Ask ten Spaniards what counts as a real paella and you’ll get ten different answers. Purists will tell you it has to come from Valencia. Coastal cooks reach for seafood. Every region, every family, every home cook has their own version. Sebastián Gómez grew up around his family’s version, and four years ago, he set out to bring that recipe to British Columbia. Today he’s the chef behind El Campanero, serving two paellas across seven BC Farmers’ Markets: a traditional Spanish seafood version, and another adapted for the Canadian market.
“For me, paella is much more than food,” he says. “It represents childhood memories, joyful moments, and family gatherings every Sunday around the table.” He adds: “Paella should not be limited to a single definition. While the original comes from Valencia, it has evolved over time, and that evolution is something to celebrate. Each paella tells a story, shaped by place, culture, and creativity.”
“Paella is not just a recipe. It’s a way of bringing people together.”
Community Is the Secret Ingredient
Ask Sebastián what keeps him cooking, and the answer is not the recipe, it’s the people. “Community means everything,” he says. “It is the foundation of my business and the driving force behind my motivation. It pushes me to constantly improve, to innovate, and to work with the best ingredients possible. Being part of a farmers’ market is not just about selling food. It’s about connection, conversation, and creating something meaningful for the people who show up.” This summer, he’s putting the finishing touches on a brand new paella, ready to debut by mid June. He’s keeping the details under wraps for now, but he’s clear about the spirit behind it. “I’m always looking for ways to surprise people while staying true to the soul of paella.”
Where to Find El Campanero
You can find Sebastián’s paellas this summer at seven BC Farmers’ Markets: UBC Farm Saturday Farmers’ Market, New West Farmers’ Market, Port Moody Summer Farmers’ Market, White Rock Farmers’ Market, Squamish Farmers’ Market, Ladner Village Market, and Coquitlam Farmers’ Market. His paellas are also stocked in a selection of carefully chosen specialty stores across the region.
Cheering for La Roja
Sebastián grew up playing soccer, and like food, the sport runs deep in his identity and his country’s. “Soccer is the national sport in Spain,” he says. “I played when I was younger, and it remains a strong connection to my roots and culture. Just like food, soccer brings people together, no matter where they come from.” With FIFA World Cup 2026 just around the corner, there’s no better season to gather around a sizzling pan of paella and cheer on La Roja.