Basque cuisine

Basque cuisine is a delightful culinary tradition that brings together a variety of flavorful dishes and products from the Basque Country. The region's prime location, characterized by its stunning coastline and lush valleys, allows Basque food to beautifully marry the best of the land and sea. Imagine grilled meats and fish, hearty stews, savory cod dishes, comforting bean preparations, and distinctive cheeses like Idiazabal. And let's not overlook the refreshing beverages—txakoli wine and Basque cider are absolute must-tries.

What makes Basque cuisine truly special is its unique blend of French and Spanish influences, with a noticeable distinction between coastal and inland cooking styles. The Basque people are incredibly proud of their culinary heritage, which is celebrated in places like the Museum of Gastronomy in Llodio and chronicled in classic cookbooks such as "La cocina de Nicolasa" by Nicolasa Pradera.

Dining in the Basque Country is an experience in itself. Picture savoring a meal at a traditional cider house in Astigarraga, participating in a lively txikiteo (tapas crawl) in Donostia, or relishing a bowl of the unique cherry soup known as Gerezi beltza arno gorriakin.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Basque cuisine experienced significant evolution with the emergence of Nouvelle Cuisine Basque. This movement introduced a fresh twist to traditional flavors through the incorporation of modern techniques. Pioneering chefs like Juan Mari Arzak and Martin Berasategui have been at the forefront of this innovation, helping Basque cuisine gain international acclaim and influencing renowned chefs such as Ferran Adrià and Karlos Arguiñano.

Some quintessential Basque dishes you must try include bacalao (salted cod), marmitako (a tuna and potato stew), pintxos (small snacks similar to tapas), and the delightful gateau Basque (a traditional Basque cake). Local products such as Idiazabal cheese, Ezpeleta peppers, and Jambon de Bayonne (Bayonne ham) are staples in Basque kitchens. When it comes to drinks, you can't go wrong with a glass of cider, txakoli wine, or a sip of Izarra liqueur.