Tenerife food - What's worth trying?
Tenerife food is a true culinary journey that allows you to fully experience the unique atmosphere of this picturesque island. Imagine the warm rays of the sun, the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. In this setting, traditional dishes tempt with rich aromas and vibrant colors. Tenerife, part of the sunny Canary Islands archipelago, offers a cuisine full of fresh, local ingredients that perfectly reflect the diversity and cultural richness of the region.
Tenerife food is a harmonious blend of Spanish traditions with local Canarian influences. As you travel around the island, you have the opportunity to taste unique dishes that stand out both in flavor and appearance. One of the most iconic specialties is papas arrugadas—small, wrinkled potatoes boiled in salted water, served with the distinctive mojo rojo and mojo verde sauces. Another essential part of Tenerife food is fresh seafood, which arrives straight from the Atlantic, offering intense, oceanic flavors.
The flavors of Tenerife are not only a feast for the palate but also an excellent way to understand the local culture and history. Every dish tells a story about the island and its people, encouraging you to explore more culinary corners. During your stay in Tenerife, be sure to try the local delicacies that will transport you into the fascinating world of Canarian cuisine.
Barraquito Coffee
Coffee, known worldwide for its numerous health benefits, is appreciated not only for its stimulating effect but also for its medicinal properties. Coffee beans are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries because they contain substances that slow down the aging process. Around the globe, we encounter different types of coffee, with each region having its own unique ways of serving it.
In Tenerife, a true specialty is the Barraquito—a distinctive coffee that highlights both the local flavors and the culture of the island. This is not just an ordinary coffee but a carefully crafted beverage that impresses with its layered structure and richness of flavors. Barraquito consists of brewed coffee, regular milk, sweet condensed milk, Licor 43, lemon zest, and a pinch of cinnamon. Interestingly, Licor 43 doesn’t refer to its alcohol content, but to the number of ingredients in the liquor. Its delicate vanilla-citrus flavor pairs perfectly with the other ingredients, creating an unforgettable experience.
When served, Barraquito is layered, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. Before drinking, it’s recommended to stir it thoroughly to fully blend all the ingredients and discover the complete aromatic composition. Tenerife food wouldn’t be complete without trying this coffee specialty, which serves as the perfect finale to any meal on the island.
Canarian sauces “Mojo – Rojo and Verde”
Canarian Mojo sauces are a key element that enriches Tenerife food, giving dishes their unique flavor. Around the world, sauces differ in spiciness, sweetness, or acidity, but in Tenerife, the dominant flavors are bold, garlicky notes. Mojo sauces, which are an essential part of many dishes, play a vital role in the local cuisine. Tenerife food uses these aromatic condiments to enhance the taste of meats, fish, and tapas alike.
The two most popular types of Mojo sauces are Mojo Rojo and Mojo Verde. Both sauces are based on olive oil and wine vinegar, giving them their characteristic texture and freshness. Mojo Rojo, or red sauce, is made from red peppers, spicy chili peppers, and garlic, giving it a bold, spicy flavor. Mojo Verde, the green sauce, is made with green peppers, cilantro, parsley, and garlic, resulting in a more herbaceous, milder variation.
In theory, Mojo Rojo pairs best with meats, while Mojo Verde complements fish. However, in practice, both sauces work wonderfully with a variety of dishes. They also taste exceptionally good with local tapas, especially goat cheese, making Tenerife food full of intense and diverse flavor experiences.
Mojo sauces are not just a side dish but a defining element of many meals, shaping the taste and character of Tenerife food.
“Papas Arrugadas” Potatoes
When talking about Mojo sauces, it’s impossible to overlook the Canarian potatoes known as Papas Arrugadas, one of the most recognizable dishes that Tenerife food has to offer. These small, wrinkled potatoes stand out primarily because of the way they are prepared and served. Their unique flavor comes from the cooking method, where the potatoes are boiled with their skins on, and a layer of salt forms on the surface.
In the past, due to limited access to fresh water, Papas Arrugadas were boiled in salty ocean water. This method gave them their characteristic salty skin and distinctive taste. Today, the potatoes are cooked in fresh water but with a generous amount of sea salt added, preserving their original, bold flavor.
An interesting fact is that in standard Spanish, potatoes are called “patatas,” but due to the influence of Latin American cuisine—where the varieties of potatoes used for Papas Arrugadas originated—the term “papas” is used in the Canary Islands. These small potatoes are most commonly served with Mojo Rojo and Mojo Verde sauces, which perfectly complement their taste, creating a harmonious combination.
Tenerife food wouldn’t be complete without Papas Arrugadas, which pair wonderfully with meats, fish, and local tapas. This simple yet exceptionally flavorful dish is one of the most important culinary symbols of the island.
Rabbit in “Salmorejo sauce” – “Conejo en Salmorejo”
One of the most traditional dishes in Tenerife food is rabbit in Salmorejo sauce, locally known as Conejo en Salmorejo. This is a typical Canarian delicacy that has been popular for years, as rabbits have long inhabited Tenerife. The dish is often served with fries or the famous Canarian potatoes, Papas Arrugadas, which pair perfectly with the rich flavor of the meat and sauce.
The Salmorejo sauce is similar to mojo rojo but has a slightly more intense, robust flavor, making it a great match for rabbit. This version of rabbit is especially recommended when served with Papas Arrugadas, as the salty skin of the potatoes blends well with the juicy meat soaked in the aromatic sauce. Tenerife food wouldn’t be complete without this dish, especially for meat lovers.
Many food enthusiasts compare the taste of rabbit to chicken, but with a slight hint reminiscent of ribs. However, it's worth noting that Conejo en Salmorejo isn’t something you’ll find in every beachfront restaurant. It’s usually served in small, local bars or mountain taverns, where you can truly experience the authentic atmosphere of Canarian cuisine.
If you're a fan of meat dishes, this is definitely a dish you must try during your stay in Tenerife. It’s a culinary journey full of local flavors and traditions.
Goat meet – “Carne de Cabra”
Goat meat, known as Carne de Cabra, is one of the most distinctive dishes that Tenerife food has to offer. Its undeniable dietary benefits make it popular among both locals and tourists. Kid goat, or young goat meat, stands out for its high nutritional value, easy digestibility, and excellent absorption. These qualities make it not only delicious but also healthy.
Like rabbit, goat meat is a true specialty, found in many traditional restaurants across the island. It is most commonly served as a stew, accompanied by crispy fries or the traditional Papas Arrugadas, which are an essential part of Tenerife food. Goat meat has a rich, slightly fatty flavor that melts in your mouth, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.
The sauce accompanying the goat stew is often slightly spicy, perfectly enhancing the deep flavor of the meat. However, depending on the location, the sauce can also be milder. Carne de Cabra pairs wonderfully with Papas Arrugadas but also tastes excellent with fries, creating a dish with a rich flavor profile.
For anyone looking to fully explore Tenerife food and discover the local flavors, Carne de Cabra is a must-try. This dish not only reflects the island's traditions but also the richness of flavors that Tenerife cuisine has to offer.
Goat cheese – “Queso de Cabra”
Cheese is a popular delicacy worldwide, enjoyed in nearly every corner of the globe. However, in Tenerife food, goat cheese holds a special place, highly prized for its exceptional flavor and health benefits. Rich in protein, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins B and A, these cheeses are a true treasure trove of nutrients. They also contain valuable microelements like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are essential for healthy bones, muscles, brain function, and the proper working of the heart and kidneys.
In the Canary Islands, especially in Tenerife, goat cheese can be found almost everywhere. It comes in various forms—ranging from fresh to smoked, and sometimes flavored with paprika. Often, it is served warm, grilled, and frequently paired with jams, which adds a unique touch to its taste. Goat cheese is most commonly served as tapas, available in almost every local restaurant.
Tenerife food wouldn’t be complete without tasting these exceptional cheeses, which pair beautifully with mojo sauces and traditional palm honey. Undoubtedly, they are one of the local delicacies worth discovering during your stay on the island.
Palm honey – “Miel de palma”
Palm honey, known as Miel de Palma, is a unique product originating from the Canary Islands, particularly from La Gomera. It’s a true gem of Tenerife food, though it has its roots on the neighboring island. This honey is not a typical bee product, but a natural syrup extracted from the sap of Canary Island date palms (Phoenix canariensis), which thrive in the island’s warm, sunny climate.
The production process of Miel de Palma is lengthy and requires great precision. To produce one liter of this thick, dark syrup, about 10 liters of palm sap are needed. The sap is then boiled for several hours until the excess water evaporates, leaving behind a rich, caramel-flavored essence. This traditional method, passed down through generations, gives the product its distinctive character.
Miel de Palma has a flavor similar to classic flower honey but stands out with a deeper, more caramel-like aroma. It is widely used in Tenerife food—added to various desserts such as flans or ice creams, and it’s also an important ingredient in the local drink Ron Miel, or honey rum.
Tenerife food loses much of its unique character without the addition of palm honey. It’s a product worth trying to fully appreciate the rich flavors of the islands.
“Afrutado” Wine
Wine is a drink that consists of more than 100 different components, with water making up around 90 percent of it. In addition to alcohol, it contains numerous macro- and microelements derived from grapes, such as phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Wine is also rich in vitamins, including A, B, C, H, and PP. To gain health benefits from drinking wine, it’s advisable to limit consumption to 1-2 glasses a day, which supports heart and vascular health.
One of the most distinctive drinks in Tenerife food is Afrutado wine—a sweet, fruity wine with an exceptional taste. This is a specialty of the local vineyards that has gained great popularity throughout the Canary Islands. Afrutado differs from traditional wines, especially dry ones, thanks to its mild and fruity profile, making it appealing even to those who don’t usually drink wine.
This unique beverage has nothing in common with the popular Sangria and stands out for its quality and distinctive flavor. It's worth trying during your stay in Tenerife or another Canary Island. If you see a wine in a blue bottle, it's likely to be Afrutado—an integral part of Tenerife food. This wine perfectly complements the flavors of Canarian dishes, adding an extra depth to the overall dining experience.
Honey rum – “Ronmiel”
For lovers of smooth, sweet alcohol, Ronmiel, or honey rum, is a true delight that is sure to satisfy any palate. Rum, famous worldwide and particularly associated with the Caribbean, is produced wherever sugarcane is cultivated. It’s not only a key ingredient in many classic cocktails but also a base for cakes, punches, and sweets.
Though rum is typically linked to tropical regions, the Canary Islands have created a unique variation with the addition of honey, known as Ronmiel. This drink perfectly fits into the traditions of Tenerife food and is popular among both locals and tourists. Ronmiel combines the rich taste of rum with the delicate sweetness of honey, creating a distinctive spirit that works wonderfully as a digestif.
It’s best enjoyed served in small glasses, known as chupitos, chilled to the right temperature to enhance its sweet, velvety character. To balance the sweetness, a few drops of lemon juice can be added, giving the drink a refreshing twist. Ronmielis often served alongside Tenerife food, making it the perfect complement to the island’s culinary specialties.
Ronmiel is not just a drink; it’s a part of Canary Island culture and tradition, beautifully reflecting the taste and character of Tenerife food.
Cactus fruit / Prickly pear – “Higo pico”
In Spanish, "higo" means fig, and "higo pico" literally translates to "prickly fig," as the people of Tenerife call the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. These exotic fruits, though tempting in flavor, are surrounded by tiny, sharp spines, so it’s not recommended to pick them by hand. Fortunately, in the village of Masca and local produce markets, they can be bought pre-cleaned, often at a very affordable price. They come in two varieties—higo pico rojo, or red prickly pear, and higo pico blanco, called white but actually green in colour.
Prickly pear fruits are not only sweet but also refreshing, making them a perfect addition to Tenerife food. They are especially enjoyable during hot days, as they quench thirst and provide a boost of energy. The fruits are eaten fresh but are also processed into jams and preserves, which are a popular part of Tenerife food.
Interestingly, prickly pear cacti in Tenerife once had a more practical use. In the past, they were cultivated to breed cochineal insects, which produce carmine, a natural red dye. This dye, known as cochineal, has been widely used to color food products and cosmetics, giving the prickly pear a fascinating historical significance.
Thus, prickly pear fruits are not only a delicious treat but also a part of the island’s heritage, well worth discovering when exploring Tenerife food.
Summary - Tenerife Food
Tenerife food is a fascinating culinary journey that introduces you to the flavorful world of the island, filled with local specialties. Tenerife food blends Spanish traditions with local influences, offering a wealth of dishes based on fresh, regional ingredients. Among the most iconic dishes are papas arrugadas—small, salted potatoes served with mojo sauces—as well as exceptional meat dishes like rabbit in salmorejo sauce or goat meat.
Sweet touches such as palm honey, used in many desserts, and the distinctive Afrutado wine, known for its fruity aroma, are also worth trying. Don’t forget Ronmiel—honey-infused rum, which perfectly captures the flavor and essence of this cuisine.https://attractivetenerife.com/guachinche-in-tenerife/
Every taste in Tenerife tells the story of the island, inviting you to discover local products and traditional dishes. Whether you’re a fan of meat, fish, or sweet treats, Tenerife food will undoubtedly provide unforgettable culinary experiences and help you better understand Canarian culinary culture.
Every bar, restaurant, or local "Guachinche" offers its unique recipes for local dishes. Don’t hesitate to try everything and judge for yourself—Tenerife food can pleasantly surprise you! If you already know what you want to try but aren’t sure where to find it, check out our article “Recommended Bars and Restaurants in Tenerife” — you’ll definitely find something that suits your taste!