Flavors of the Canary Islands: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Must-Try Dishes
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A Spanish island archipelago in The Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands is famous for their dramatic landscapes and sunny skies year-around, as their food. With Spanish, Latin American, and African influences, The Canary Islands boast a varied range of foods and meals that will knock your socks off. Canarian cuisine constitutes an important element in the culture of its inhabitants, reflecting their rich heritage and traditions.
We already mentioned where to eat while on the islands, but WHAT should you have? Join us to take a tour of everything that food utopia in The heart of The Atlantic has to offer.
Papas Arrugadas
Begin your food tour of The Canary Islands with papas arrugadas, small boiled potatoes in a bath of saltwater cooked until they wrinkle up. Papas arrugadas are traditionally boiled in seawater to give them a saltier edge. Serve up with a mojo sauce, mild or super spicy – whatever your taste.
Gofio
Gofio is a time-honored food of The Canarians. A roasted grain flour of corn or wheat, its used in everything from soups to stews to dessert. Gofio is a carbohydrate and protein-rich food that can be traced back to the Guanches people, showcasing its deep historical roots in Canarian culture.
Sancocho Canario
Sancocho is a classic of The Canary Islands, a thick fishy stew of fish that’s been cured in salt, sweet potatoes and mojo sauce. Sancocho Canario is traditionally eaten in homes on Good Friday, making it a dish deeply tied to local customs and traditions. Enjoy a taste of comfort food that is quintessentially Canarian.
Conejo en Salmorejo
For a taste of the Canary Islands’ Spanish-African heritage, enjoy conejo en salmorejo, a succulent rabbit cooked in a delicious sauce of garlic, peppers, vinegar and spices.
Almogrote
Almogrote is a decadent cheese spread of local cheese, garlic and paprika. Almogrote is a spiced goat’s cheese paste from La Gomera, offering a unique flavor profile that reflects the island’s culinary identity. Enjoy it slathered on freshly baked bread or over crackers for a tapas-style treat.
Bienmesabe
Satisfy that sweet tooth of yours with bienmesabe – literally, “it tastes good to me,” a dessert of honey, almonds and lemon zest. Bienmesabe is a traditional dessert made from ground almonds, sugar, and eggs, offering a rich and satisfying flavor. Enjoy it as a tasty, sticky treat.
Principe Alberto
Principe Alberto is a chocolatey almond cake eaten on holidays or during celebrations, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until a special occasion. The tasty dessert is perfect to conclude a meal in the Canaries no matter the day.
Fresh Seafood
Surrounded on three sides by the ocean, the Canary Islands boast a treasure trove of seafood that is always fresh. The Canary Islands’ volcanic soils give home-grown produce a unique flavor, enhancing the taste of the seafood and other local ingredients. Enjoy fish grilled to perfection, octopus, and prawns at local restaurants.
Fresh Tropical Fruit Juices
Indulge in the islands’ abundance of fruits of the tropics like mango, papaya and guava in freshly squeezed juices. They’re a wonderful way to stay refreshed, especially during hot summer days.
Canary Islands Wine
The Canary Islands also yield distinct wines like Malvasia, Listán Blanco and Listán Negro. Typical Canary Islands cuisine features a wonderful selection of island-made cheeses, reflecting different regional characteristics. Enjoy wine at local vineyards and enjoy wine expertly paired with any of the above and more favorites to be enjoyed during your visit.
The food of the Canary Islands is a reflection of its multiculturalism and heritage. The Canary Islands food culture reflects a melting pot of cultural culinary influences due to its geographic location between Europe and America. Whether you’re indulging in traditional dishes, seafood, or fruits of the tropics, Canary Islands food is one that you won’t soon forget.
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