Cradle of Horchata
I learned that Valencia is the cradle of horchata, and more specifically it's the town of Alboraya in the province of Valencia that is horchata central. Alboraya is just a few metro stops from Valencia city center.
The horchateria that was recommended to me was Horchata Daniel - widely regarded as touristy, but still a solid choice to have one's first cup of horchata.
We know horchata in the US as a rice drink from Mexico, but here it is made from chufas, or tiger nuts. You can get it liquid, iced or mixed. I didn't specify, so I think I got mixed, since it was kind of slushy. The taste is more full-bodied and rich like dairy milk, compared to the rice horchata I've had. I want to try different horchaterias to really get a sense of the flavor, and also get it without sugar next time. This one mainly tasted sweet and milky.
A traditional accompaniment is fartons. Yes, that is their name! They were kind of like dry dinner rolls, with a flaky sugar glaze. The really kind waitress informed me that the proper way to eat them is to dip into the horchata.
The waitress also brought out a plate of tiger nuts, for me to see what they looked like. I thought it was just for display only, but when I paid the bill she brought out a little bag for me to take them home, and gave me instructions for how to prepare them at home!
