If there’s one thing more Valencian than paella, it’s undoubtedly horchata. A wonderfully refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, native to Valencia and specifically to the town of Alboraya. Besides having a really special flavour, it’s high in protein and fully vegan. It’s usually enjoyed alongside sweet “fartons”, a soft, elongated pastry coated in icing sugar that’s perfect for dipping into your horchata. Sounds good, right?
You don’t need summer to enjoy a good horchata, but with 35-degree heat in the shade and Valencia’s characteristic humidity, nothing quite hits the spot like a cold, sweet drink. If you’re passing through Valencia this summer, you can’t leave without stopping at one of its best horchata shops. We’ll tell you where to go. Coming along?
| Horchatería | Area | What makes it special |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Catalina | Old town, next to Plaza de la Reina | Over two centuries of tradition and hand-painted tiles |
| Daniel | Alboraya, Mercado de Colón and Calle del Mar | Since 1949, once visited by Dalí and Alberti |
| El Sariers | Between Benimaclet and the Alboraya market gardens | Home-grown tiger nuts and a spacious terrace |
Horchatería Santa Catalina
From the market gardens to Valencia’s old town. Horchatería Santa Catalina, located next to Plaza de la Reina and right at the foot of the Santa Catalina church bell tower, is one of the city’s most iconic spots for both tourists and locals, open for more than two centuries and still keeping its classic Valencian decor.
Its decor, made with Manises ceramics and echoing key moments in the city’s history, such as a royal visit in the 19th century, makes it a legendary spot in the city. Stepping inside feels like travelling back in time while you enjoy a good liquid or slushy horchata, a hot chocolate, buñuelos and fartons, alongside other artisan products like honey, nougat or jams.
More details on the official Horchatería Santa Catalina website.
📍 Get directions (Plaça de Santa Caterina, 6)
Horchatería Daniel
Ask a local where to try the best horchata in Valencia and the answer usually comes fast: Horchatería Daniel in Alboraya, although they also have other locations in central Valencia, one inside the Mercado de Colón and another on Calle del Mar.
Making natural horchata and authentic fartons since 1949, this horchata institution has welcomed many well-known figures who couldn’t resist this Valencian delicacy, including Salvador Dalí and Rafael Alberti.
More details on the official Horchatería Daniel website.
📍 Get directions (Avenida de la Horchata, 41, Alboraya)
Horchatería el Sariers
This horchatería is another top pick for enjoying the best horchata in Alboraya. The business opened its doors in 1995, though the family’s connection to tiger nuts goes back much further. For generations, they grew the crop themselves, once carried from the fields to the workshop in “sarias” — esparto baskets — which is where the horchatería gets its name.
A tip? El Sariers closes for a few weeks in winter for staff rest and the tiger nut harvest, so if you’re travelling out of season, it’s worth checking their hours in advance.
The spot has become one of the most charming terraces in the area for enjoying authentic horchata with views over the Valencian market gardens.
More details on the official Horchatería el Sariers website.
📍 Get directions (Calle Sarcet, 6)
The history of Valencia’s tiger nut and its properties
As the story goes, although it’s not documented, this Valencian drink got its name from King Jaime I the first time he tasted it. Supposedly, after conquering 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’s tiger nut milk). Surprised by its sweet flavour, Jaime I declared “Això és or, xata” (This is gold, sweetheart). And that, as legend has it, is how “orxata” (horchata) got its name.
Questionable as this fun story may be, what it really reveals is that horchata is a deeply rooted Valencian drink, still made using traditional methods to this day.
The Valencia tiger nut also holds its own Protected Designation of Origin, overseen by the D.O. Chufa de Valencia Regulatory Council, based in Alboraya, which safeguards and certifies its cultivation across 16 towns in the Horta Nord area.
It’s planted between April and May and harvested between November and January. Once harvested, the crop is washed and then moved to drying rooms so the product keeps all its qualities. Many consider tiger nuts a superfood, since eating them brings real benefits to the body. Among them are their digestive properties and their richness in minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and iron. They’re also high in protein, making them an energising, vitality-boosting food.
Between one horchatería and the next, do you already have somewhere to stay? With HQ Rooms apartments you get your own kitchen and a convenient base for exploring central Valencia and its surroundings, including Alboraya. Book your stay and combine horchata, market gardens and rest without complicating your trip.
Enjoy the best horchata in Valencia 365 days a year
If you want a more hands-on way to explore the Valencian market gardens and try the best horchata in the whole city, you can find guided tours, hop on a self-guided bike tour, or visit the Horchata Museum at the Alquería El Machistre. For any horchata lover, this is definitely a fun plan to combine with other getaways near Valencia.
More details on opening times and guided tours on the official Alquería El Machistre website.
📍 Get directions (Camí del Machistre, Alboraya)
And if after all that horchata you’re still in a summer mood, don’t miss our guide to the best summer terraces in Valencia. At HQ Rooms, we offer High Quality family apartments, fully equipped, where you can enjoy the city as a complete 360 experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you find the best horchata in Valencia?
Three clear go-to spots are Horchatería Santa Catalina, right in the historic centre; Horchatería Daniel, in Alboraya with further locations at Mercado de Colón and Calle del Mar; and el Sariers, between Benimaclet and the Alboraya market gardens.
Is horchata vegan-friendly?
Yes, traditional horchata is made from tiger nuts, water and sugar, with no ingredients of animal origin whatsoever.
When is tiger nut season?
Tiger nuts are planted between April and May and harvested between November and January, though horchata can be enjoyed year-round.
Can you visit the Horchata Museum?
Yes, the Horchata and Tiger Nut Museum is located at the Alquería El Machistre in Alboraya, and offers guided tours covering tiger nut cultivation and traditional horchata-making.
Coming to Valencia this summer? After touring its best horchaterías, it’s good to come back to somewhere comfortable and well located. With HQ Rooms apartments you get a fully equipped kitchen, more space than a hotel room, and a perfect base for getting around the centre and out to Alboraya. Book your apartment in Valencia and plan your summer without the hassle.
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