Paella (Valencian: [paˈeʎa] or [pəˈeʎə], Spanish: [paˈeʎa], English approximation /pɑːˈeɪlə/,/ˈpaɪjeɪə/ or /ˈpaɪjɛlə/) is a Valencian rice dish with ancient roots that originated in its modern form in the mid-19th century near the Albufera lagoon, a coastal lagoon in Valencia, on the east coast of Spain.[1] The dish is widely regarded as Spain's national dish, as well as a regional Valencian dish; Valencians regard paella as one of their identifying symbols.