Horchata is one of the most popular drinks in Valencia, especially in spring, summer, and autumn, when you’ll find it served at countless cafés and stalls across the city. But the best way to drink it, is in a horchatería. This creamy, refreshing drink is made from chufas and blended with water and sugar.
You’ll find plenty of traditional horchaterías in Valencia, where you can not only enjoy a glass of authentic horchata, but also grab a coffee or cool off with some ice cream.
A must-try when exploring Valencia’s local flavours!
Chufa
The history of this humble little nut goes back thousands of years. Originally discovered in Chouf, a region in Sudan, chufas, also known as tiger nuts (but it is not a nut!) were cultivated along the banks of the Nile. Recipes using tiger nuts have even been found dating back to Ancient Egypt.
Today, most chufas are grown in the Valencia region, particularly in Alboraya, where the sandy soil and Mediterranean climate make ideal growing conditions.
Fartons
No horchata experience in Valencia is complete without a farton. These airy, sweet pastries are dusted with powdered sugar and shaped like long, soft breadsticks, specially designed to dip into your horchata. The perfect pairing for an authentic Valencian snack, and also a great choice for a light breakfast or lunch.
Horchateria
You’ll find plenty of horchaterías in Valencia, each with its own charm. To help you get started, we’re happy to share a few of our favorite spots where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy this iconic local drink.
Horchataría Daniel Mercado Colon
If you want to try Horchata, this popular horchateria is a very good choice. Daniel is a long-standing family business, known for crafting traditional horchata in one of the nearby villages.
You’ll find their horcateria inside the beautiful Mercado de Colon a lively market hall where locals of all ages gather at the many little bars and cafés, but also in the city center and in the village of Alboraya.
It’s the perfect spot to sip a glass of authentic horchata and soak up the vibrant everyday life of Valencia.
- Mercado de Colon
- Website
- Every day from 10.00 – 22.00
- Carrer del Mar 4
- Website
- Every day from 10.00 – 22.00
- Avinguda de l’Orxata 41
- Website
- Every day from 10.00 – 22.00
Horchataría Santa Catalina
In the heart of Valencia’s old town you’ll find Horchatería Santa Catalina, a true local institution with more than a century of history. This charming café is one of the best places to try the city’s most famous drink: horchata.
Alongside a refreshing glass of horchata, you can also indulge in delicious ice cream, crispy churros con chocolate, and of course, sweet fartons, perfect for dipping.
Not in the mood for horchata? No problem! They also serve excellent coffee, and if you’re looking for a unique souvenir to take home, check out their jars of honey with chufas, a tasty reminder of Valencia’s culinary traditions.
- Plaça Santa Catalina 6
- Website
- Every day from 8.15 – 21.30
Tips
- You can also find horchata in supermarkets, but if you’re planning to try this refreshing drink, we highly recommend enjoying it at a traditional horchatería or one of the many horchata carts you’ll spot on the streets and near popular attractions.
- Another classic Spanish sweet treat you shouldn’t miss are churros. Curious where to find the best churros in Valencia? Check out our dedicated churrería page for all the details!