Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Santa Cruz, Canary Islands, Spain
1. Cocido marino
A hearty seafood stew made with octopus, fish, and shellfish in a flavorful broth. Try it at Casa Mendoza.
- Authenticity: Cocido marino is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Santa Cruz for centuries.
- Seafood Variety: The stew features an array of fresh seafood caught daily from the Bay of Santa Cruz.
- Broth Flavor: The rich, aromatic broth is a testament to the skill and patience of the chef who slow-cooks it.
2. Papas arrugadas con mojo
Wrinkly boiled potatoes served with a tangy garlic and pepper sauce. Experience this at El Rincón del Tío Pepe.
- Traditional Preparation: Papas arrugadas are cooked in olive oil, giving them a unique texture.
- Mojo Variety: Choose between mojo picon (spicy) or mojo rojo (sweet and tangy), both made with garlic, paprika, and olive oil.
- Simple Pleasure: This simple dish showcases the quality of the local Canarian potatoes and olive oil.
3. Gofio con leche
A warm and comforting breakfast dish made with toasted wheat flour, cornmeal, and sesame seeds mixed with milk. Savor it at El Patio Canario.
- Local Ingredients: Gofio is a traditional ingredient made from locally-sourced wheat, cornmeal, and sesame seeds.
- Versatile Dish: Gofio can be enjoyed as porridge, mixed with milk or water, or as a topping for other dishes.
- Breakfast Staple: Gofio con leche is a popular breakfast choice among locals and tourists alike.
4. Sobrasada
A traditional sausage made from pork meat, seasoned with paprika, salt, and other spices. Taste it at La Taberna del Sobrado.
- Authentic Recipe: Sobrasada is a traditional dish from the Balearic Islands that has been perfected in Santa Cruz.
- Spice Profile: The unique blend of spices gives Sobrasada its distinctive smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
- Versatility: Enjoy Sobrasada on its own, as a spread, or in various dishes such as Paella Valenciana.
5. Pescado al salmorejo
Grilled fish served over a bed of thick tomato sauce made from bread, olive oil, garlic, and peppers. Try it at El Aguila.
- Seafood Freshness: Fresh fish caught daily from the Bay of Santa Cruz is used to prepare this dish.
- Traditional Tomato Sauce: The thick tomato sauce, known as salmorejo, is a staple in Canarian cuisine.
- Simple Presentation: The dish emphasizes the quality of the fish and the robust flavors of the sauce.
6. Puchero canario
A Canarian-style stew made with meat (beef, pork, and chicken), chickpeas, potatoes, and vegetables. Taste it at La Perlita.
- Traditional Recipe: Puchero Canario is a hearty dish that has been enjoyed in Santa Cruz for generations.
- Meat Variety: The combination of beef, pork, and chicken provides a rich flavor profile.
- Comfort Food: This stew is perfect for cold winter days in Santa Cruz.
7. Vino de Ycoden-Ycoden
A unique white wine from the Ycoden-Ycoden Designation of Origin, known for its aromatic and fruity notes. Sample it at Bodega Marichal.
- Regional Wine: Vino de Ycoden-Ycoden is produced exclusively in this small region near Santa Cruz.
- Quality Production: The wineries follow strict quality control measures to ensure the best possible wine.
- Pairing Potential: Vino de Ycoden-Ycoden pairs well with seafood, rice dishes, and pasta.
8. Cuchifritos
A variety of deep-fried pork dishes, including chicharrónes (pork rinds), morcilla (blood sausage), and longaniza (spicy sausage). Try it at La Orueta.
- Traditional Snack: Cuchifritos are a popular snack in the Canary Islands and are particularly enjoyed in Santa Cruz.
- Pork Variety: Different parts of the pig are used to create various cuchifrito dishes, each with its unique flavor.
- Crispy Texture: The deep-frying process results in a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft pork inside.
9. Hornazo
A traditional Easter bread filled with chorizo, hard-boiled eggs, and olives. Sample it at Los Hornacinos.
- Easter Tradition: Hornazo is a popular dish that is enjoyed during the Easter season in Santa Cruz.
- Meat and Eggs: The filling features chorizo, hard-boiled eggs, and olives, which provide a rich flavor profile.
- Symbolic Meaning: The shape of the hornazo resembles a dove, symbolizing peace during Easter.
10. Queso de la Gomera
A semi-soft cheese made from sheep's milk, characterized by its creamy texture and mild flavor. Taste it at La Casa del Queso.
- Island Cheese: Queso de la Gomera is produced exclusively on the island of Gomera, near Santa Cruz.
- Sheep's Milk: The use of sheep's milk gives Queso de la Gomera a unique flavor and texture.
- Versatile Cheese: Queso de la Gomera can be enjoyed on its own, melted over bread, or in various dishes.
11. Pimientos de Padrón
Tiny fried green peppers, known for their varying levels of spiciness. Enjoy them at Taberna La Lola.
- Small but Mighty: Despite their small size, Pimientos de Padrón offer a surprising flavor experience.
- Spice Levels: About one in ten peppers is spicy, adding an unexpected kick to the dish.
- Tapas Tradition: Pimientos de Padrón are a popular tapas choice in Spanish-speaking countries.
12. Miel Canaria
A sweet and fragrant honey produced from the nectar of Canarian flowers. Sample it at El Caserio de la Miel.
- Local Flora: The unique flavors of Miel Canaria come from the nectar of local flowers, such as heather and lavender.
- Quality Production: Miel Canaria is produced following traditional methods to preserve its natural flavor.
- Culinary Uses: Miel Canaria can be used in various dishes, drinks, and as a sweetener.
13. Tarta de Santiago
A traditional almond cake from the island of Santiago, characterized by its white cross pattern on top. Try it at Pastelería La Isabel.
- Island Origin: Tarta de Santiago is a popular dessert that originated on the island of Santiago, near Santa Cruz.
- Almond Flavor: The cake features a rich almond flavor due to the generous use of almond flour and almonds in the filling.
- Symbolic Design: The white cross on top symbolizes the religious history of the Canary Islands.
14. Ron Miel
A sweet liqueur made from rum and honey, often enjoyed as a digestif. Sample it at La Casa del Ron.
- Island Rum: Ron Miel is made using local Canarian rum produced in the region.
- Honey Sweetness: The honey adds a sweet and fragrant flavor to the liqueur.
- Digestif Tradition: Ron Miel is traditionally served after meals as a digestif in the Canary Islands.
15. Almogrote
A paste made from cheese, peppers, and various spices, served with bread. Experience it at Casa Aguere.
- Traditional Recipe: Almogrote is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Santa Cruz for centuries.
- Spice Profile: The combination of cheese, peppers, and spices gives Almogrote a unique flavor and aroma.
- Bread Pairing: Almogrote is traditionally served with bread, which helps to soak up the delicious paste.