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FLAVOURS OF SAN SEBASTIÁN
San Martín Market
Celebration of Txotx Day
Recently renovated, it combines the best of a tra-
ditional market with gourmet shops and modern
gastronomic spaces. Here, visitors can find local
products such as Basque cured meats, artisanal
preserves, seasonal mushrooms, and limited-pro-
duction olive oils. It's also an excellent place to enjoy
fresh oysters and hand-carved Iberian ham.
The cider houses:
the ritual of the txotx
Just a few kilometres from San Sebastián, in Astiga-
rraga, lies the cradle of Basque cider. In traditional
cider houses, the gastronomic experience blends
with a festive atmosphere where the "txotx"—the act
of opening the kupela and pouring cider directly from
the barrel—sets the pace of the meal.
The classic cider house menu is a true celebration:
cod omelette, cod with peppers, grilled chuletón (bo-
ne-in rib steak), and to finish, cheese with quince
jelly and walnuts. Among the most recommended
cider houses are Petritegi, which offers guided tours
and tastings; Zelaia, famous for its excellent chule-
tón; and Sidrería Rosario, a benchmark in cider-ma-
king tradition with an authentic setting and classic
menu.
The star products of
Basque cuisine
San Sebastián and its surroundings produce some of
the most iconic ingredients in Spanish gastronomy.
In addition to Idiazábal cheese, another essential
product is cod, the base for dishes such as bacalao
al pil-pil or a la vizcaína. Also noteworthy is txangu-
rro (spider crab), often served au gratin in its shell,
and merluza a la koskera, a traditional recipe com-
bining hake with asparagus, peas, and hard-boiled
egg.Desserts also play a starring role, with delights
such as pantxineta, a puff pastry filled with pastry
cream and topped with almonds and pastel vasco, a
specialty filled with cream or black cherry jam.
Bacalao a la vizcaína
Sidrería Petritegi, one of the most famous located in Astigarraga
San Sebastián consolidates its
gastronomic leadership with a
unique blend of tradition, innova-
tion and culinary excellence
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