Food Experiences In Zaragoza, Spain

On a recent trip to Spain we visited Zaragoza for the first time. We loved the city and especially the Zaragoza food scene. If you haven’t already included it in your travel roadmap, you should. The city brims with tapas, bars, and restaurants. These establishments serve typical Aragonese food alongside some of the best modern cuisine in Spain. At Gamberra in Zaragoza, we enjoyed the best meal we’ve ever had. This emphasizes that Zaragoza’s food scene doesn’t need to step back behind cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville. The Zaragoza food scene also boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants and many more are on the verge of earning that prestigious star.

We started our food tour of Zaragoza with a train ride from Madrid and then an Uber into the old town. We recommend the apartment just off the main square.

What is the Traditional Food in Zaragoza?

Zaragoza, a city with a deep culinary heritage, is known for a variety of traditional foods. These foods reflect the rich agricultural produce of the Aragon region. I focus on the top 13 traditional foods in Zaragoza.

Ternasco al horno con patatas

This Aragon suckling lamb is a true winner and is often served with potatoes or seasonal vegetables. The meat is soft and juicy and often baked in a low-temperature oven for 4 to 8 hours.

Ternasco is a dish famous not only in Zaragoza but also in the Aragon region. It is made from a young lamb raised solely in Aragon and comes from one of the breeds of the Autonomous Community (Ojinegra de Teruel, Maellana, Ansotana, Rasa Aragonesa, or Roya Bilbilitana). The lamb is around three months old and weighs between 10 and 13 kilos. 

Borage & Crespillos

This Spanish-cured meat is commonly found in restaurants and local markets. It is often served as a tapas dish or an appetizer before the main course.

Migas a la Pastor or Migas Arogoneses.

Migas is a traditional Spanish dish made with scrambled eggs and local ingredients. It is commonly served as a first course for lunch or dinner. The ingredients and preparation of Migas can vary depending on the region of Spain.

In Zaragoza, Migas typically includes chorizo, bacon, and a fried egg, which are often served with grapes. However, other variations of Migas use lamb tallow/fat or the fat that covers the kidneys.

Pollo al Chilindrón

“Pollo” means chicken in Spanish. “Chilindron” refers to a dish originating from the province of Teruel with deep roots in Zaragoza’s cuisine. The dish gets its name from a card game where uniting the jack, horse, and king wins the game. This symbolizes the perfect combination of tomato, pepper, and onion known as the Chilindron.

The ingredients are humble and simple, and preparing this dish is straightforward. First, fry the chicken and set it aside. Then, prepare the sauce by frying onion, garlic, and pepper. Combine everything and simmer slowly until the chicken becomes tender.

Magras con tomate

Magras con tomate is another traditional dish in Zaragoza, although some people say it is originally from Murcia.

It is often served as a small snack or appetizer. But it can also be a great main dish when paired with fries or rice. The dish is made with lean pork and crushed tomatoes, making the preparation relatively simple. It can be enjoyed at any time of the day and is typically served with bread. Besides tomatoes, the other ingredients include fried ham, slices of bread, eggs and white wine.

Huevos al Salmorrejo

In Aragon, brine is referred to as “salmorra”. When a pig was slaughtered, there was often an excess of meat. This meat is preserved in salted brine or “salmorra” and later fried and preserved in oil. This led to the creation of “salmorrejo.” A dish made with preserved meat stewed with asparagus and sausages. Towards the end of the cooking period, eggs were poached in the stew to add flavor.

Borrajas con patatas

Borraja is a type of vegetable that has a rough texture when fresh, but it becomes tender and delicious when cooked. One of the typical dishes in Zaragoza is borrajas with potatoes. To prepare this dish, cut and clean the borraja stems into 3-4 cm sticks and then add them to a pot with water, salt, and potatoes. It’s a sort of stew that tastes better when it’s cooked slowly. Many people add eggs to the dish, and sometimes, they also include pulled pork or lamb to enhance the flavor.

Arroz a la Zaragozana

This dish is hearty and made with only meat, garlic, and onion. It typically includes lamb, pork ribs, sausages, and ham, all fried in a paella or wide frying pan. Some people prefer to eat chicken or rabbit instead of fattier meats. It’s a meat-heavy version of paella and is less refined in taste and preparation.

Bacalao Ajoarriero

Although Zaragoza doesn’t sit by the sea, locals still consider ajoarriero cod a traditional dish in the region. Unlike in other parts of Spain, such as Navarra or La Rioja, where they use tomatoes and peppers, Zaragoza sometimes prepares it with eggs and potatoes. So, why has ajoarriero cod become a typical dish in Zaragoza and Aragon, despite the inland location? The answer takes us back to a time before refrigerators existed, when desalination or dehydration was the only method to preserve fish.

In the photo below, you can see a bacalao store in Zaragoza. Locals frequent the store to prepare bacalao ajoarriero or other bacalao dishes.

Fruits and Vegetables

The fertile Ebro Valley provides Zaragoza with an abundance of fresh produce. Peaches from Calanda, cherries from Bolea, and the celebrated truffles from Sarrión are just a few examples.

Cierzo Beer

While not a food, Cierzo Brewing Co. has put Zaragoza on the map for craft beer enthusiasts. It showcases the city’s innovative spirit in the brewing industry.

Chocolate and Pastries

Pastelerías throughout the city offer traditional pastries, chocolates, and sweets. One notable example is the Guirlache, a nougat with almonds and caramelized sugar, often flavored with anise.

Tapas

One of the things about which Zaragoza is most famous is its tapa bars. The vibrant scene, especially in areas like El Tubo, features various tapas bars. Here, you can sample small portions of many different local specialties.

What is the Traditional Food of Aragon?

The traditional food of Aragon, a region in northeastern Spain with Zaragoza as its capital, features hearty dishes that showcase the geographical diversity from the Pyrenees mountains to the fertile valleys of the Ebro River. Below are some of the most iconic traditional foods for which Aragon, along with Zaragoza, is famous:

1. Queso de Teruel: Cheese from Teruel, particularly the Tronchón variety, is another regional specialty. It can be made from goat, sheep, or cow’s milk and has a distinctive flavor.
2. Jamón de Teruel: Teruel ham, a dry-cured ham similar to Jamón Serrano but with a distinct taste, is another delicacy from Aragon. It benefits from the region’s cold, dry climate, which is ideal for the curing process.
3. Desserts: Aragon is also known for its desserts, such as “Tortas de Alma” (soul cakes) filled with jam or sweet pumpkin
4. Calanda Peaches: Calanda peaches are renowned for their quality and sweetness. They are often eaten fresh or used in desserts.
5. Truffles: The black truffle of Teruel is a highly prized ingredient in Aragonese and international cuisine, adding a luxurious flavor to various dishes.
6. Wines: The region also boasts several wine appellations, including Somontano, Campo de Borja, and Cariñena, producing excellent wines that pair beautifully with the local cuisine.

Aragonese cuisine exemplifies simplicity, quality ingredients, and the deep flavors of Spain’s rural heartland as a culinary tradition.

Aragonese cuisine uses fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and rich in flavors, characterizing the culinary tradition. The traditional food of Aragon narrates the region’s landscapes, from the Pyrenees to the valleys of the Ebro River, providing a unique culinary heritage integral to its people’s identity.

Spains National Dish

Spain officially recognizes paella as its national dish; people enjoy it nationwide. Farmers grow bomba rice in the Valencia region to make paella. If you visit the Parc Natural de l’Abufera, where they grow bomba rice, prepare for a long day trip from Zaragoza (but you must start early.) Traditionally, people eat paella only at lunch, and if a restaurant serves it for dinner, it targets tourists.

Restaurants With Good Paella

• La Mar Salada
• Casa Montañés
• Tragantua

Why is Zaragoza Important to Spain?

Zaragoza holds a significant place in Spain’s culinary map for several reasons, underlining its importance to the country’s food culture:

Agricultural Heartland

Zaragoza, situated in the fertile Ebro Valley, serves as a crucial agricultural hub. Known for producing a variety of high-quality fruits, vegetables, and grains, the region significantly contributes to Spain’s food supply. The Calanda peach, famous for its juiciness and flavor, is a prime example of the region’s agricultural wealth.

Gastronomic Innovation

Zaragoza’s lively food culture blends traditional Aragonese cuisine with modern culinary methods, showcasing creativity in the city’s restaurants and tapas bars. Here, chefs craft innovative dishes using local ingredients, respecting the area’s culinary legacy.

A Crossroads of Cuisine

Historically, Zaragoza’s position as a crossroads between Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Bilbao has made it a strategic location for blending culinary influences. The flavors of the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees, and the central plateau have all contributed to Zaragoza’s unique culinary identity, incorporating elements from various Spanish regions.

Food Festivals and Markets

Zaragoza hosts a large food market serving the local community and various food festivals and markets throughout the year, showcasing the richness of Aragonese cuisine. These events celebrate local produce and dishes, attracting food enthusiasts from across Spain and beyond, thereby enhancing Zaragoza’s reputation as a gastronomic destination.

Cooking Classes and Education

Zaragoza promotes its culinary heritage through education and tourism, with cooking schools, tours, and workshops focusing on traditional Aragonese techniques and ingredients. This approach preserves and spreads the region’s food culture.

Wine Regions and Wine Tasting

Several renowned wine regions surround Zaragoza, such as Cariñena, Campo de Borja, and Calatayud. Famous for producing exceptional wines that perfectly complement the local cuisine, these regions add a unique dimension to Zaragoza’s significance in Spain’s gastronomic landscape by offering a wide range of flavors reflecting the region’s terroir.

Zaragoza significantly contributes to Spain’s food culture as a custodian of agricultural traditions and culinary innovations. The city celebrates Spanish cuisine’s diversity and richness and constantly evolves to embrace new culinary trends, making its contribution to Spain’s food culture invaluable.

Tradition Meets Modern In A Taste Explosion

Zaragoza’s culinary scene blends traditional Aragonese flavors with the bold innovations of modern cuisine. The city prides itself on its deep gastronomic roots. It is celebrated through classic dishes like Ternasco de Aragón, a succulent roasted lamb, and Bacalao al Ajoarriero, a flavorful salt cod dish in red sauce. Passed down through generations, these recipes remain beloved staples on local menus, embodying Zaragoza’s culinary heritage’s essence.

A Changing Tapas Scene

In Zaragoza’s heart, local chefs lead a culinary revolution, reinventing traditional dishes with a modern twist. They infuse global flavors and avant-garde techniques into these dishes to create a unique dining experience that honors its roots. The city’s tapas bars feature a fusion of traditional ingredients with modern gastronomy, resulting in innovative tapas that pay homage to the past while embracing the future.

Anchovies have long been a staple in Spain’s regional food scene and tapas culture. In the modern movement to revamp tapas, we sampled a tapa combining anchovies, soft cheese, tomato, ham, and chocolate. This example highlights the evolving tapas food scene. With a vast array of options, there’s a tapa for every taste; finding your favorite is the adventure.

Upscale Restaurants

The city has several Michelin Star restaurants, including:

• Gente Rara
• Cancook
• La Prensa

Read about the best meal we ever ate, this memorable culinary experience was at Gamberra, where the chef’s creativity and excellent cooking skills took us on a culinary journey like never before.

What is Zaragoza Best Known For?

Historical Heritage, Architecture, and Culture

Outside the food scene, Zaragoza, the capital of Spain’s Aragon region, is renowned for its rich historical heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Below are some non-food highlights that make Zaragoza famous. Follow the links for more details on each site:

Architecture and History

• Basilica del Pilar: This magnificent baroque basilica is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It is said to be the first church dedicated to Mary in history and attracts pilgrims and tourists worldwide.

• La Seo Cathedral: Another architectural marvel, the Cathedral of the Savior (La Seo), showcases a mix of Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, reflecting the city’s diverse history.

• Aljafería Palace: This 11th-century Moorish castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Spain’s most important Islamic buildings. It beautifully represents the Moorish influence in the region.
• Roman Ruins: Zaragoza is home to impressive Roman remains, including the Theatre, Forum, River Port, and Public Baths, revealing the city’s significance during the Roman Empire.

Culture

• Goya’s Legacy: Francisco de Goya, one of Spain’s most famous painters, was born near Zaragoza. The city honors his legacy with museums and exhibitions dedicated to his work.
• Fiestas del Pilar: Celebrated in October, this is one of Spain’s biggest festivals, honoring the Virgin del Pilar with parades, concerts, and traditional events.
• Cuisine: Zaragoza’s culinary scene is a delight, known for its traditional Aragonese dishes, tapas bars, and fresh produce from the Ebro River Valley. Local specialties include Ternasco de Aragón (lamb), Borrajas (a vegetable stew), and Cierzo (a strong wind that influences the region’s climate and agriculture).
• Mudejar Architecture: The city and region are famous for their Mudejar Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage designation that blends Islamic and Christian design elements, visible in many churches and towers throughout Zaragoza.

Together, these elements make Zaragoza a captivating destination, rich in history, art, and culture, offering a unique glimpse into the past and present of Spain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zaragoza’s culinary scene offers a tantalizing journey through the traditional flavors of Aragonese cuisine, showcasing the region’s rich agricultural heritage and culinary innovations. From succulent Ternasco al horno to hearty Arroz a la Zaragozana, each dish reflects Zaragoza’s deep-rooted gastronomic traditions and the creativity of its chefs. The city’s vibrant tapas bars, upscale restaurants, and bustling food markets provide ample opportunities for locals and visitors alike to savor the diverse flavors of Zaragoza. Beyond its culinary delights, Zaragoza’s historical heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture further enhance its allure, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and travelers seeking an authentic Spanish experience. Whether indulging in traditional dishes or exploring the city’s architectural treasures, Zaragoza promises a memorable culinary and cultural journey that celebrates the best of Spain’s gastronomic heritage.