Canarian cuisine can be traced back to Spanish, African and Latin American influences. Thanks to Spanish ships anchoring down in the Canary Islands after voyaging around the Americas, the locals adapted to incorporate food that was brought back. It’s no wonder that potatoes, tomatoes, beans, papaya, maize, and more are so popular on their menus! Sailors continued to return to the Canaries with food around the globe over the years. Since then, bananas have been quite a prominent fruit too, which are often eaten alone or made into tarts. You can also expect sweet wines and rich rums here.

Must-try dishes

Papas Arrugadas

Wrinkly potatoes, often served with mojo sauce.

These sublime small potatoes are boiled to perfection in salt water, and are a big hit as a side dish. They go down a treat when paired with peppery, garlicky mojo sauce, so they’re packed with flavour.

Bocadillo

Meat baguettes

This Spanish sandwich is like the Canarian answer to a sub. It’s a bit more substantial than a snack, so it makes a great lunch, and they’re easy to come by. Order the traditional jamón serrano and tomato baguette for a local flavour.

Conejo al Salmorejo

Rabbit stew

Though it might not be to everyone’s taste, this local dish is a warming stew made with tomatoes, garlic and olive oil, and is often plated up with some classic Canarian wrinkled potatoes. Hints of smoky paprika blend well with braised rabbit

Ropa Vieja

Chicken and beef with potatoes and chickpeas

Quite literally Spanish for “old clothes”, this is a dish with lots going on, and includes pulled chicken or beef. The bold flavours originate from the Caribbean, though it’s usually made with potatoes and chickpeas in the Canary Islands.

Bienmasabe

Cake made with honey and almonds

This dessert often takes the shape of a light, fluffy cake, though you might find some versions are more like a custard. It’s delightfully creamy, and cinnamon, honey and ground almonds create the base of the flavour. The name translates literally as “tastes good to me”.

Divine drinks of the Canary Islands

Ron Miel

Sweet, smooth honey rum

You know this rich Canarian rum has reached the desired level of intensity when it strengthens from gold to mahogany in colour. It’s the most popular liqueur on the islands, and is usually served neat or over ice

Bermejo Tinto

Full-bodied, sweet red wine

This particular wine is produced in Lanzarote and has a particularly fruity aroma. It’s a sweet, rich variety, and best sampled in a vineyard, so it would be worth booking up a visit while you’re around

Bermejo Seco

Slightly sparkling, dry white wine

This delicious wine is produced in Lanzarote and has a slightly sparkling bubble to it. It’s very special, given that it’s only found at certain times of the year, following the grape harvest. Don’t miss the chance to sample it in local tavernas.

Malvasia Bianca

Crisp, dry white wine

Malvasia is one of the more well-known names in Canarian wine. This distinctive grape produces whites that are usually clean, dry, and balanced harmoniously, so you’ll also get fragrant hints of sweet grape.