‘Caldero’ from Mar Menor | Murcian ‘Arroz a banda’

It is always the perfect time to taste a delicious and nutritious rice dish and if you find yourself visiting the lovely region of Murcia, then there is only one name for it ‘Caldero’ from Mar Menor.

Ingredients for the Mar Menor Caldero

The Mar Menor Caldero consists of rice, dried peppers and different types of fish caught in the salty waters of the Mar Menor sea. This dish dates from the XIX century and was invented by the local fisherman to use any left over fish and that was not cost effective; such as Bream (dorada), ‘mújoles’ or ‘gallina’. It is given this name because of the bowl that is used to cook it in.

This traditional recipe has only increased in popularity over the years, and has today become one of the most well-known dishes in the Mar Menor region. This dish can vary depending on the area where it is made, but the essence for the quality of the ingredients and the exact cooking point of the rice is the key – leaving more liquid than you do when preparing a Paella.

Where to eat the best caldero in Mar Menor

As surely by now you have an uncontrollable desire to try this delicious dish, we can recommend some of the best restaurants where you can try this dish, true ‘masters’ when cooking rice and know how to prepare the best Caldero there is in Mar Menor…take note!

In the town of Portman in Murcia you can find Casa Cegarra restaurant, with a familiar and cosy atmosphere. Among the homemade recipes, you can find what is probably one of the best murcian rice dishes on the coast. Popular here are the ‘Calamares a la Romana’...

Although a little more expensive, the fantastic setting of the unique salty lagoon on the Peninsula is where you can find the Restaurant Venezuela de Lo Pagan that turns the traditional ‘Caldero’ into a feast for your palate….

On this special route for the best restaurants to try the best Murcia cuisine, the town of San Pedro del Pinatar and the Restaurant Mardesal are worth a mention. Here you can taste this delicious dish and enjoy the surroundings of the Salinas Natural Park. The ‘Hogar del Pescador El Parras’ is a cosy restaurant, away from the busy tourist areas but highly recommended if you want to try this famous dish.