Attention food lovers! Do you want to discover the culinary secrets of Canarian cuisine in the Canary Islands?

Then you should know that the variety of local products and its eclectic character are what give Canarian food its unique flavor. This is due to the mix of cultural influences throughout its history!

The gastronomy of the different islands is simple but rich in ingredients. It is the result of a fusion of indigenous heritage, mainland cuisine, and Latin American influences! To help you get to know traditional Canarian cuisine better, we present the 20 main dishes you absolutely must try.

So grab your spoon and fork because we’re about to explore the delights of Canarian gastronomy! And if you want to find the guachinches and restaurants where you can enjoy these traditional dishes, don’t miss our Canary Islands restaurant finder. You’ll love it!

The most traditional dishes of each island

Each of the Canary Islands has its own traditional dishes and culinary specialties of Canarian cuisine. Below we present some of the most typical dishes from each island:

Gran Canaria

The most traditional dishes of the island of Gran Canaria are: Papas con Mojo (Potatoes with Mojo Sauce), Caldo de Millo (Corn Soup), Cocido Canario (Canarian Stew), Escaldón de Gofio (Gofio Porridge), Queso Asado con Miel (Grilled Cheese with Honey), Sancocho (Fish Stew), Berros con Papas (Watercress with Potatoes), and Carne Mechada (Shredded Meat).

These typical recipes reflect the variety of products from the land and sea of the islands and are highly appreciated by the inhabitants of Gran Canaria.

Tenerife

The most traditional dishes of the island of Tenerife are: Canarian gofio, wrinkled potatoes, rabbit or chicken in salmorejo sauce, puchero canario (Canarian stew), bienmesabe (almond dessert), mojo canario (Canarian sauce), sancocho canario (Canarian fish stew), ribs with potatoes and corn on the cob, and mojo picón (spicy mojo sauce).

It’s also recommended to try the cheeses and Tenerife wines.

Fuerteventura

The most traditional dishes of Fuerteventura are: Goat meat, Frangollo, limpets with mojo, the typical fish of Fuerteventura, Majorero cheese, and of course wrinkled potatoes with or without mojo.

These are some of the most traditional dishes of the island of Fuerteventura.

Lanzarote

The most traditional dishes of the island of Lanzarote include: Corn soup, grilled fresh fish, grilled limpets, goat meat stew, wrinkled potatoes with mojo, hearty vegetable stews, and the island’s traditional sweets.

All these dishes are characterized by the use of local ingredients such as fish and seafood, goat meat, dairy products, and garden produce.

La Palma

The most traditional dishes of the island of La Palma are: gofio, bananas, La Palma cheese, wrinkled potatoes with mojo, wine, honey, desserts, fish dishes, 'papa loca,' La Palma cheese, Canary Islands bananas, and palm honey or guarapo.

These dishes are known for combining traditional flavors with natural ingredients from the island.

La Gomera

The most traditional dishes of the island of La Gomera include: Almogrote, guarapo, watercress stew, Gomera gofio or palm honey, Gomera cheese, Canarian stew, Majorero, wrinkled potatoes with mojo, fish sancocho, stuffed bread rolls (bollo preñao), and the typical Gomera drink.

All these dishes of Canarian cuisine have their own traditional recipes with unique ingredients and flavors from the island of La Gomera.

El Hierro

The most traditional dishes of the island of El Hierro include: Fish, stews made with prickly pears, wrinkled potatoes with mojos, rabbit in salmorejo sauce, roasted goat or kid, the island’s smoked cheeses, and Canarian ropa vieja (shredded meat stew).

Additionally, you can also find other Canarian dishes such as limpets with mojo, a typical dish of the Canary Islands.

Es importante mencionar que cada isla tiene su propia riqueza gastronómica y esta lista es solo una muestra de los platos típicos de cada isla. Durante tu viaje a las Islas Canarias, te recomendamos probar diferentes platos de comida canaria y descubrir los sabores y tradiciones culinarias de cada isla.

What dishes to order at Guachinches and Canarian Restaurants?

If you’re looking to try Canarian cuisine and typical dishes at a guachinche or Canarian food restaurant, here are some suggestions of what to order:

Wrinkled potatoes with mojo

Wrinkled potatoes with mojo are the most delicious dish in the Canary Islands!

Who needs a trip to Thailand with these delicious potatoes cooked in water and lemon, accompanied by mojo picón sauce?

Whether red or green, mojo picón is the perfect sauce to enjoy while relaxing on a terrace after a day at the beach. Just make sure you have a cold beer in hand! This is the perfect food to share with friends!

How to Prepare and Enjoy Them to the Fullest

Canarian Ropa Vieja

Canarian ropa vieja is like a warm hug for your stomach!

This delicious recipe features shredded beef and chicken, making it a perfect way to use up leftovers from the previous day.

But don’t be fooled by the name 'ropa vieja' (old clothes), this dish is fresh and full of flavor thanks to chickpeas, potatoes, green peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and seasonings like bay leaf, thyme, oregano, paprika, parsley, oil, and salt. It’s like a party in your mouth!

Canarian Chickpea Stew

Get ready for a flavor explosion with Canarian chickpea stew!

‘Garbanzo’ is a traditional Canary Islands delight that combines chickpeas, potatoes, vegetables, meat, or fish in a slow-cooked stew. It’s like a warm hug in a dish, perfect for cold days or those looking for comforting food.

The ingredients are cooked together for hours until they become a delicious blend of flavors. You can also add beef, lamb, pork, fish, or seafood for an extra flavor boost. Don’t forget the mojo picón, the typical sauce of the Canary Islands!

In restaurants across the Canary Islands, you’ll often find ‘garbanzo’ as a menu option, usually served in a large dish for sharing.

It’s a popular dish among the locals and is highly appreciated for its flavor and tradition. So, if you’re planning a visit to the Canary Islands and want to try typical food, don’t miss the ‘Canarian chickpea stew’!

Canarian Sancocho

The Canarian Sancocho is the perfect dish for culinary adventurers!

With the powerful, salty flavor of salted fish (cherne or corvina), cooked together with potatoes and sweet potatoes, your taste buds will embark on a journey of flavors!

And for those seeking an extra spark, pair your dish with red mojo sauce and a ball of kneaded gofio. Gran Canaria is known for its delicious Sancocho, but you can also find interesting variations in the preparation of salted fish on other islands!

Carne Fiesta

«Carne Fiesta» is made with pork or beef, marinated with red wine, garlic, onion, pepper, cumin, and paprika, and left to rest for several hours before cooking. It is slow-cooked for several hours until the meat is tender and blends with the vegetables and spices.

The dish is served with potatoes, plantains, and vegetables in a large casserole dish to share. It’s a flavorful and traditional dish of the Canary Islands, with a unique taste thanks to the marination and slow cooking process.

In Canarian restaurants, you'll often find «Carne Fiesta» as one of the menu options, especially in the traditional guachinches of Tenerife. I highly recommend trying it while in the Canary Islands—it’s a delight you can't miss.

Escaldón de Gofio

Escaldón de Gofio is the perfect dish for culinary adventurers!

This is a traditional stew from the Canary Islands made with gofio, a toasted cereal flour that is the king of Canarian cuisine. It is mixed with fish or meat broth, potatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, and tomatoes, with added spices like cumin and paprika. It is slow-cooked for several hours until the potatoes are tender and blend with the vegetables and spices.

It’s a comforting and delicious dish that will delight your taste buds! If you’re in the Canary Islands, don’t miss the opportunity to try it!

It’s a great way to experience a traditional Canarian dish and get to know one of the main ingredients of Canarian cuisine. Paired with a cold beer, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a terrace!

Watercress Stew (Potaje de Berros)

Get ready to savor Watercress Stew, the king of typical Canarian dishes!

This dish is a treat for the palate, packed with watercress, an aquatic plant rich in vitamins and minerals with a slightly bitter taste, along with corn cobs, potatoes, pumpkin, beans, onions, garlic, stew meat, pork ribs, and spices (cumin, bay leaf, paprika, oil, and salt).

It is slow-cooked for over two hours, and then the potatoes are mashed to achieve a dense and thick texture known as «apotajado». It’s left to rest for about two hours.

Each serving includes a piece of corn cob, ribs, and meat along with the stew. It is also accompanied by gofio and Canarian cheese.

Ribs with Potatoes and Corn (Mazorca)

Get ready for a culinary experience that will make you want to hop on the next flight to Tenerife! Are you ready to savor the delicious ribs with potatoes and corn from the Canary Islands? This dish will take you on a flavorful journey filled with exotic tastes and irresistible textures.

Imagine: tender, juicy ribs seasoned with a blend of native spices that awaken your senses with every bite. The meat melts in your mouth while the aromas transport you straight to the golden beaches of Tenerife. It’s a feast for the senses!

But wait, here’s the surprise: the potatoes and corn (mazorca) from Tenerife. The potatoes, grown in the island’s volcanic soil, have a unique texture and unparalleled flavor. They’re soft on the inside, perfectly complementing the ribs. And the corn, juicy and sweet, adds that finishing touch to complete this dreamy culinary experience.

En Restaurante Bodegón Casa Tomás podrás probar, quizás las mejores costillas con papas y piñas.

Conclusion on Canarian Cuisine

Whether you're enjoying this delicacy in a picturesque seaside restaurant or at a lively local market, you’ll feel the magic of Tenerife unfold with every bite of Canarian cuisine. You won’t be able to resist sharing your photos on social media, sparking envy among your friends and making everyone want to try these delicacies.

So, the next time you’re in Tenerife, don’t forget to indulge in the dishes of Canarian cuisine. It’s an explosion of flavors that will make you appreciate the gastronomic richness of the island. Come and discover why Tenerife is a paradise for food lovers!