The gastronomy in Lanzarote is pure and simple, like the life of the island. Eating in Lanzarote is healthy, varied and a real pleasure for foodies looking for good raw materials and exotic and full flavours. With African and Latin American roots, Lanzarote cuisine is a delight for anyone who has never been to the Canaries and wants to discover everything about their culture and traditions. Here we tell you the essential dishes that you should try if you decide to visit this magical island.
If you have not las papas arrugás in Lanzarote then you do not know Lanzarote. It doesn’t matter how many times you have visited, this wonderful island of lunar landscapes exists for you to discover its best kept secrets, try its more traditional cuisines, share a table with natives and let yourself be won over by their hospitality and character. But be careful, everything in moderation… or you will want to stay in Lanzarote forever.
Baifo
Or baby goat meat is very typical of Lanzarote. You can find it prepared in a thousand ways but the classic and most popular with the locals are in salmorejo, baked, fried or in adobo marinade.
“La Cocina del mar”
Fresh fish, prepared in the simplest way, to give prominence to the excellent produce that the Atlantic offers is an important element of the gastronomy of Lanzarote. They focus on species like Red porgy, White seabream, samas, grouper, comb grouper, Rooster fish, corvinas, vieja, chernes and sardines.
The most common preparation is grilled or griddled, with a simple sprinkling of salt and then, accompanied by the classic papas arrugás. You should not miss out on the great variety of seafood, especially the limpets, which are prepared on the grill and accompanied with green mojo and are a delicacy, their fish stews, which you can enjoy at their best in the taverns that are found in the sea towns on the coast of Lanzarote.
Grilled Limpets in Green Mojo, photo by Luz y sus recetas caseras
Papas Arrugás
Incredible potatoes that are an unique variety of Canarian potatoes. They represent the most important and international dish of the Lanzarote cuisine. Declared Gastronomic Maravilla of Spain, they are a simple delicacy like all the lanzaroteña cusine. They are accompanied with different mojos, that give that different and unique flavour.
Sancocho
The most traditional preparation of this classic dish of Lanzarote cuisine is with sweet potatoes, potatoes and cherne (fish). This typical Canarian stew is always served with Canarian gofio and with mojo and fresh cheese.
Sancocho, photo by Lanzarote 3
Black pig
The black pig is a native breed of the Canarian archipelago, its red and juicy meat is highly appreciated for its excellent quality and exquisite taste.
Gofio
The gofio is a reference of the Canarian identity. It is part of its gastronomic culture since the time of the aborigines. Created with roasted grain flour, usually wheat or corn, it has a high nutritional value. You can prepare sweet dishes such as gofio mousse, gofio with milk, gofio with fruit and cheese, gofio with honey or savoury dishes like boiled gofio with fish broth and slices of red onion.
Gofio Mousse, photo by Gofio la Piña
