Traditional Basque food: 5 must-try dishes

1. Bacalao al pil-pil: a traditional Basque dish that sounds as good as it tastes

Bacalao al Pil-Pil is a staple of Basque cuisine. But do you know where its name comes from? The phrase pil-pil originates from the sound the sauce makes as it emulsifies in the pan. A sound as seductive as a film’s background score, don’t you think?

This simple yet delicious dish is made with four pieces of cod, four garlic cloves, and extra virgin olive oil. With just a clay pot and a bit of skill, you’ll have one of the best Basque dishes on your table. If you love cooking, we invite you to try making Bacalao al Pil-Pil yourself!

Cooking Bacalao al Pil-Pil is like directing a suspenseful movie—you may not know exactly how it will turn out, but the ending is guaranteed to be a hit.

2. Alubias con sacramentos: a power-packed meal loved by every Basque farmer

Alubias con sacramentos is more than just a dish—it’s part of the Basque Country’s rich history and tradition. This recipe, as hearty as an action-packed film, has fueled generations of baserritarras (Basque farmers) working the land day after day. The most popular beans for this stew are Tolosa black beans or Álava pintos, but the real magic comes from the sacramentos: pork belly, chistorra (a Basque sausage), and blood sausage—everything a lover of traditional Basque food could desire!

Beans are the foundation of this dish, providing a powerhouse of energy, much like an epic film that leaves you inspired and ready for anything.

How can you not love alubias con sacramentos? It’s an adventure-filled dish that keeps you going, a true culinary blockbuster!

3. Txuleta with potatoes and piquillo peppers: the star of Basque cuisine

The txuleta is one of those dishes that, like a great actor, never goes unnoticed. This juicy, perfectly cooked steak is the undisputed star of any Basque menu and the highlight of the region’s famous sidrerías (cider houses). To complement it, crispy fries and piquillo peppers play the perfect supporting roles—flavorful, balanced, and always in the right place at the right time.

Imagine yourself on set, where the main attraction is the txuleta: the aroma of the grill, the sizzling of the meat… It’s a sensation as thrilling as being on the set of an action movie. This is a must-try for any fan of traditional Basque food, and if you love steak, this dish will make you feel like a true culinary hero!

The txuleta is like the leading role in an action film—always impressive, never forgotten, and always leaving you wanting more.