Gran Canaria is a food lover’s paradise, with its unique blend of Spanish, African, and Latin American influences. The island is known for its delicious traditional dishes, fresh seafood, and local wines. Here is an overview of gastronomy of Gran Canaria, including some of the island’s most popular dishes, best places to eat, and where to find them.
Gastronomy & Eating Out
When it comes to gastronomy and eating out in Gran Canaria, there is a wide variety of options available. From traditional Spanish cuisine to international flavors, Gran Canaria offers something for everyone’s taste buds. Let’s take a closer look at what to eat and the best places to eat in Gran Canaria.
What to Eat
The Canarian cuisine is heavily influenced by the island’s geography and climate. You will find plenty of seafood dishes in Gran Canaria, including the famous “Sancocho Canario” (a fish stew made with salted fish, sweet potatoes, and mojo sauce).
Other seafood specialties include “Gofio Escaldado” (a soup made with fish and gofio), “Cherne en Adobo” (marinated fish), and “Pulpo a la Gallega” (Galician-style octopus).
You should also try the traditional “Papas Arrugadas” (wrinkly potatoes) served with mojo sauce, “Queso de Flor” (a type of cheese made from goat’s milk), and “Bienmesabe” (an almond-based dessert).
Best Places to Eat
Gran Canaria has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars that offer local and international cuisine. If you want to try the local cuisine, head to the old town of Las Palmas and the historic town of Teror.
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You will find plenty of restaurants and cafes serving traditional Canarian dishes. For seafood, head to the fishing village of Arguineguin, where you can enjoy fresh catch of the day.
In Playa del Ingles, you will find plenty of international restaurants serving Italian, Mexican, and Chinese cuisine. If you are in the mood for some fine dining, head to Puerto de Mogan, where you can enjoy gourmet cuisine overlooking the marina.
Top Dishes
Papas arrugadas
Papas arrugadas, or wrinkly potatoes, are a staple of Canarian cuisine. The small, salted potatoes are boiled in their skins until they are tender, and served with a side of mojo sauce, a spicy garlic and pepper sauce. You can find papas arrugadas in many local restaurants and bars.
Sancocho
Sancocho is a traditional Canarian dish made with salted fish, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. The fish is cooked until it falls apart, and the potatoes are added to create a thick and hearty stew. Sancocho is typically served with a side of gofio, a toasted flour that is also a staple of Canarian cuisine.
Ropa vieja
Ropa vieja is a hearty beef stew made with shredded beef, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce. The dish is slow-cooked for several hours to develop its deep, complex flavors. You can find ropa vieja on the menus of many traditional Canarian restaurants.
Gofio
Gofio is a toasted flour that is a staple of Canarian cuisine. The flour is made from roasted corn, wheat, or barley, and is used to thicken soups and stews, or to make a hearty porridge. Gofio is often served as a side dish with fish or meat.
Fresh seafood
With its location on the Atlantic Ocean, Gran Canaria is known for its fresh seafood. You can find a wide variety of seafood dishes on the island, including paella, grilled octopus, and fried squid. The fishing village of Puerto de Mogán is particularly known for its seafood restaurants.
>Local wines
Gran Canaria is home to several vineyards, and produces a variety of delicious wines. The island’s wines are known for their unique flavor, which is influenced by the volcanic soil and the warm, sunny climate. Some of the most popular varieties include Listán Negro and Negramoll.
Whether you’re looking for traditional Canarian dishes, fresh seafood, or local wines, Gran Canaria has something to offer every food lover. Be sure to try these popular dishes, and explore the island’s diverse gastronomy on your next visit.
