Food

The rich green valleys, fresh Cantabrian ocean, a temperate climate and a history of generations working the land mean that Asturian food is rich and filling and offers some dishes that you may not come across elsewhere. Usually, tasty dishes will be washed down with a dash of cider. This has a special method of pouring (and drinking) which will make a visit to a cider bar memorable.

Cheese

Local cheese is a speciality with many types on offer. One of most fun ways to sample the selection is to visit a local market . They normally have an abundance of options, and many stalls offer tasters.

Cabrales – a very rich and strong blue cheese which spends 5-9 months in caves, up in the mountains to mature. It is probably the most famous (and indeed pungent).

Gamoneu from a valley near Cangas de Onis offers a slightly drier more crumbly cheese. generally has a slight smokey flavour and some varieties are a little blue and therefore stronger.

Cider

Cider will be a memorable part of any trip to Asturias. Traditionally the natural, flat cider was poured from above the head, to a glass held as low as possible. The fall of the cider adds some fizz to the glass. A visit to a cider bar (sidrería) is a great way to spend a few hours. Some sidrerías also have the old traditional wooden cider press (llagar) for extra atmosphere.

Meat

A local speciality is Cachopo. This consists of ham and cheese, sandwiched between a couple of thin layers of veal, breaded and fried. The size in restaurants generally ranges from large to enormous so it’s generally wise to share.

Probably the most famous dish in Asturias is Fabada. A very hearty stew with large white ‘fabes’ beans, pork, chorizo and local black pudding (morcilla). Again be aware that generally a portion of this will be huge.

Fish & Seafood

If you’re a fish lover there is a huge range of options. For example hake (merluza), monkfish (rape or pixín) and the tuna (bonito) is especially good in season (July – August). There is also plenty of seafood on offer such as squid, scallops, mussels and razor clams.

Eating out

There are restaurants of all levels and offer the chance to sample lots of different Asturian food. Many offer an excellent value, menu of the day (Menu del día) at lunchtime, consisting of a three course meal, wine and bread. Our advice is to choose wisely, by opting for a lighter salad or fish dish for one of the first two plates as otherwise you may struggle to move for the rest of the day! Going out for a menu del día is a great way not only to sample different dishes but also soak up the local, very social life.

If you’re more in the mood for a special treat there are lots of other high quality restaurants. In fact Asturias boasts eight Michelin starred restaurants, with three being close to Pulieru. Casa Marcial is perched in a beautiful location, on a hill between the sea and the mountains and offers new takes on traditional Asturian cuisine. There is also El Corral del Indianu, in the town of Arriondas and Airbidel in Ribadasella.