Canarian cuisine is highly appreciated by culinary enthusiasts. The menus crafted are as delicious as they are high-quality. Although traditional dishes may appear simple or rustic, they represent a harmonious blend of Spanish, South American, and African flavours. All well-spiced and aromatic.

The Classic Menu in the Canaries

Travellers will find at the table:

• "Sopas" (soups)
• A main accompaniment
• Sauce
• Dairy products
• Fruits

Sopas: Soup at Every Meal

Before settling into hearty meals, soup prepares the stomachs of Canarians. There's something for every palate: fish, vegetables, watercress, chickpeas, thistle leaves, potato, and even poppy petals.

The Main Accompaniment

Classic dishes may be based on gofio (a variety of roasted cereal flour), meat, or small potatoes cooked in their skins, called "papas". Meat is highly appreciated by Canarians and comes at a reasonable price. Beyond fish and other seafood, travellers may opt for pork, beef, rabbit, goat, lamb, and chicken. It is presented in various ways: as a stew, grilled, in sauce, or roasted.

The Sauce

Sauces add even more pleasure during meal breaks. Travellers will discover surprising creations unique to the Canaries. Mojo sauce, for instance, is the touch of originality added to fish and meat dishes. It is always prepared differently, but the basics remain: oil, vinegar, paprika, coriander, and of course, mojo (red or green).

Quality Dairy Products

Travellers will recognise that the dairy products of the Canary Islands are exceptional, particularly their cheeses. They come in different forms: fried, smoked, spiced, or even peppery. The island has cheese factories and dairies. The most common are goat cheeses and sheep cheeses.

Fruits: Always Fresh and Delicious

Fruits are widely consumed in the Canaries. Added to savoury recipes or enjoyed as sweet treats. They are also greatly appreciated fresh and simple. Beyond seasonal fruits (mangoes, avocados, etc.), others can be harvested year-round (such as walnuts or bananas). In juice, milkshake, or smoothie form, they feature in the daily beverage list of Canarians.

Traditional Dishes

Specialties of the Canaries range from starters to desserts, both savoury and sweet. They are indulgent and appetising. Among others, you may taste the following dishes:

Gofio

Gofio is emblematic of the Canary Islands archipelago and ranks among its oldest recipes. This flour is made from corn (called "millo") and barley. "Gofio escaldado" can be a sauce or a purée—it is enjoyed in all its forms! It is simmered in broth (fish, vegetable, etc.) with herbs and other ingredients to taste. Given its satisfying consistency, it can also be served as an accompaniment (in bocadillos). There is also gofio ice cream or mousse.

Papas Arrugadas

These potatoes have earned the Canary Islands its gastronomic reputation. They are small unpeeled spheres cooked in salted water until the skin wrinkles and the flesh becomes tender. These papas are served with mojo sauce, typical of Canary Island recipes.

Ropa Vieja

Preparing this meat stew takes several hours. The basic ingredients are: onions, chickpeas, and meat. Depending on preference, cooks may add octopus, for example.

Sancocho

This dried fish (which can sometimes seem overly salty) deserves to be tasted. First marinated in onions and garlic, it can then take two forms: either seasoned with olive oil and vinegar, accompanying papas and gofio, or as ingredients in ropa vieja or a simple sopas. This speciality appears most often at tables during major events, particularly at Easter.

Sweet Desserts

These are very indulgent preparations, including:

• Príncipe Alberto, where biscuits are accompanied by almonds, chocolate mousse sweetened with honey.
• Quesadilla, a cheese cake but with a lemony and anise flavour.
• Bienmesabe, a harmony between almond, egg, and palm honey flavours.

Beverages in the Canaries

• Chupito is an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink consumed in one gulp. It is the traditional beverage of Canarians.
• Batido is a type of fruity milkshake.
• Sugar cane is widely used in beverages, in juice form as well as in rum.
• Coffee: notably barraquito with milk and liqueur, is also highly appreciated.
• Beer.
• Fine wines are found especially in Lanzarote. Nevertheless, calimucho (a mix of wine and cola) can be found throughout.
• Finally, ron miel is a delight for the palate: rum and honey.