Last night,Spain was crowned soccer world champion for the second time in its history, and thanks to Ferran Torres’s goal in the 106th minute, a small town of about 8,000 residents has become the new capital of Spain and the world: Foios.
A town that woke up yesterday just like any other day and went to sleep (with little rest) as the focal point for all soccer fans. But Foios remains one of those timeless towns. Located in the heart of the Valencian agricultural region, where tradition is still alive on every corner, and while children play soccer in parks and squares, the older residents make their way to the local bars and restaurants to enjoy authentic Valencian cuisine.
Throughout the World Cup, we’ve seen dozens of fans—both men and women—wondering, “What do they feed Ferran?” (for a variety of reasons). To answer that question, we’re bringing you a brief guide to Foios, its cultural heritage, its cuisine, and some recommendations for visiting the hometown of the hero behind the second star.
L’Horta Nord: Local Produce and Valencian Tradition
Valencian cuisine is intrinsically linked to produce from the orchards and work in the fields: from breaks for the esmorzaret to the most authentic recipe for Valencian paella. And Ferran Torres, like any true Foios native, has this approach to gastronomy in his blood.
The national team’s forward has stated on many occasions that his favorite dish is the Valencian paella from Foios, which follows the traditional recipe. But throughout the northern part of the Huerta, another lesser-known rice dish stands out—though perhaps even more appealing to lovers of hearty stews: arrós amb fessols i naps ( rice with beans and turnips). A typical winter dish: a broth-based rice dish served with white beans, turnips, cardoon, and various cuts of pork and cured meats.
Foios is also known for its sweets, and thanks to its vast fields of tiger nuts, it’s one of the world’s capitals of horchata served with fartons. Not to mention its other star treat: the Coca Cristina, a flat cake made with almonds, sugar, and eggs, whose original recipe is a subject of dispute with its neighboring towns.
Like any good town in l’Horta Nord, Foios has plenty of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a good esmorzaret: El Rincón de Dani, El Musical, and the Mel de Romer restaurant are some of the highest-rated and most popular spots.
What to See in Foios: Cultural and Historical Heritage
Although Foios has always been a humble town in the metropolitan area of Valencia, it has a few historic buildings that are worth checking out if you visit the town:
The Cathedral of the Huerta, or Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, is the town’s main landmark. Dating back 300 years, this Baroque-style building astonishes visitors with its sheer size, its interior details (both Baroque and Neoclassical), and its imposing bell tower. In addition, if you take some time to stroll through its streets , you’ll discover the legacy of Modernist architecture, as many houses and buildings in this style—so characteristic of Valencian culture—have been preserved.
How to get to Foios
Another of this town’s strengths is its excellent public transportation connection to Valencia. Metro Line 3 stops right in the town center, and depending on where you’re coming from, you can get there in just 15 minutes. If, on the other hand, you prefer to drive, you can reach it via the V-21 in about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.
