Discovering the Delicious and Unique Local Foods of the Canary Islands, Spain

When it comes to exploring new cultures, tasting the local cuisine is among the top things to do on every traveler's bucket list. This is more than possible while exploring the Canary Islands in Spain, as this stunning island archipelago has far more to offer visitors than just its beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine – it has a rich and diverse culinary scene that is definitely worth exploring! 

The locally sourced ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and cultural influences make the food of the Canary Islands a unique and delicious experience that you will literally want to savor! To help prepare you for making your must-taste menu during your next trip to the Canary Islands, we have gathered here the top Canary Islands foods to try to ensure you are getting an authentic taste of this special region of Spain.

Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce

One of the most famous and traditional dishes of the Canary Islands is Papas arrugadas, which, funnily enough, literally translates as "wrinkled potatoes"! This dish is, of course, mainly made of potatoes that are boiled in water with a lot of salt until the skin is tender and slightly wrinkled. Hence, the somewhat silly name!

The dish is served with a spicy and deliciously tangy sauce called Mojo, which is prepared with garlic, paprika, oil, vinegar, and pepper. You can find this signature Canary Islands dish in most Canary Islands restaurants, but for the most authentic experience, you should try it by the sea like the locals do.

Gofio

Gofio is an ancient and essential staple in typical Canary Islands cuisine. The Canary Islands specialty is made by toasting and grinding various grains, like wheat, corn, and barley, into fine flour. Gofio has many uses in the kitchen, and you can find it in numerous Canary Islands soups, stews, and desserts, and it is even enjoyed in the Canary Islands as a simple breakfast food. And speaking of desserts, if you get the chance to try Gofio ice cream during your Canary Islands trip, you definitely must! Trust us – it's delicious!

Sancocho

Another popular and traditional Canary Islands meal is Sancocho. This common Canary Islands dish consists of fish – usually salted sea bass or Canary Island's own cherne fish –  boiled with sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic. The Canary Islands stew is cooked until the fish and vegetables are tender and almost falling off the bone. As you could imagine from this description, Sancocho is a perfect dish to warm you up on cooler Canary Islands days.

Queso Asado con Miel

If you're a cheese lover, this cherished Canary Islands dish will fast become your favorite item of Canary Islands cuisine. Queso Asado con Miel is a simple yet delicious way of cooking local goat cheese from the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands goat cheese is first cut into slices before being grilled to perfection, and then it is drizzled with locally sourced honey that gives it a sweet and unique flavor. This dish is perfect as a starter, or even as a dessert when enjoying a Canary Islands holiday.

Bienmesabe

Bienmesabe is a traditional Canary Islands dessert consisting of ground almonds, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. These delectable ingredients combine to create a delicious honey-like pudding that is typically served with ice cream and sprinkled with cinnamon. The favorite Canary Islands dessert has a rich and creamy texture and is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and indulging cravings.

Puchero Canario

If you are a soup lover, Puchero Canario is a Canary Islands dish you should definitely try during your Canary Islands travel. Puchero Canario is not just any traditional soup you’ll find somewhere else. Instead, it’s more of a hearty, homestyle stew packed with meat, vegetables, and legumes.

The exact ingredients utilized in each recipe of Puchero Canario you order while in the Canary Islands may vary depending on the island you find yourself on at the moment, but the main ingredients generally included are pork, chicken, beef, potatoes, sweet potatoes, garbanzos, and carrots. Puchero Canario is usually served with gofio, the previously mentioned staple dish that is made from roasted grains, which only serves to add to the entree thanks it its unique texture and nutty flavor.

Ropa Vieja

Another classic Canary Islands dish that you can’t miss trying during your Canary Islands trip is Ropa Vieja. Ropa Vieja is a Spanish term that translates to “old clothes”. This favorite Canary Islands dish is made from shredded meat, typically beef or pork, and a tomato sauce base with a lot of spices and herbs. 

It’s a lengthy process to prepare Ropa Vieja, so it’s often served only on special occasions. It is also worth mentioning that the Canarian version of Ropa Vieja is a bit different from its Cuban or Mexican counterparts, as a generous addition of chickpeas and vegetables, such as potatoes and green beans, is added to the Canary Islands version. We may be a bit biased, but we think this makes the Canary Islands Ropa Vieja the superior selection!

Ready to Dig In and Savor What Makes the Canary Islands So Special?

Tasting the local cuisine of any new place is an essential part of traveling the world, and the Canary Islands' food scene is no exception. In fact, the Canary Islands offers visitors a magically unique, and delicious, gastronomical experience. 

From traditional Canary Islands dishes, like Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce and Sancocho, to delicious Canary Islands desserts, like Bienmesabe and Queso Asado con Miel, there is something to satisfy everyone's taste buds during a Canary Islands holiday. So, come and dig into the deliciousness of the local cuisine of this Spanish island archipelago and let the rich and diverse flavors of the Canary Islands cuisine take you on a culinary adventure as you discover its unique food origin story!