Tenerife, Canary Islands
Mojo: This iconic Canarian sauce is a staple. Two main varieties exist: Mojo rojo (red, often spicy, made with paprika, chili, and garlic) and Mojo verde (green, milder, made with coriander or parsley and garlic). These sauces accompany almost everything.
Potatoes: Papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) are a must-try. Small, unpeeled potatoes boiled in heavily salted water until wrinkled, then served with mojo. Their slightly salty skin and tender interior are addictive.
Seafood: Given Tenerife’s island status, fresh fish is paramount. Seek out Vieja (parrotfish), Sama (sea bream), and Cherne (wreckfish). Octopus, squid, and prawns also feature prominently.
Gofio: A roasted grain flour (typically wheat or maize), a fundamental element of Canarian diet since pre-Hispanic times. It has various forms: in stews, mixed with milk for breakfast, or as Gofio escaldado, a thick paste made with fish broth.
Tropical Fruits: The Canary Islands are famed for their sweet produce. Bananas are particularly common, along with papayas, mangoes, and avocados.
Lunch (Almuerzo) is the main meal of the day, typically later than in many other countries, usually between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. Dinner (Cena) is also late, generally from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM or even later. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service.
Ordering several small plates (Tapas) to share among your group is a common and enjoyable way to sample a variety of dishes. Bread is often served with meals, sometimes for a small charge. If not desired, politely decline.
Coffee culture is significant. A Barraquito is a local specialty, a layered coffee drink worth experiencing.
These small, salted, boiled potatoes with their skins, served with red (Mojo rojo) and green (Mojo verde) sauces, are everywhere. They are on almost every menu.
Local restaurants and Guachinches are ideal places.
A traditional dish with salted and dried fish (usually cod), boiled and served with sweet potato, Gofio escaldado (gofio mixed with fish broth), and mojo. A hearty, flavorful dish.
Found in traditional Canarian eateries.
Literally "old clothes," this is a flavorful stew typically with shredded beef or chicken, chickpeas, potatoes, and other vegetables. A comforting and rich dish.
Available in many traditional restaurants.
A dessert similar to a caramel flan, rich and creamy.
A sweet almond cream, often served alongside ice cream, for a traditional Canarian flavor.
San Sebastián 5: This Michelin-starred restaurant presents a sophisticated take on modern Canarian cuisine. Reservations are important.
La Hierbita: A popular, traditional Canarian restaurant in the city center, known for its classic local dishes and lively atmosphere.
Guachinches: These traditional, rustic eateries are a highlight. Often in rural areas or on the outskirts of Santa Cruz, they present simple, hearty local food and homemade wine at very low prices.
This is the main municipal market in Santa Cruz. Beyond fresh produce, meat, fish, and cheeses, it features several food stalls and small restaurants where you can enjoy an authentic, bustling dining experience.
It is an important visit for food lovers.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife has a diverse culinary scene, extending beyond Canarian fare. You will find a wide selection of Italian, Asian (Japanese, Chinese, Indian), Mexican, and other European restaurants, catering to various tastes.
Many options available in the city center.
From gourmet to local, options for all budgets.
Lunch and dinner typically later than international norms.
A highlight of island cuisine, found island-wide.
Volcanic Terroir gives unique characteristics.
Awareness of gluten-free (Sin gluten) and other common allergens is growing in Spain. Larger restaurants and hotels are more likely to cater to these needs.
Always inform staff about allergies or dietary restrictions when ordering.
Supermarkets throughout the city offer a range of gluten-free products and other allergen-friendly options.
Use apps like HappyCow to find vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
It is always advisable to communicate your needs clearly and politely to restaurant staff.
Dining in these simple, family-run establishments is an unique cultural experience. They serve local wine and traditional food in a rustic setting, for an authentic taste of Canarian hospitality and cuisine.
During Carnival, special pastries and fried sweets are often prepared and enjoyed. Food festivals and local Romerías (pilgrimages/festivals) throughout the year also feature specific traditional foods tied to the season or event.
Beyond fresh produce, meat, fish, and cheeses, it features several food stalls and small restaurants where you can enjoy an authentic, bustling dining experience.
Explore wines from Tenerife's unique volcanic Terroir, including Tacoronte-Acentejo (reds) and Valle de La Orotava (whites).
Look for local wineries for tasting experiences.
Do not miss Quesillo (caramel flan) and Bienmesabe (sweet almond cream) for dessert.
Enjoy sweet Canary Island bananas fresh.
Try Papas arrugadas with both Mojo rojo and Mojo verde.
Experience a Guachinche for an authentic, affordable meal.
Adopt the local custom of late lunches and dinners for a true cultural immersion.
Always inform restaurant staff about any allergies or specific dietary requirements you may have.
