Gastronomy in Oviedo
Oviedo food is characterised by its splendid and abundant variety, both in its main dishes and in its desserts, being made up of a spectacular menu of dishes.
A large part of its menu was born as a result of conflicts and historical events. This speaks volumes about the culture, idiosyncrasies and past of Oviedo and how these indelibly marked its gastronomy.
Cooking, confectionery and beverage production is one of the great industrial pillars in Asturias, and Oviedo feeds on this delicious activity.
The disarmament of Oviedo
The disarmament of Oviedo is how an authentic banquet is known. Its origin dates back to the end of the 19th century when the Elizabethan troops defeated the Carlists. It is held every October 19.According to the story, it consisted of chickpeas with cod accompanied by tripe and spinach. Dessert consisted of rice pudding.
It is a tradition so deeply rooted in the feeling of Oviedo that there is a gastronomic brotherhood whose sole mission is to preserve it throughout successive generations.
“Carne gobernada” in the Ascension
This is a dish eaten during the Ascension Day celebration.It is made up of meat with onion, potatoes, white wine and peppers and is served to honour the workers in the fields.
To top off this delicacy, a cherry pie is served for dessert.
Asturian bean stew
You cannot visit Oviedo without tasting its world-famous Asturian bean stew, composed of a variety of beans typical of the region and accompanied by “compango”, black pudding and chorizo.
It is one of the most popular Asturian dishes and its secret lies in slow cooking for hours to obtain an impressive flavour.
Without a doubt, this is one of the great workhorses on the Oviedo menu and it is worth trying before you die.
It is one of the most popular Asturian dishes and its secret lies in slow cooking for hours to obtain an impressive flavour.
Without a doubt, this is one of the great workhorses on the Oviedo menu and it is worth trying before you die.
Saint Matthew Celebration
Consumed every September 21, “bollu preñau” is one of the most deeply rooted traditional foods, along with the disarmament of Oviedo, and is eaten during the great celebrations of Saint Matthew.As its name indicates, it is a bread roll filled with chorizo and accompanied by wine.
Its preparation is simple, just like that of a hot dog or hamburger. Precisely in that simplicity, with an exquisite and playful flavour, lies its great popularity.
The sweet flavour of Oviedo
Oviedo's fame is not exclusive to its entrees. Its confectionary has earned a place of honour among the best of Asturian food. Among the most popular sweets are Muscovites, an authentic delight that has been passed down from generation to generation. Oviedo’s Muscovites are thin almond tiles with chocolate.
Another highly appreciated sweet is “carbayón”, a dessert created in the early years of the 20th century. It is a cake with egg, syrup and ground almonds that makes it addictive and delicious.
Another highly appreciated sweet is “carbayón”, a dessert created in the early years of the 20th century. It is a cake with egg, syrup and ground almonds that makes it addictive and delicious.
The treasure of the Asturian apple
Although any of these dishes could go down in history as being among the best of Spanish gastronomy, without a doubt the quintessential Asturian drink has earned the place of being the most famous gastronomic creation from Oviedo: cider.
This excellent liqueur, made from fermented apples, is known throughout the world and has led to the creation of a gigantic industry of cider houses throughout Asturias.
This excellent liqueur, made from fermented apples, is known throughout the world and has led to the creation of a gigantic industry of cider houses throughout Asturias.
There are other delicious traditional dishes of the gastronomy of Oviedo such as the popular “cachopo”, an exquisite fillet of beef stuffed with ham and cheese, corn cakes, “pitu de caleya”, “pastel de cabracho” and chorizo in cider, all of them authentic traditional delicacies.
