The Taste of Home: How to Find Rice and Spice on the Camino?

Walking the Camino Frances is a feast for the soul, but for many of us from Asia, the "Bread and Ham" diet can get tiring after the first week. By Day 15, you might find yourself dreaming of a steaming bowl of rice or the kick of a good sambal.

As a Malaysian solo traveler, I’ve mastered the art of finding "home" in rural Spain. Here is your guide to surviving the culinary transition.

Getting Asian food on Camino is huge excitement!

1. The "Flavor Kit" (Pack This Before You Fly!)

Don't rely on finding Asian spices in small Spanish villages. Your flavor kit should be small, leak-proof, and packed in your checked luggage:

• The Sambal Sachet: Individual packets of Brahim’s or Maggi sambal/paste are gold. They weigh almost nothing and can transform a boring pasta into a spicy feast.

• Chili Pan Mee Flakes: A small container of dry chili flakes (the kind with fried onions/garlic) adds crunch and heat to any soup or salad.

• Furikake or Seaweed: Great for seasoning plain rice if you find it in an Albergue.

• Soy Sauce Packets: Save the ones from your last sushi takeout!

  
  

2. Supermarket Hacks: How to Cook in an Albergue

Most Albergues have a kitchen, but few have rice cookers. Here’s how to navigate a Spanish supermarket (Mercadona or Eroski):

• The "Vaso de Arroz": Look for pre-cooked, microwaveable rice cups (usually by the brand Brillante). Even if there is no microwave, you can stir these into a pan with a little water for 2 minutes to get perfect "steamed" rice.

• Instant Noodles: Look for "Yatekomo"—it’s the most common brand. Pro-tip: Add a fresh egg and some spinach from the supermarket to make it a real meal.

• Rotisserie Chicken: Most Spanish towns have a Pollería. Buy a whole roast chicken for €8–€10, pair it with your "Vaso de Arroz," and you have a high-protein Hainanese-style chicken rice (minus the ginger sauce!).

  
  

3. Where to Find Real Asian Food (The Big Cities)

When you hit the major stops, skip the Menú del Peregrino and head straight for these:

• Pamplona: Look for Japanese ramen or sushi spots near the Plaza del Castillo.

• Logroño: Known for tapas, but also has great hidden Thai and Chinese options.

• León: A great spot to find "Wok" style buffets where you can load up on veggies and rice.

• Santiago de Compostela: Once you arrive, head to Rúa de San Pedro for diverse international food, including Nepalese and Asian fusion.

  
  

4. The "Rice" Language Cheat Sheet

If you are craving rice at a restaurant, here is how to ask:

• "Arroz blanco, por favor": Plain white rice, please.

• "Tienen picante?": Do you have anything spicy? (Warning: Spanish "spicy" is usually very mild for us!)

• "Sin queso/mantequilla": Without cheese/butter (to keep your rice plain).

  
  

My Secret Tip for 2026:

Bring a few extra sachets of your favorite Malaysian/Asian snack (like Beryl's chocolate or White Coffee). They make the best thank-you gifts for the Hospitaleros who go out of their way to help you!