Going back 400 years: Asturian food culture
Asturias is located in northern Spain. The north faces the Cantabrian Sea, and the south is an area of mountains and valleys. It is still a little-known area in Japan, but you can access Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, from Japan via other European cities to Asturias Airport, or by train from Madrid's Barajas Airport.
One-third of the state's total area is designated as a national park or nature reserve, making it a scenic place with an abundance of seafood and mountain produce. It is also said that being surrounded by rugged mountains has made it less susceptible to influence from other regions.
Due to this background, the food of Asturias has evolved slightly differently from other regions in Spain. In particular, the cultivation of white beans, which began in the 16th century, has led to the establishment of a number of representative dishes of Asturias, forming a unique food culture.
A treasure trove of food known only to those in the know. Traditional cuisine representing Asturias
Asturias has many dishes that still use traditional ingredients and have been eaten in the same way since ancient times. Here we will introduce four typical traditional dishes that you can find in Asturias.
"Sidra" is a social drink enjoyed in a traditional way
"Sidra" is a traditional Asturian alcoholic drink made by fermenting apple juice. Although the French "cider" is more famous as an apple drink, the two are basically the same thing.
The spelling is "cidra" for "seedra" and "cidre" for "cider". By the way, in English it is "cider". In Japan, cider refers to "sweetened carbonated water", but the origin of the word is apple wine.
Aside from its popularity, Asturian cider has a longer history. It is said that the method of making cider was developed in the Brittany and Normandy regions of France around the 11th century.
According to the Asturias Tourism and Cultural Management Promotion Association, there is a record written by Strabo, a Roman geographer, who wrote that "at that time (1st century BC) the Asturian people were already drinking Sidra (a traditional apple drink)." This is a drink with a history of over 2,000 years.
Asturias remains a major producer of cider, accounting for around 80% of the country's production.
The Asturian way of pouring this "sidra" is very unique. David, the manager of a restaurant in the city, demonstrated how it's done.
The person holds the bottle in his right hand high above his head and pours into a glass held at his waist. This technique is called "escanciar," and those who do it professionally even have the job title "escanciador." There are even pouring contests.
Cidra has an alcohol content of between 4 and 8 percent.
Why is this special pouring method used? Some people are particular about the amount of foam when pouring beer, but this way it seems like the beer would end up covered in foam.
However, "the bubbles are really important," David explains. "We intentionally create bubbles by pouring from a high place. The bubbles increase the surface area, bringing out the aroma and flavor."
The bubbles make the sake taste even better. Therefore, the custom is to drink it quickly from the moment it is poured before the bubbles disappear. We hope you will also enjoy a quick drink like the locals.
"Cachopo" - a deep-fried beef fillet wrapped in a large piece that completely covers your face
"Cachopo" is a dish of beef tenderloin stuffed with ham and cheese, wrapped in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. There may be a similar recipe in Japan, but the size is on another level! You will rarely find something this big.
The standard size of a cachopo is about 30cm long x 12cm wide x 2cm thick. The classic way to eat it is to share it among 2-4 people. When you cut the crispy batter, the cheese oozes out from between the seasoned fillet and ham.
Nowadays, many different "creative cachopo" have been invented, including vegetarian versions (pictured is a vegetarian cachopo).
This is the "Original Cachopo," which won the competition to determine the tastiest cachopo in 2018. It is filled with Iberian bacon, smoked cheese, and white sauce, and is served with potatoes topped with porcini and cranberry sauce.
Compared to regular cacioppo, which has a pronounced meaty flavor, this one has a smooth, creamy taste with the flavor of finely chopped bacon permeating the entire dish.
It is served with a lid on so that you can enjoy the aroma of the smoked cheese. The moment you open the lid, a fragrant smell and a cloud of smoke rise up. The cheese has a deep flavor, making it a dish that will impress even cheese lovers.
Favada: a delicious stew of white beans and sausage
Favada is a dish made in Asturias by simmering white beans (fabes) with chorizo and morcilla (a sausage made from pig's blood, onions, rice, etc.) with paprika powder and saffron.
The white beans grown near the river are characterized by their thin skin and creamy texture. The umami and rich sauce that seeps out from the ingredients is also excellent, and the mild flavor of the white beans and the rich flavor of the sausage are a perfect match.
When you order fabada at a restaurant, it is usually served in a pot. You put the amount you want on your plate. What's more, the price is the same no matter how many servings you get, as long as it's from the pot. Enjoy the hot fabada to your heart's content.
Bojos preñaos - bread stuffed with chorizo
Finally, "Boyos Preñaos" are a staple at festivals and events in Asturias, and can also be purchased in Asturian bakeries.
The juices from the chorizo soak into the bread, making it crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Once you start eating it, you won't be able to stop. The flavorful chorizo and bread go perfectly together.
The size is small, so you can enjoy it as a snack between walks around the city, but we also recommend enjoying it as a snack with the cider "Sidra" that we introduced first. Why not buy both and enjoy the fusion of traditional Asturian cuisine?
If you want to enjoy sightseeing as well as food, be sure to take a church tour!
When talking about the historic city of Asturias, one thing that cannot be left out is the early medieval cathedrals and churches, which are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Asturias is dotted with several churches, and it is a spot where you can experience the history of Asturias with your own eyes. You can see buildings from various periods from the 9th century to the 16th century.
Oviedo Cathedral: the face of Asturias
The official name of "Oviedo Cathedral" is "Cathedral of San Salvador". It is also known as "Sancta Ovetensis". Oviedo Cathedral has been a destination for pilgrims since ancient times. It was built over a long period of time, from the end of the 13th century to the mid-16th century, and is characterized by a mixture of various architectural styles.
The inside of the cathedral is cool and quiet, and a quiet space awaits you as soon as you step inside. The main altar in front of the entrance is decorated with 23 scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, which is a highlight.
The second floor of the cathedral is a museum, so be sure to check out the cultural assets related to the church.
You can enter without making a reservation on weekdays, but during the Spanish summer vacation periods in July and August, it is recommended that you make an online reservation just in case.
Oviedo Cathedral
| address | ： | Plaza Alfonso II El Casto S/N |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | +34 985 219 642 (Turismo) |
| Fee | ： | 8 euros |
| web | ： | Oviedo Cathedral Official Website (Foreign Language Site) |
The Church of San Julian de los Prados, the oldest Pre-Romanesque building
The second World Heritage Site, located about a 15-minute walk from Oviedo Cathedral, is the Church of San Julian de los Prados. Built in the 9th century, it is the oldest example of Pre-Romanesque architecture. According to our expert guide, the church is unique in that it has semicircular arches inside.
When you stand in front of the altar, be sure to look up at the ceiling. It is made of wood, which is rare for a Catholic church.
The house-like pattern on the right side of the wall is an original design exclusive to this church.
The painting technique is said to be the same as that used for the murals of the Egyptian pyramids, which is rare in Catholic churches.
Church of San Julián de los Prados
| address | ： | Calle Selgas 2 |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | +34 687 052 826 |
| Fee | ： | 4 euros for adults, 1 euro for children (free on the first Monday of every month) |
The 9th century former temple "Santa Maria del Naranco Church" stands on the mountain slope.
Santa Maria del Naranco Church is located on the slope of Mount Naranco, about 4km from the center of Oviedo. It was built in 842 in the Pre-Romanesque architectural style and is said to have originally been built as a temple to bury King Ramiro I of Asturias. It was later used as a church and is registered as a World Heritage Site.
You can also see it from the bottom of the hill.
It is easily accessible from the city center, about 10 minutes by taxi or just under 20 minutes by bus.
Church of Santa María del Naranco
| address | ： | Laderas del Monte Naranco a 3 Km |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | +34 638 260 163 |
| Fee | ： | 5 euros (including San Miguel de Lijo Church) Maximum of 25 people per session |
| web | ： | Santa Maria del Naranco Church Official Website (Foreign Language Site) |
San Miguel de Lijo Church, built in the same 9th century as Naranco Church
About 250m up the hill from the aforementioned Santa Maria del Naranco Church is the San Miguel de Lijo Church. This church is also built in the Pre-Romanesque architectural style. It is said to have been built in 842, at the same time as the Naranco Church.
The unique window design is eye-catching
If you would like to see the interior of the Church of San Miguel de Lijo, you can purchase tickets at the ticket booth of the Church of Santa María del Naranco, so it is recommended to visit both.
San Miguel de Lillo Church
| address | ： | Lakes of Monte Naranco |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | +34 985 295 685 (Parroqui) |
| Fee | ： | 5 euros (tickets can be purchased at the Church of Santa Maria del Naranco) |
Asturias, a hidden gem in Spain, is a recommended area that becomes more interesting the more you get to know it. Enjoy traditional cuisine and explore the history of World Heritage sites. Why not take a trip to Asturias?
Interview and photography by Kie Fernandez
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
