Monóvar’s cuisine is a reflection of its agricultural roots, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and traditional Valencian dishes. The city is known for its rice-based dishes, with paella being a staple on most restaurant menus. In Monóvar, you’ll find variations of paella that include rabbit, chicken, and snails, reflecting the rural nature of the region.
Another standout dish is gazpacho manchego, a hearty stew made with rabbit, chicken, and flatbread. This dish is particularly popular in the colder months and highlights the region’s focus on simple, yet flavorful meals. Seafood is also a common feature on menus, with the nearby Mediterranean providing fresh catches that complement the inland agricultural offerings.
The city’s fondness for sweets is evident in its wide variety of pastries, with rollicos de vino (wine rolls) being a local favorite. These crumbly, sweet treats are often enjoyed with a glass of Fondillón, Monóvar’s famed wine, which pairs beautifully with desserts.