Horchateria de Santa Catalina
Horchata
Plain Farton / Almond Cream Farton
Heavily decorated in antique tiles and located near Mercat Central in Valencia’s cultural corridor there is little doubt that Horchateria de Santa Catalina has been committed to its craft for quite some time, and although Horchata in Spain is quite different from that found in the United States and Mexico the Chufa (or Tiger Nut) based beverage should undoubtedly be on the to-taste list of travelers visiting the city where many claim it was created.
No question a bit touristy in the current era, centuries of history having seen the small shop change hands several times while recipes reportedly remain true to those originally created at the shop’s inception, Horchateria de Santa Catalina opens at 08h15 daily and remains open until at least 21h30, the sizeable seating area and quick service rare to see a wait while staff is pleasant and multi-lingual.
In many ways a “do one thing and do it well” concept, though sipping Chocolate and Coffee are available in addition to the sweet and creamy drink served cold in tall glasses for €2.80, those entering the Horchateria are quickly invited to take a seat after first perusing a case of leavened Pastries focused on elongated Fartons, both the shape and their characteristic wispiness intended for dunking and costs ranging €0.90 for one dusted with Confectioner’s Sugar to €1.40 for those that are filled.
