, surprised by its sweet flavour, declared in valencian: “Això és or, xata” (This is gold, xata). And this would explain the origin of the name “orxata” (horchata).
This amusing story is not only questionable, but it also shows that horchata is a deeply rooted Valencian drink that is still made in the traditional way.
Moreover, Chufa de Valencia has its own Protected Designation of Origin and Regulatory Council D.O. Valencia Chufa, based in Alboraya, where its cultivation is preserved and identified in the 16 villages of the Valencian region of l'Horta Nord.
It is planted between April and May and harvested between November and January. Once harvested, the nuts are washed and placed in drying chambers to preserve all their qualities. Tiger nuts are considered by many to be a superfood, as eating them has many benefits for the body. Among these, its digestive properties stand out and it is rich in minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and iron. Another of its benefits is that it is rich in protein, which makes it a food that provides a lot of vitality and energy.
Enjoy the best horchata in Valencia 365 days a year
If you want to get to know the Valencian allotment garden in a more entertaining way and taste the best horchata in the city, you can take guided tours, go on a leisurely bike ride or visit the Horchata Museum at the Alquería El Magistre. For all horchata lovers, this is without a doubt a very fun plan to spend the day in a town near Valencia, specifically in Alboraya. At HQ Rooms we offer you high quality family apartments, with all the qualities you need to enjoy the city in a 360 experience.
Gastronomy
