It is a HUGE must, that you add the following to your itinerary when scheduling an excursion to the Canary Islands:
EAT as much as you can!!!
To be honest, that should be at the top of your To-Do list if you’re travelling anywhere! But in the Canaries, you probably shouldn’t leave without trying out their cuisine.
Apart from the warm sunny beaches, the highlight is the food in the Canaries. Warning: it’s extremely possible that I might say that about any destination ?
These dishes caught my eye and my cravings – well mostly because I couldn’t resist and because it was something new & unusual.
In no particular order, here are the best dishes you need to try in the Canary Islands.
Suggested Read: The Canary Islands: Explore the wondrous archipelagos.
Papas Arrugadas Con Mojo
You say potatoes, they say ‘papas’… These potatoes are nothing like the ones we eat at home. The volcanic earth and climate in which they are grown produce smaller potatoes with a distinct taste & texture and taste. Known as “Wrinkled potatoes”, boiled with the skin in saltwater until soft, leaving the potatoes with wrinkles and with a salty crust, dressed with a generous topping of mojo picón – a delicious spicy sauce made with garlic, olive oil, red or green pepper, cumin, salt, and vinegar, also often served on its own as a snack, washed down with a tall glass of wine.
Ropa Vieja
The words ropa vieja, literally means “old clothes” in Spanish, but don’t worry no old clothes were added to this dish! It’s made of shredded beef, chicken or pork and vegetables that resemble a heap of colourful rags, its name comes from the fact that it’s traditionally made with leftovers & is one of Canaria’s most popular and dearly loved dishes.
Rancho Canario
Having the munchies? Then dip your spoon into a bowl of one of the signature dishes, a hearty soup. It’s a tastefully thickened noodle soup made with chicken, pork and chickpeas, with a selection of vegetables – and not forgetting papas, obviously! I must say, it sure does hit the spot.
Pollo al Salmorejo and Conejo al Salmorejo
The Canarians just adore this dish, light yet robust special. Pollo al salmorejo is a delightful garlicky marinated chicken dish, cooked in white wine and seasoned with cumin, oregano, paprika, and thyme. Conejo al salmorejo follows the same recipe but with rabbit meat.
Gofio
This is a superfood and it’s not for the skittish but it’s a dish that echoes the history of the Canary Islands and its people. Gofio is a flour made from roasted grains of wheat, maize whose uses are endless and weird. It’s used to make many foods from dumplings for soups and sometimes ice cream. It’s not the easily palatable but the for the Canarians, its a meal packed with healthy vitamins and minerals.
Suggested Read: The Best destinations to Visit if you Love Street Food!!
Padrón Peppers
Padrón peppers, these small green peppers are named after the town of Padron on mainland Spain, but they’re often served as a starter or as a tapas dish in Tenerife. The little bad boys are fried whole in olive oil and a sprinkling of sea salt is added. Pick them up by the stems to eat. The peppers are very different in flavour, some piquant and some sweet, and you will not know which you’ve got until you bite into them.
Wine
The perfect way to wash down all that spice is with a delightful glass of wine. Canary Island winemakers have extremely old vines grown on the volcanic soil which is perfect for creating outstanding flavourful wines. They produce both red and white wine, but their sweet and semisweet white wines are known for light, aromatic notes and are perfect for keeping cool under the Canary Island sun.
Bienmesabe
Made on Gran Canaria, which is famous for its almond trees, Bienmesabe is a sweet, soft puree made with ground almonds, egg yolk, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon. It is usually served with ice cream or cream. I mean, what’s not to love about a dessert whose name literally translates as “tastes good to me”?
Mouthwatering food, warm sunny beaches, and many delights await you in the Canary Islands! Travel Center UK has got the perfect solution If you’re planning to make a visit, we’ll be more than happy to help you find cheap flights, hotel deals, and planned excursions. So, call or send us an e-mail and you’ll be able to start planning your holiday today!
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