Food in Tenerife – it’s worth trying

We begin our culinary journey in Tenerife. From this post you will learn what to try on the island of eternal spring? Eating in Tenerife is a feast for the palate and an opportunity to experience new and unique flavors. If you are going on vacation in Tenerife, this culinary list will help you.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is not only spectacular scenery and a year-round friendly climate. It is also a paradise for lovers of culinary discovery! Canarian cuisine is full of flavor, fresh ingredients and local specialties that will delight any palate. What is worth trying when visiting Tenerife? Here are some items that should definitely be on your list!

1. papas arrugadas with mojo

They’re a real showpiece of the Canary Islands! Papas arrugadas are small potatoes boiled in salted water, which are served with mojo rojo (a spicy, red pepper-based sauce) or mojo verde (a mild, cilantro-based sauce). It’s the perfect snack or side dish.

2. fish and seafood

While on an island surrounded by the ocean, be sure to try fresh fish and seafood. Popular here are vieja (parrot fish), calamares a la plancha (grilled squid) or pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus). These dishes are often served with potatoes or salads.

3. goat meat – Carne de cabra

Carne de cabra is a traditional Canarian dish consisting of goat meat that is braised in an aromatic sauce with spices and vegetables. The dish is particularly popular in Tenerife and the rest of the Canary Islands, where goat meat has a long culinary tradition due to the presence of goat farming on the islands.

Goat meat is dark, rich in flavor, with a delicate gamey aroma. It is also more compact than beef or pork, but becomes extremely tender and juicy after long braising. The sauce in which carne de cabra is braised is usually intense, well seasoned with garlic, onions, peppers, tomatoes and herbs, which emphasizes the character of the dish.

Carne de cabra is more than just a dish – it is a piece of Canarian culture. This dish is not only unique in taste, but also allows you to feel the authentic character of the islands and its culinary traditions. If you visit Tenerife, carne de cabra is a must on your culinary map!

4. rabbit dishes – Conejo al salmorejo

One of the traditional meat dishes in Tenerife is conejo al salmorejo – est is rabbit marinated in a flavorful salmorejo sauce and then braised or roasted. This dish reflects the local love of simple but intensely seasoned dishes based on fresh, natural ingredients.

How does Conejo al salmorejo taste?

The rabbit meat in this dish is extremely tender and juicy, thanks to the long marinating. The salmorejo sauce gives it an intense, spicy and slightly acidic flavor, which goes well with the meat. This combination of herbs, spices and slight acidity gives the dish a distinct and memorable character.

5. gofio – traditional flour made from roasted grain

Gofio is one of the oldest and most distinctive elements of the cuisine of the Canary Islands, including Tenerife. It is a type of flour made from roasted cereal grains, such as wheat, corn or barley. Roasting gives gofio its unique, slightly nutty flavor. This traditional product has its roots in the time of the islands’ indigenous Guanches, and remains an important part of Canarian culinary culture today. It is used extensively in Tenerife food. You’ll find it in various forms – as an addition to soups, desserts or even as an ingredient in bread. Try gofio amasado, a paste made from gofio, honey and nuts.

6. goat cheeses and yogurts

Tenerife is famous for its high quality dairy products, especially goat cheese. Especially recommended is queso asado, a grilled cheese served with mojo or palm honey. Also try local yogurts with a velvety texture.

7. desserts: bienmesabe and barraquito

For a sweet treat, try bienmesabe – a creamy dessert made of almonds, sugar and egg yolks, often served with ice cream. The perfect accompaniment to this treat would be a barraquito – Canarian coffee layered with condensed milk, liqueur and a pinch of cinnamon. See what photos of beautiful barraquito our customers send us on our FB profile.

8. wine from Tenerife

The island’s wines should not be forgotten. Especially noteworthy are the wines of the Tacoronte-Acentejo and Valle de La Orotava regions. Here you will find both light white wines and expressive reds. Afrutado wine is characterized by a distinct fruity taste and lightness.

8. palm honey – miel de palma

It is a traditional natural product from the Canary Islands, including Tenerife. Although it is called honey, it has nothing to do with bees. It is a sweet syrup obtained from the sap of the inner trunk of the Canary Island palm tree(Phoenix canariensis), which is harvested and processed in the traditional way. Miel de palma has a delicate, sweet flavor, with subtle notes of caramel and molasses. Its texture resembles thick syrup or honey, but is less intense and more mild. The product is prized for its health benefits, as it contains natural sugars, minerals and vitamins.

Miel de palma is used in Canarian cuisine in many ways: as a side dish, in desserts or as a sweetener.

9. ropa vieja

Ropa vieja is a traditional Canarian dish that can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Cuba and Spain. The name “ropa vieja” literally means “old clothes,” which refers to the ragged appearance of the meat and vegetables in the dish. In Tenerife, however, ropa vieja is more than just a dish – it is a symbol of tradition, local flavors and simplicity.

Ropa vieja in Tenerife is a one-pot dish that usually contains: meat, chickpeas, vegetables, spices, and broth. Ropa vieja is a dish with a deep, distinctive flavor. The meat is juicy and flavorful, the chickpeas add texture, and the spices and vegetables create a rich, slightly spicy sauce.

Ropa vieja is a popular dish in the homes of Tenerife residents and often appears on the menu of local guachinches – small restaurants serving traditional Canarian cuisine. This dish is served both on a daily basis and during special occasions.

10. arepas

Although arepas originate from Latin cuisine, they are a very popular food in Tenerife. Arepas are flat, round pancakes prepared with corn flour, water and salt. They are baked, fried, grilled or cooked in a dry pan. They have a crispy crust on the outside and a soft, moist center. In Tenerife, you’ll find a lot of Venezuelan influence in the preparation of arepas, and among the popular fillings you’ll find: black beans and avocado, reina pepiada with chicken and mayonnaise, carne mechada with jerked beef or queso blanco or white cheese.

Summary

The cuisine of Tenerife is a combination of traditions, local products and influences from different cultures. It’s a place where you can taste unique dishes that are sure to stay in your memory for a long time. When planning a trip to this beautiful island, be sure to not only enjoy the views, but also indulge in culinary adventures!

Enjoy your meal – and as the Canaries say, ¡Buen provecho!