Be prepared to try the best local dishes that you must try in Lanzarote during your visit. The island is not just a paradise for tourism, but also a place with an excellent gastronomy. The particularities of this place are also transferred to the food, so you will find unique flavours.
Lanzarote’s unique culinary heritage
Lanzarote offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights. Beyond its stunning landscapes and charming towns, Lanzarote boasts a unique culinary heritage that reflects the island’s history, traditions, and connection to the sea.
The island’s food is a fusion of flavours and aromas from different cultures. It blends indigenous Guanche influences with Spanish heritage, and African nuances. This mix of influences has given rise to an authentic cuisine in which the protagonists are fresh and local ingredients.
The island has an exceptional cuisine capable of satisfying any palate. Are you ready to embark on this gastronomic adventure and discover the flavours of the island?
Why local cuisine is a must-try?
Lanzarote’s cuisine has evolved over centuries. The island’s volcanic soil and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean have shaped its culinary landscape, giving rise to dishes that are both unique and deeply rooted in tradition.
Lanzarote’s gastronomy is an expression of the island’s identity. In each dish you eat, you will discover a little of the island’s history, which is why it is essential that you try the local food.
In every town you visit you will find bars and restaurants with a delicious variety of Lanzarote food. And not only will you enjoy it for its authentic flavours, but it is also accessible for any budget. In addition, you will find menus that anyone can enjoy, in case you are spending your holiday with children.
Sea products and those harvested in volcanic lands stand out. This is part of what makes island cuisine unique.
Top traditional dishes in Lanzarote
The best local dishes that you must try in Lanzarote, are those you cannot miss while you visit the island. The list is extensive, but here we summarize it with some of the most traditional foods.
Papas arrugadas – the iconic potato dish
There is no food that speaks “tradition” more than papas arrugadas or wrinkly potatoes. These are popular all over the Canary Islands; and it is a simple, but delicious dish. They are cooked with black-skinned potatoes typical of the islands and boiled in salt water without removing the skin.
You can eat them as a start or as a side dish to any meal. These potatoes are not missing from any Lanzarote menu. They are also served with a typical sauce: red or green mojo.
Gofio – the staple food of the Canary Islands
Gofio is a very popular ingredient in Lanzarote. It’s normal to find it in every house and, of course, in every restaurant around the island. This is a versatile ingredient; often used to thicken stews, sprinkled on yogurt, baked into sweet treats, to prepare drinks, etc.
Canarians have used gofio in their kitchens for generations. It is a powder made from roasted grains, such as wheat or corn. Have you seen the windmills in Lanzarote? These were used to grind the grains and obtain the gofio.
Caldereta de pescado – a flavorful fish stew
This is a traditional fish stew that is elemental in Lanzarote’s culinary repertoire. In Spanish, is known as caldo de pescado.
This soup combines fresh fish with potatoes and vegetables; plus local spices that give it even more flavour. There is no single recipe for the caldereta, since every place you go has a particular way of cooking it.
Sancocho – a hearty fish stew
This is another version of the fish soup. While the caldereta is lighter, the sancocho is more substantial. It is prepared with different pieces of fresh fish, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. Shellfish is also added, among other seafood.
Grilled octopus – a local delicacy
Lanzarote’s fresh octopus, grilled over charcoal, is also a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. This is a very popular dish on the island and is served with green or red mojo.
The way this grilled octopus is prepared will awaken all your senses. It retains its tender texture and gets a smoky aroma; you will enjoy every bite of it.
Lanzarote’s seafood specialities
While planning your trip to Lanzarote, you must know the speciality of the island is the seafood. The supply of fish, prawns, octopus, shrimp, and crabs is very wide, and we are not naming all the seafood that you can try in Lanzarote.
The freshest catch: seafood in Lanzarote
Lanzarote food is mostly about fish and seafood. The island’s coasts are a source of fresh, quality fish and seafood. The fishermen leave daily in their boats so that you can later enjoy the freshest ingredients in restaurants.
Unique seafood preparations on the island
Thanks to this culinary tradition, you will find an extensive variety of seafood dishes. Apart from those we mentioned above, other options you have to try are:
- Lapas con mojo: a dish featuring local barnacles simmered in mojo sauce.
- Cherne a la plancha: a simple yet flavourful preparation of grilled grouper.
- Parrillada de pescado: this is a mixed platter of fresh fish. It is usually accompanied by other ingredients such as octopus or shrimp.
Sweet treats and desserts of Lanzarote
Bienmesabe – a sweet almond pudding
After the main course comes dessert, and the most popular all around the island is bienmesabe. This almond pudding is a traditional Canarian dessert, presented in layers with honey and cinnamon, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
Other must-try desserts
Bienmesabe is a must-try, but not the only popular dessert in Lanzarote. There are some other sweet temptations such as leche asada (caramel custard), frangollo (fried wheat flour dough with honey), and quesillo (Canarian cheese flan).
Lanzarote’s wine culture
Lanzarote has earned its reputation in the global wine industry due to the unique conditions in which its wine is produced. The wine is produced in the La Geria region, where wineries developed a method to retain moisture and protect the vineyards from the wind.
Lanzarote’s most famous wine is Malvasía volcanica. But they also produce muscatel and red wine.
Meat and traditional stews in Lanzarote
Baifo (goat meat) and other typical meat
Baifo, means goat meat, it can be prepared in different ways, like roasted, deep-fried, or as a stew, tender and full of flavour.
Other typical meats are:
- Canary Black piglet, an indigenous breed of pig from the Canary Islands, roasted at low temperatures, resulting in a crispy skin on the outside and juicy meat inside.
- Rabbit in Salmorejo: Rabbit marinated and then cooked in Salmorejo which is a mix of garlic, herbs and spices, resulting in an aromatic stew.
Canarian stews and soups
- Green pea Potaje (stew): a classic canary stew made principally with zucchini, potatoes, bacon and green peas.
- Caldo de Millo: a traditional stew made of potatoes, corn, chickpeas, and pork meat.
Typical local ingredients and what makes Lanzarote cuisine unique
Lanzarote’s cuisine is unique because it blends fresh ingredients from the sea with the earthly flavours from the tubers and legumes, and their distinct volcanic flavours.
Volcanic soil potatoes and produce
The volcanic soil enhances the flavours of the vegetables you will find in Lanzarote’s cuisine, for example their potatoes are cultivated in volcanic ash, making them a gastronomic treasure.
Influence of sea and volcanic landscape on seafood and fish varieties
Lanzarote’s reefs and caves formed by the volcanic activity are known for hosting a wide variety of fish and seafood, these nutrient-rich waters give them a deep and rich flavour.
When and where to eat — tips for tourist
Lanzarote has a wide variety of restaurants that attract tourists with unique experiences like:
- Restaurante El Diablo: Has amazing views for the Fire mountains, it focuses on Volcanic cuisine, with a grill that works with geothermal heat from the volcano.
- Restaurante Mirador de las Salinas: Offers impressive panoramic views of the volcanic landscape and the Janubio salt flats.
But if you are looking for traditional Lanzarote’s comfort food, you must visit Teleclubs. These were created in the 60s as community centres, now they work as local bars or restaurants run by local families. If you are looking for more traditional, homemade, low-cost food, these are a must-try:
- Teleclub de Tao: Recommended by tourists and chefs like one of the best for being authentic, cozy, and low-cost.
- Teleclub de Tahiche: Traditional spirit with modern touches and a very good service.
Price Ranges
A dinner for two at a mid-range tourist restaurant, including drinks, is often estimated around 50 to 80 Euros. While in a Teleclub a high quality traditional meal, including drinks, is often estimated around 20 to 30 Euros.
To sum up: the unforgettable taste of Lanzarote
If you go to the island, you must try the traditional Lanzarote dishes and enjoy the experience of it unique gastronomy. From simple dishes like papas arrugadas to complex and flavourful stews, Lanzarote’s culinary offerings are a testament to its rich heritage and connection to the sea.
A simple advice to enjoy the best local dishes that you must try in Lanzarote is going to traditional guachinches, family-run establishments that offer authentic Canarian cuisine at affordable prices. Your trip to Lanzarote won’t be complete if you don’t try local food. Contact us if you need private transfers in Lanzarote.
References:
- https://marcacanaria.com/caldos-y-potajes-canarios-que-debes-probar/
- https://welikecanarias.com/restaurantes-comida-tipica-lanzarote/
- https://www.guiarepsol.com/es/comer/nuestros-favoritos/comida-tipica-canarias-platos-clasicos/
Our company seeks to deliver the best service you can find on the island today. We seek to optimise our clients’ time and resources, which is why we respect the schedules and offer the best prices for different transfers.
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