Cuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more

 
 
 
Cuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - Navarre Countryside in Irurita

A walk through the cuisine of Navarre and Aragon: eat, drink and enjoy! 

Navarre and Aragon, two regions in northern Spain, stand out not only for their incredible landscapes and history but also for their unique gastronomy. A cuisine that combines tradition, local products, and a strong bond with the land. From the fresh vegetables of Navarre’s gardens to the hearty dishes of Aragon, you should taste the cuisine of these two autonomous communities. In this gastronomic journey, we will also make a stop in Pamplona and Zaragoza, their respective capitals, where the culture of tapas and culinary tradition are essential.

Cuisine of Navarre: Quality and tradition in every bite

Navarre´s cuisine is based mostly on fresh and high-quality products, largely grown on its fertile land. One of the region´s star ingredients is the Tudela artichoke, cultivated along the banks of the Ebro River and famous for its delicate flavour and tender texture. Furthermore, asparagus from Navarre is also very appreciated, known for its whiteness and sweet taste, typically served boiled with mayonnaise or olive oil.

Cuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - Tudela artichokeCuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - asparagus from NavarreCuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - vegetables from NavarreCuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - tasting asparagusCuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - farm to table lunchCuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - grilled vegetables


Another traditional dish is the vegetable stew, a real tribute to the region´s produce, such as artichokes, peas, asparagus, and green beans, all cooked and sautéed with cured ham. Do you enjoy meat? Then, the cordero al chilindrón (lamb stew) will be your favourite dish: it combines tender lamb with a sauce of red peppers, tomatoes, and onions, perfectly capturing the spirit of Navarre cuisine!

Cuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - fine dining in PamplonaCuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - tapas restaurants in Pamplona

Pamplona: The capital of tapas and fine dining

Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, is well-known around the world for the San Fermín festival, but it is also a city where gastronomy plays a key role. The old town is filled with bars where you may enjoy pintxos (tapas) that are a blend of history and innovation. Among the most popular are those of txistorra, a typical sausage from the region, and the gildas, a savoury appetizer of olives, anchovies, and chili peppers.

What other typical food is a must? Pamplona is also famous for its beef steak, a tender piece of meat grilled and topped with coarse salt. And for dessert, don´t forget to try the canutillos de crema, a crispy delight filled with custard cream. You won´t stay hungry!

Cuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - Red PeppersCuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - ChistorraCuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - tapas in PamplonaCuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - Cuisine of NavarreCuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - Gastronomy of Navarre

Aragon: Hearty dishes and robust flavours

Aragonese cuisine stands out for its intense flavours and the influence of Mediterranean and mountain food. One of the most iconic dishes is the Ternasco de Aragón, a young lamb roasted in the oven and served with fried potatoes with onions, peppers and garlic (patatas a lo pobre).

Another traditional dish is the Aragonese migas, prepared with crumbled stale bread sautéed with garlic, bacon, chorizo, and grapes, a recipe that reflects Aragon´s humble and rural roots. And for chilly days, nothing beats an Aragonese stew, a filling dish made with veggies, pork, chorizo, and chickpeas.

Cuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - Tapas in Zaragoza, Aragon

Zaragoza: Between tradition and modernity

The capital of Aragon is a city that blends heritage and innovation, which is shown in its culinary offerings. Similar to Pamplona, Zaragoza has a strong culture of tapas: The heart of tapas bars is El Tubo, an area of narrow streets in the city centre. Here you can enjoy everything from classic patatas bravas to more elaborate tapas like Ternasco or octopus prepared in the Galician style.

Zaragoza´s cuisine also benefits from outside influences. One such example is the cod dish Bacalao Ajoarriero, which is of Basque origin but has been widely embraced in Aragon. And for a sweet ending, try the guirlaches (a sort of almond nougat). They are a perfect option for anyone with a sweet craving!

Cuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - Navarre Red WineCuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - Navarre White Wine

Wines of Navarre and Aragon: Find the best pairing

Navarre is a wine region with a long tradition that has successfully adapted to the new times. Although historically associated with rosé wines, today the region produces a wide variety of wines, including high-quality reds. Garnacha and Tempranillo are the most common grapes, but international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also cultivated. Wines from Navarra are fresh and fruity, excellent to accompany light dishes like vegetables or pintxos.

As for Aragon, there is also a deep winemaking tradition, with several Denominations of Origin (D.O.), the most popular being D.O. Cariñena. Here, Garnacha is the king grape, producing powerful and structured red wines that pair well with local cuisine. The D.O. Somontano is another outstanding region, located at the foot of the Pyrenees, producing elegant and modern red and white wines.

Cuisine of Navarre and Aragon: Typical dishes and more - Vineyards of D.O. Somontano

Discover these destinations for curious palates

Navarre and Aragon offer a rich and varied gastronomic experience that captures their history, geography, and rich culture. From the fresh vegetables of Navarre’s gardens to the robust meat dishes of Aragon, along with a selection of wines that won’t leave you indifferent.

Don´t miss these two regions: It’s no wonder they are a true paradise for food lovers! Pamplona and Zaragoza, with their tapas and vibrant atmospheres, are the perfect starting points to explore traditional cuisine that will delight every traveller’s palate: come and savour the wines and food of Navarre and Aragon with Eat&Walkabout. Ask our experts for a tailor-made tour to Navarre and Aragon. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!

  |   Sean P. O´Rourke