What to Eat & Drink in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria boasts several traditional dishes that visitors must try:

• Papas Arrugadas con Mojo: A classic Canarian favourite, these small, wrinkled potatoes boiled in salted water are served alongside spicy mojo sauces in red (mojo rojo) or green (mojo verde).
• Ropa Vieja: This hearty and comforting stew is traditionally made with shredded beef or chicken, chickpeas, potatoes, peppers, and aromatic spices. A truly satisfying meal.
• Garbanzada Canaria: Another delectable stew featuring chickpeas simmered with pork ribs, pork belly, or chorizo, delivering deep, savoury flavours (a favourite of ours).
• Sancocho Canario: A traditional fish stew made with salted fish, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and gofio—a unique flour of toasted grains typically used in soups, stews, or even desserts.
• Bienmesabe: A sweet dessert crafted from honey, ground almonds, eggs, and sugar, typically served with a scoop of ice cream—perfect for a sweet finish to your meal.

Seafood enthusiasts will delight in the fresh catch available across the island, with dishes such as:

• Vieja a la espalda: Grilled parrotfish, a local favourite known for its tender flesh.
• Chipirones: Succulent baby squid, either grilled or lightly fried.
• Pulpo a la Gallega: Galician-style octopus, seasoned simply with olive oil, paprika, and salt.
• Sardinas Asadas: Flavourful grilled sardines, perfect when enjoyed by the sea.

Meat lovers won’t be disappointed either, as Gran Canaria offers tasty steaks and barbecued meats in many local restaurants and grills.

International tastes are well catered for, too. From Spanish tapas to Italian pizza, Asian cuisine, and juicy burgers, the island’s diverse dining scene ensures everyone finds something delightful to enjoy.

Snack lovers should definitely try Porras, the local version of churros. These crispy, fried pastries, often sprinkled with sugar, cinnamon, or drizzled with chocolate, are beloved treats found in bakeries, cafés, and street stalls island-wide and are a breakfast staple in Gran Canaria.

Gran Canaria’s drinks scene offers unique local beverages to enhance your dining experiences:

• Ron Miel: A sweet, honey-infused rum, unique to the Canary Islands, often enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif.
• Tropical Lager: Refreshing local beer, perfect for sipping by the beach.
• Local Wines: From reds and whites to rosés, Gran Canaria’s volcanic vineyards offer exceptional wines, with Monte Lentiscal producing especially noteworthy reds and the northern vineyards offering crisp, refreshing whites.
• Barraquito: A distinctive layered coffee drink made from condensed milk, espresso, Licor 43, and a hint of lemon zest—a delicious pick-me-up any time of day.