What to Eat on the Costa Dorada: Local Dishes
What to eat on the Costa Dorada? If you are planning a trip to Tarragona, discovering the local cuisine is one of the best ways to experience the region. The Costa Dorada offers a wide variety of traditional dishes and local products influenced by the Mediterranean, Catalan traditions and locally sourced ingredients.
From seafood recipes made with fresh fish to products from the surrounding countryside, discovering the local cuisine is another way to experience the Costa Dorada. If you are staying at ALAS Hotel, in Hospitalet de l’Infant, you will have the opportunity to explore different towns and discover their local food traditions.
Arrossejat: a traditional seafood dish
Arrossejat is one of the most characteristic seafood dishes along the Tarragona coast. Its name refers to the way the rice is prepared, cooking it after making a fish stock that gives the dish an intense flavour closely linked to the area’s fishing traditions.
It is a simple but flavoursome dish, perfect for anyone who wants to discover traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Different versions of the recipe can be found depending on the town and restaurant where it is prepared.
Suquet de peix: Mediterranean flavours
Another dish you should try if you are wondering what to eat on the Costa Dorada is suquet de peix. This traditional seafood recipe is generally prepared with fish and potatoes, accompanied by a flavoursome broth that brings together the taste of the sea.
Suquet is an example of traditional fishermen’s cuisine, based on simple ingredients and fresh produce. It is a perfect choice for a relaxed meal after spending the day exploring the coast.
Calçots with romesco sauce
Calçots are one of the best-known products in Catalan cuisine and play a central role during the winter and early spring months. They are traditionally grilled and served with romesco sauce, made with ingredients such as tomatoes, nuts, olive oil and garlic.
Although calçotada is strongly associated with the inland areas of Tarragona, it is a culinary tradition that you can enjoy during a getaway on the Costa Dorada. Sharing a calçotada is also a great way to experience one of Catalonia’s most popular food traditions.
Xató: a traditional coastal recipe
Xató is another traditional Catalan speciality that can be found in different towns along the Tarragona coast. It is a salad combining ingredients such as endive, cod, tuna, anchovies and olives, served with a characteristic sauce.
It is a dish full of contrasting flavours that reflects the importance of seafood and local produce in the traditional cuisine of the area.
Coca de recapte: a traditional speciality
Coca de recapte is one of the most popular preparations in Catalan cuisine. It consists of a bread-like base topped with roasted vegetables such as peppers and aubergines, with other ingredients sometimes added depending on the recipe.
It is a simple and versatile option that can be enjoyed as a starter, appetiser or light meal. Trying traditional products such as coca de recapte allows you to discover another side of Tarragona’s cuisine beyond fish and seafood.
Fresh fish and seafood
The proximity of the Mediterranean means that fish and seafood play a central role in many gastronomic offerings along the Costa Dorada. In coastal towns such as Cambrils and Hospitalet de l’Infant, you can find restaurants specialising in seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.
Grilled fish, rice dishes, fideuà and different seafood preparations are some of the options you can enjoy during your stay. The best choice will depend on the season and the products available at the time.
Olive oil and local products
The cuisine of the Costa Dorada is also closely connected to the agricultural products of Tarragona’s surrounding regions. Extra virgin olive oil plays an important role and is an essential ingredient in many traditional Mediterranean recipes.
During your trip, you can also discover other local products that form part of the area’s gastronomic identity. Choosing locally sourced products is a great way to learn more about the culture and traditions of the region.
Wines from Tarragona and the surrounding area
Wine is also an important part of the gastronomy of Tarragona province. The region has several wine appellations and a long winemaking tradition, particularly in areas such as Priorat, Montsant and Tarragonès.
A getaway on the Costa Dorada can be a great opportunity to pair local food with wines from the region or even visit a winery to learn more about the winemaking process and the landscapes where these wines are produced.
If you would like to learn more about Catalonia’s protected designations of origin, you can consult the official information provided by the Government of Catalonia.
Traditional sweets and desserts
Local gastronomy also has plenty to offer those with a sweet tooth. During your stay, you can discover traditional pastries and desserts in bakeries and local establishments, from seasonal cakes and sweets to recipes associated with local festivals and celebrations.
Trying some of these specialities is a simple way to complete a gastronomic tour of the Costa Dorada and discover flavours beyond those usually associated with tourist destinations.
What to eat on the Costa Dorada depending on the area
The Costa Dorada offers different gastronomic experiences depending on the town you visit. From the seafood restaurants of Cambrils to the culinary offerings of Tarragona, you can discover different interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine and enjoy local products.
Hospitalet de l’Infant is also a great starting point for discovering the local food scene and travelling easily to other towns during your stay. You can also combine gastronomic experiences with different activities and nature routes in Hospitalet de l’Infant.
Discover the Costa Dorada through its food
If you are wondering what to eat on the Costa Dorada, you will find plenty of options for discovering Tarragona’s culinary traditions and enjoying Mediterranean products. From seafood dishes to Catalan recipes, local produce and regional wines, every meal can become another way to experience the area.
After a day discovering local food, the coast and the surrounding area, having comfortable accommodation is important for making the most of your getaway. At ALAS Hotel, you can explore our rooms and choose the option that best suits your stay.
We look forward to welcoming you to Hospitalet de l’Infant so you can enjoy a few days of relaxation and discover everything the Costa Dorada has to offer.