Every September 20, coinciding with the rice harvest, Valencians celebrate World Paella Day and share this delicious dish with the rest of the world.
In some areas of Spain, the dish is made with peas, in others meatballs…some use red pepper, making it difficult to define what a traditional paella actually is – every town will say theirs is the real deal.
Paella has crossed borders becoming one of the most recognised international delicacies on the planet – no matter where you live in the world get your paella on this Wednesday. Here are five restaurants sure to impress:
Those with a craving for Spanish fare head along Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn to find paella and churro specialist De Barcelona. On balmy days take to the rooftop terrace – a mirror image of the owners’ grandparents’ courtyard in Barcelona - where colourful cushions invite lingering over a Sangria with family and friends; while indoors offers a relaxed, chilled-out vibe for all to enjoy.
Order a signature paella for the main, with prawns, squid, mussels, clam meat, beans, peas and capsicum; before the star of the show…cinnamon and sugar-coated churros, with a choice of dipping sauce.
Indulge in authentic Spanish cuisine without leaving Melbourne at Arcadia Gastronomique on Union Road in Ascot Vale. With candle-lit tables, welcoming staff and walls lined with flamenco dancers, this romantic restaurant is a place to relax and forget about your cares while perusing a traditional menu with perfectly matched wines.
Run by husband-and-wife team Andres and Ruth Ruiz-Mesa, expect to say hola to Valencian black paella in squid ink with cuttlefish, fresh fish, mussels and prawns; best enjoyed with a glass of Spanish Rioja red wine.
Individualistic Mediterranean fare, which does not disappoint, awaits Canberra diners at Black Fire Restaurant on Mort Street in Braddon. A rustic industrial fit-out of exposed timber and bricks is softened with chandelier lighting and Spanish accents - like a painting of a bull and matador - while dark timber adds a stylish vibe, ideal for lingering over a meal with your special someone.
From tapas plates of pan-tossed scallops to seafood paella, there is something on the menu for all tastes; expect to sample dishes like mixed seafood and piquillo paella in a saffron reduction, served with chorizo.
Discover the taste of Spain right in South Bank at Ole Spanish Restaurant on Little Stanley Street in the heart of Brisbane. Sit back and relax in warm and inviting surroundings of a mosaic-tiled bar promising cheeky cocktails and vibrant wall murals, while on balmy nights, dine alfresco at long tables and soak up all the River City has to offer.
From a menu with sharing in mind, say Arriba to a signature Mixta paella with chicken, King prawns, chorizo, calamari, peas, cherry tomato, pimientos and saffron rice; indulge with crema Catalana, orange and fresh berries for dessert.
Catalan flavours come alive at Las Tapas in St Kilda. Situated on vibrant Chapel Street, this lively eatery offers guests a slice of Spain with an authentic tapas menu, combined with a fine selection of Spanish beers and wines and flamenco guitar performances.
With a glass of red in hand, work your way through the daily market tapas menu, designed to share with a group of friends; Las Tapas also offers traditional Spanish paella lunches on Sunday, ideal for a family celebration.
