Foodie Delight: Oviedo Crowned Spanish Capital Of Gastronomy 2024

Foodies that have visited Spain already know how diverse and delicious the Spanish cuisine is from region to region. However, it is Oviedo in Asturias that made it the prestigious Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2024. Meanwhile, the city was crowned ahead of Alicante, Valencia, Antequera, Andalucía and Castellón in Valencia. Read on to find out more about this prestigious award and why the historic and beautiful city of Oviedo received it.

Oviedo honored as Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2024

Asturias is nestled in the mountainous Spanish north and the region’s cuisine is well known for its delicious cuisine. Here, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, rich meat dishes like carne gobernada (beef braised in white wine) and hearty bean stews, including the famous fabada.

Other delicacies include creamy cheese, and savory stuff breads known as bollos preñaos. The latter consists of a small bread loaf, stuffed with bacon, chorizo and sometimes hard-boiled egg. Moreover, Asturias is known for its apples, the key ingredient in the traditional Asturian cider (sidra), which is typically poured distinctively from a great height.

Runners-up for the prestigious award

In line after Oviedo is Alicante (Valencia), Antequera (Andalucía) and Castellón (Valencia) in Spain. When it comes to Alicante, the city is renowned for its fish and rice dishes, including the iconic paella, as well as mistela and the famous turrón of Alicante (nougat).

Antequera is famous for Hojiblanca, used to deep-fry partridge and make rabbit stew and seasonal salads. Breakfast in the city is famous for its mollete (bun) served with olive oil. Like Alicante, Castellón features the iconic paella of the region, as well as fresh giant prawns served with just a squeeze of lemon. Moreover, visitors can enjoy a glass of the chilled Sangria, served with queso (cheese) and jamon (ham).

About Oveido as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy

Meanwhile, Oviedo has taken the baton from Cuenca in Castilla-La Mancha, the previous winner according to the Spanish Federation of Hospitality and the Spanish Federation of Journalists and Tourism Writers (FEPET).

However, this isn’t the first time Oviedo was honored with the title, as the city won in 2012 and 2022. The city is famous as a gastronomic powerhouse with its excellent local produce, culinary heritage, traditional cuisine and renowned restaurants. Moreover, one restaurant, NM by Nacho Manzano, secured its first Michelin star in November 2023.

In the coming year, visitors and residents of Oviedo and its surroundings can enjoy several events throughout the city. Here, the city’s gastronomic traditions will be celebrated. Among them are dishes such as cachopo, a fried cheese-and-veal dish, similar to schnitzel or escalope.

When not dining on all the delicious dishes in Oviedo, the historic city is a perfect place to explore. Nestling between the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Mountains, the city features a medieval old town. Here, visitors can explore the Gothic Oviedo Cathedral with its 9th-century Holy Chamber.

Moreover, housed in a nearby convent, the Archaeological Museum of Asturias displays fascinating regional artifacts. Art lovers will appreciate the Fine Arts Museum of Asturias, which houses two palaces and an expansive Spanish art collection.

Visit Oviedo in 2024, to enjoy everything this award-winning city has to offer.