The Canary Islands aren’t just about beaches, volcanoes and endless sunshine – they’ve also got a food scene that deserves a spotlight of its own. Food in the Canary Islands is a mix of Spanish, African and Latin American traditions, making it rustic, hearty, and bursting with flavour.
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During my trips to Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma and Fuerteventura, I quickly realised: you’ll never go hungry here. From wrinkled potatoes dipped in bright green mojo to sweet Malvasía wine grown on volcanic soil, eating in the Canaries feels like a deep dive into island life.
I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger who thinks food is half the fun of travel. If it’s local, tasty, and has a bit of a story, I’m in. These are my favourite traditional Canarian dishes and drinks that you absolutely need to try.
Papas Arrugadas (Wrinkled Potatoes) 🥔
The most iconic Canarian dish, papas arrugadas are small, salty potatoes boiled in heavily salted water until their skins wrinkle. They’re usually served with mojo sauce and appear on nearly every menu – from fine dining restaurants to beachfront cafés.
They might not look fancy, but they’re seriously addictive. Eat them with your fingers, dunked in sauces, and paired with a cold Dorada beer.
Mojo Sauce (Mojo Rojo & Mojo Verde) 🧄
No Canarian meal is complete without mojo. Mojo rojo is garlicky and smoky, with a touch of heat from paprika and chilli, while mojo verde is fresh and zingy thanks to coriander or parsley.
You’ll get both with papas arrugadas, but they also work wonders on grilled meats, fish, and even bread. Look out for jars to take home – they make amazing souvenirs!
🐟 Grilled Fresh Fish
Being islands, the Canaries naturally excel at seafood. Vieja (parrotfish), cuttlefish, sardines, and cherne (wreckfish) are local favourites, grilled simply with olive oil and lemon, or a mojo drizzle.
Nothing beats enjoying fresh fish at a beachside chiringuito with views of the Atlantic. Bonus points if you spot dolphins while you eat.
Rancho Canario 🍲
A proper comfort dish, Rancho Canario is a hearty stew made with noodles, chickpeas, potatoes, and either pork or beef. It’s rustic, filling, and perfect after a long hike or breezy beach day.
It’s also one of the few soups you’ll find served year-round, even when it’s sunny and 25°C outside. Locals love it, and you probably will too.
Queso de Cabra (Goat’s Cheese) 🧀
Goat’s cheese is everywhere in the Canaries – and it’s seriously good. Try it fresh and mild, or go bold with a smoky, aged version.
Queso Majorero from Fuerteventura has PDO status and is often served with local jams, honey, or mojo. A cheese board here is anything but boring.
Ropa Vieja 🍛
This dish means “old clothes,” but it’s way tastier than it sounds. Ropa vieja is a spiced stew of shredded beef (or chicken), chickpeas, and veggies.
It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs… especially good after a day out exploring volcanoes or surfing the coast.
Gofio🌾
Gofio is a uniquely Canarian roasted grain flour, made from toasted maize or wheat. Locals eat it in all sorts of ways – mixed into dough, added to soups, or stirred into milk for breakfast.
It might take some getting used to, but it’s a big part of island life. If you want to eat like a local, try a bowl of gofio escaldado – gofio whipped into a savoury paste with fish stock and onions.
Cabrito Asado (Roast Goat) 🍖
Tender, slow-cooked kid goat, usually seasoned with garlic and herbs, and served with Canarian potatoes. You’ll mostly find this in the hill towns and rural villages, and it’s worth seeking out.
If you’re into bold flavours and off-the-beaten-path restaurants, this dish is a winner.
Conejo en Salmorejo (Rabbit in Marinade)🐇
This is one of the Canaries’ most traditional meat dishes. Rabbit is marinated in garlic, paprika, vinegar, and herbs, then slow-cooked until tender.
It’s punchy, peppery, and often served with papas arrugadas (obviously). A real locals’ favourite.
Potaje de Berros (Watercress Soup) 🌿
A thick, wholesome soup made with watercress, corn, potatoes, beans, and sometimes pork ribs. Earthy and nourishing, this one’s a nod to the islands’ farming roots.
You’ll usually find it in countryside taverns rather than tourist spots, so keep your eyes peeled on road trips.
Caldo de Pescado (Fish Soup)🐠
A light but deeply flavoured fish broth, often made with saffron, chunky potatoes, and the catch of the day.
It’s a great way to start a seafood meal or warm up after a windy walk along the coast.
Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style Octopus)🐙
Originally from Galicia, but a staple in the Canaries too. Slices of tender octopus, sprinkled with paprika and salt, drizzled with olive oil, and served on wooden plates.
Often accompanied by potatoes or crusty bread, it is simple, satisfying, and perfect with a glass of wine.
Canarian Wine🍷
The volcanic soil here makes for some truly unique wines. Malvasía Volcánica from Lanzarote is sweet and aromatic, while Listán Negro reds from La Palma are bold and earthy.
You can visit wineries across the islands – La Geria in Lanzarote is especially scenic and has brilliant wine tastings. Viator has wine-tasting tours you can book in advance.
Canary Bananas🍌
Plátano de Canarias are small, super sweet, and proudly local. You’ll see them everywhere – from roadside stalls to high-end desserts.
Try them in smoothies, dipped in chocolate, or just fresh off the bunch. They even have their own protected designation status!
Bienmesabe 🍨
A creamy almond dessert made with ground almonds, egg yolks, sugar, and lemon zest, often served with ice cream or sponge cake.
The name literally means “tastes good to me,” and I can confirm that it absolutely does.
Barraquito Coffee ☕
This layered coffee is a Tenerife invention. Espresso, condensed milk, Licor 43, frothed milk, and lemon zest. Served in a glass, so you can see all the layers.
It’s dessert and coffee in one – perfect after a meal, or as a little afternoon pick-me-up.
FAQs About Food in the Canary Islands 💡
Got more questions or planning your trip? Here are some handy FAQs to help you dig a little deeper 🍽️📚
What food is the Canary Islands famous for?
Papas arrugadas with mojo, fresh grilled fish, goat’s cheese, and rustic stews like ropa vieja and rancho canario.
Is Canarian food spicy?
Not really. Mojo rojo has paprika and chilli, but it’s more smoky than hot.
What fruit is grown in the Canary Islands?
Bananas are the most iconic, but mangoes, papayas, and avocados grow in abundance thanks to the subtropical climate.
Do the Canary Islands have unique wine?
Yes! Volcanic soil gives Canarian wine a distinct minerality. Look for Malvasía from Lanzarote and red Listán Negro from La Palma.
What’s the most popular dessert in the Canaries?
Bienmesabe is a favourite, but you’ll also see flan, quesillo (a type of Canarian caramel pudding), and plenty of banana-based treats.
Final Thoughts ✨
Canarian food might not always look fancy, but it’s full of heart, history, and bold flavours. Whether you’re nibbling goat’s cheese by the sea or sipping sweet wine in a vineyard carved from volcanic rock, eating here is a joy.
Bring your appetite – and maybe stretchy trousers.
Related Posts 📚
Planning your trip? These posts dish out more sunshine, island tips, and travel inspo.
🇮🇨 La Palma Travel Guide.
🌋 Lanzarote Travel Guide.
🏝️ Fuerteventura Travel Guide.
🚤 Lobos Island Travel Guide.
🧭 Which Canary Island is Best for Me? All 8 Islands Compared.
More Foodie Reads 🍴
If you love discovering local dishes while you travel, these tasty guides might hit the spot:
🏖️ Traditional Mallorcan Food You Have to Try.
🇵🇹 15 Must-Try Dishes in Madeira.
🍕 What to Eat in Naples, Italy.
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👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
