One of the most well-known Spanish dishes abroad, paella hails from Valencia. Some paella purists even argue it should only be eaten in Valencia, not in the rest of Spain! The wetlands near the region’s Albufera lake are ideal for growing rice, which the Moors brought to Spain starting in the 8th century. Paella was originally cooked outdoors in giant pans over an open flame in the 18th century, made as a simple no-frills lunch for workers laboring in the fields. It started to grow in popular...

One of the most well-known Spanish dishes abroad, paella hails from Valencia. Some paella purists even argue it should only be eaten in Valencia, not in the rest of Spain! The wetlands near the region’s Albufera lake are ideal for growing rice, which the Moors brought to Spain starting in the 8th century. Paella was originally cooked outdoors in giant pans over an open flame in the 18th century, made as a simple no-frills lunch for workers laboring in the fields. It started to grow in popular...