According to chef Quim Marqués who created and patented this somewhat controversial dish, paella Catalana represents the perfect combination of land and sea. The dish consists of an extensive list of ingredients such as traditional saffron-flavored rice, chicken, longaniza sausage, crayfish, prunes, and depending on the season, either artichokes or peas.

Ever since it started appearing on the menus of local restaurants, paella Catalana has been raising a heated debate over what constitutes an authentic paella. Regardless of the differing viewpoints, it has become a common dish of the Catalonia region.