Bacalao al Pil Pil: A Basque culinary delight!
The Basque region is beloved by foodies for a number of reasons. The quality of the local produce is superb, it’s home to the largest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world and a thriving pintxos scene, countless outstanding wineries, plus, traditional Basque dishes tend to be crowd-pleasers. What’s not to love? Discover this culinary paradise and sail to the Basque Country . Start your adventure now!
There are a whole host of Basque specialities to try when you visit - and certainly something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a carnivore, pescatarian, strict veggie, or sweet-toothed, you can be sure you’ll find the perfect Basque delicacy for you.
The Basque coast isn’t just a site of stunning natural beauty. The sea has proven to be both a gastronomical inspiration for chefs across the Basque Country, and an incredible resource, enjoyed by its residents and visitors alike.
As such, many classic Basque dishes revolve around seafood that’s typically been caught by the local fishermen on the same day it’s served, imbued with the freshest flavours of the nearby sea.
Bacalao Pil-Pil: Made with four basic ingredients; cod, olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers.
Cod is the star of the show in Bacalao Pil-Pil. So called for the sound the skin makes on a hot pan (pil-pil), it’s fried with garlic, olive oil and chilli until a creamy sauce forms, and has been a firm favourite across the region for many years.
If you’re looking for a less spicy option, Marmitako is a delicious tuna, white bean and vegetable stew absolutely bursting with flavour.
Marmitako: A comforting Basque tuna and potato stew
Merluza en Salsa Verde - or baked hake in green sauce - makes for a striking addition to the dinner table. With a sauce of white wine, parsley, garlic, and olive oil, the fish is immersed in flavour, and often finished with clams.
Merluza en Salsa Verde: A flavorful Basque hake dish.
We’d be remiss not to mention Txipirones - the instantly recognisable inky squid dish. If you can get past the jet-black hue, we’re sure you’ll come to love this delicious Basque classic.
We’d recommend La Boëte in Saint-Jean-de-Luz for some of the freshest, most flavoursome seafood in the region. The menu changes daily depending on what the fishermen have caught, but you’ll usually find oysters, shrimp and mussels. Make sure to book in advance though, it’s so well-loved that it stays busy throughout the year.
Address: La Boëte, 3 Rue Jean Bague, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
There are plenty of options for those who prefer to steer clear of seafood, though, with the region producing just as many delicious meat-focused dishes as fish. Historically, much of the meat cooked in the region would be grilled above hot coals - imbuing the meat with a smoky, rich flavour, now synonymous with Basque cookery.
Alubias de Tolosa is a casserole comprising black beans from Tolosa, slow-cooked with onions, olive oil, and plenty of salt. Pork, morcilla (which is a type of blood sausage), peppers and chilli are added to create a hearty, filling dish.
Alubias de Tolosa: A rich black bean casserole.
For Patatas con Chorizo, slices of chorizo, potato and onions are simmered in a smoky stew until tender, and usually served with crusty bread - so you can soak up all of the flavour from that rich stew.
Lechazo: Roast Lamb slow-cooked using a centuries-old technique
If it’s not pork, it’s likely to be lamb in the Basque Country, and Basque lamb stew is a classic for a reason. Best served alongside a glass of red wine, lamb chops, smoked paprika and espelette pepper combine to create stunning flavour.
Abarka Jatetxea in Hondarribia: Home of the best steak in the region!
We’d recommend Abarka Jatetxea in Hondarribia should you want to sample some of the best steak in the region. Grilled to perfection and served alongside a selection of traditional Basque side dishes, this is cooking you won’t mind paying a little more for.
Address: Abarka Jatetxea, Baserritar Etorbidea, 36, 20280 Hondarribia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Although historically much of Basque cuisine has featured either fish or meat (or both), nowadays vegetarian visitors needn't worry about finding something a) suitable and b) delicious. Just make sure you’ve got a few handy phrases in your backpocket should you be dining out - ‘barazkijalea naiz’ ought to do it.
An absolute classic of the Basque region, Guindillas are long green peppers which have been pickled to sweeten up their spicy flavour. Grazing on the peppers over a glass of wine or a beer after a long day is standard across the region, and they often feature in pintxos dishes, too.
Guindillas: Pickled long green peppers that balance spice with sweetness!
You might already know the Tortilla de Patatas as a Spanish omelette - but you’ve not really tasted it until you’ve tried the dish in the Basque Country. One of the region’s staples, it’s a simple but comforting combination of potato, egg and onion which combine to make a flavoursome favourite.
Tortilla de Patata: A classic Spanish potato omelet, rich and satisfying!
Finally, it’s always worth ordering Croquetas. Although most know them to include meat or fish, there are plenty of vegetarian options, too. A crispy, fried breadcrumb exterior gives way to fluffy mashed potato and smoked cheese filling which will please even the fussiest eater.
Croquetas: Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside – a Spanish classic!
We’d recommend Mahaina in Bidart for those looking to enjoy elevated, flavourful vegetarian cuisine. Inspired by the region’s classic cuisine, this small neighbourhood spot creates incredibly tasty dishes suitable for veggies and vegans alike, without sacrificing those quintessential Basque flavours.
Address: Mahaina, 5 Rue de la Madeleine, 64210 Bidart, France
More of a sweet tooth? Fear not. There are an abundance of classic Basque desserts to choose from after your main meal - just make sure you save room!
Pastel Vasco is an almond pastry filled with vanilla custard, and often served with red fruits like cherries. Utterly indulgent and delicious.
Pastel Vasco, a classic Basque dessert, is a delightful almond pastry
Goxua is a similarly rich, creamy dessert, which features liquor-soaked ladyfingers, cinnamon, and a caramel sauce topping.
Goxua: A caramel delight from the Basque Country.
Any visitor to the Basque Country must try its eponymous baked cheesecake - easily the most famous sweet treat to come out of the region, and beloved for a reason - it’s a showstopper. Enjoy with a glass of sherry for the perfect end to your classic Basque meal.
We’d recommend La Vina in San Sebastián for what’s been described as the best Basque cheesecake in the region. Rich, fluffy, delicious. Need we say more?
Address: La Vina, Calle 31 de Agosto, 3 Casco Viejo, 20003 San Sebastian, Spain
Wherever you’re planning to visit in the Basque Country, make sure to sample the specialities to create some truly memorable culinary experiences.
Plan your visit today with Brittany Ferries 澳洲幸运10十168体彩开奖网.
Join our mailing list to receive travel inspiration, our latest 168澳洲体彩幸运10开奖官方开奖结果 实时直播 历史号码 精准数据统计news & offers
By signing up, you accept to receive news, travel ideas, special offers, communications following an abandoned basket from Brittany Ferries 澳洲幸运10十168体彩开奖网 and information about our partnerships. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the link at the bottom of each of our commercial emails. For more information, please read our privacy policy.
