Zaragoza

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Traditional Cuisine

Sections

Iconic Dishes of Zaragoza

1. Ternasco de Aragón (Roast Lamb)

  • Cultural Significance: Ternasco de Aragón is one of the most iconic dishes of the region and holds a special place in Aragonese cuisine. It is made from young lamb (less than 90 days old), which is prized for its tender and flavorful meat. This dish is often served during celebrations and family gatherings.
  • Typical Ingredients: Lamb (leg, shoulder, or ribs), garlic, olive oil, white wine, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.
  • Preparation: The lamb is typically roasted in the oven with garlic, olive oil, and herbs until golden and tender. It is often served with roasted potatoes or seasonal vegetables.
  • Where to Find It: Many traditional restaurants in Zaragoza serve Ternasco de Aragón. Look for establishments like Casa Lac, El Fuelle, or La Miguería.
  • Average Cost: €15–€25 per serving, depending on the restaurant.
  • Dining Tip: Pair it with a local red wine from the Cariñena or Somontano wine regions for an authentic experience.

2. Migas Aragonesas (Aragonese Breadcrumbs)

  • Cultural Significance: Originally a shepherd’s dish, migas is a humble yet flavorful meal that showcases the resourcefulness of Aragonese cuisine. It is often enjoyed during festivals or as a hearty breakfast.
  • Typical Ingredients: Stale bread, garlic, olive oil, chorizo, bacon, and sometimes grapes or fried eggs.
  • Preparation: Stale bread is crumbled and sautéed with garlic and olive oil until crispy. It is then mixed with fried chorizo, bacon, and sometimes sweet elements like grapes for contrast.
  • Where to Find It: Try El Tubo, Zaragoza’s famous tapas district, where many bars serve migas as a tapa or a main dish. Taberna Doña Casta is a great spot.
  • Average Cost: €8–€12 for a main portion; €3–€5 for a tapa-sized serving.
  • Dining Tip: Migas are best enjoyed with a glass of local red wine or a small beer (caña).

3. Bacalao al Ajoarriero (Cod with Garlic and Peppers)

  • Cultural Significance: This dish reflects the influence of preserved foods in Aragonese cuisine, as salt cod (bacalao) was historically a staple in inland regions like Zaragoza.
  • Typical Ingredients: Salt cod, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, red peppers, and sometimes potatoes.
  • Preparation: The salt cod is soaked to remove excess salt, then cooked with a rich sauce made of garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, and peppers. The result is a flavorful and hearty dish.
  • Where to Find It: Many traditional restaurants in Zaragoza serve this dish. Check out La Republicana or Casa Unai.
  • Average Cost: €12–€18 per serving.
  • Dining Tip: This dish is often served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce—don’t hesitate to use your bread for this purpose, as it’s customary in Spain.

4. Pollo al Chilindrón (Chicken in Red Pepper Sauce)

  • Cultural Significance: Pollo al Chilindrón is a classic Aragonese dish that highlights the region’s love for peppers and tomatoes. It is a comforting and flavorful dish often served at family meals.
  • Typical Ingredients: Chicken, red peppers, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and olive oil.
  • Preparation: Chicken pieces are browned in olive oil, then simmered in a sauce made of sautéed red peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and onions until tender.
  • Where to Find It: Look for this dish at traditional restaurants like El Fuelle or La Rinconada de Lorenzo.
  • Average Cost: €10–€15 per serving.
  • Dining Tip: This dish pairs well with a glass of Garnacha wine, a popular varietal in the region.

5. Borrajas con Patatas (Borage with Potatoes)

  • Cultural Significance: Borage (borraja) is a vegetable that is highly prized in Aragon and rarely found in other parts of Spain. This simple yet delicious dish is a staple of home cooking in Zaragoza.
  • Typical Ingredients: Borage, potatoes, olive oil, and sometimes garlic or ham.
  • Preparation: The borage and potatoes are boiled until tender, then drizzled with olive oil and sometimes garnished with crispy ham or garlic.
  • Where to Find It: This dish is more common in home kitchens, but some traditional restaurants like Casa Lac may offer it.
  • Average Cost: €8–€12 per serving.
  • Dining Tip: If you’re curious about borage, visit Zaragoza’s Mercado Central to see it fresh and learn more about its preparation.

6. Postres (Desserts)

  • Cultural Significance: Zaragoza has a sweet tooth, and its desserts often feature almonds, honey, and other local ingredients.
    • Frutas de Aragón: Candied fruits coated in chocolate, a popular gift item.
    • Trenza de Almudévar: A braided pastry filled with almonds, raisins, and sugar.
    • Adoquines del Pilar: Hard candies traditionally associated with the Fiestas del Pilar, Zaragoza’s most important festival.
  • Where to Find Them: Visit Pastelería Fantoba or Confitería La Flor de Almíbar for authentic sweets.
  • Average Cost: €5–€10 for a box of sweets; €2–€4 for individual pastries.

Dining Customs and Etiquette in Zaragoza

  1. Meal Times:

    • Lunch (comida) is the main meal of the day and is typically served between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM.
    • Dinner (cena) is lighter and served later, usually between 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM.
    • Tapas are enjoyed in the evening, often as a social activity.

  2. Tapas Culture:

    • Zaragoza’s El Tubo district is famous for its tapas bars. It’s customary to visit multiple bars, ordering one or two tapas and a drink at each stop.
    • Sharing is common, so don’t hesitate to split dishes with your group.

  3. Bread and Wine:

    • Bread is served with most meals and is often used to scoop up sauces. It’s included in the price of the meal or charged as a small extra (€1–€2).
    • Wine is a staple, and Zaragoza’s proximity to the Cariñena wine region means you’ll find excellent local options.

  4. Tipping:

    • Tipping is not obligatory in Spain, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (5–10%) is appreciated for good service.

  5. Reservations:

    • For popular restaurants, especially on weekends, it’s advisable to make a reservation.

Conclusion

Zaragoza’s traditional cuisine offers a delightful mix of hearty, flavorful dishes that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage and culinary traditions. From the tender Ternasco de Aragón to the humble yet delicious Migas Aragonesas, there’s something for every palate. Be sure to explore the city’s vibrant tapas scene in El Tubo, and don’t miss the chance to pair your meals with local wines. By embracing Zaragoza’s dining customs and savoring its iconic dishes, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich culinary culture. Bon appétit—or as they say in Spain, ¡Buen provecho!