Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers a vibrant and diverse food scene that beautifully reflects the island’s cultural heritage, geography, and history. The city’s cuisine blends traditional Canarian flavors with Spanish, African, and Latin American influences, creating a unique gastronomic identity. Whether you’re dining at a seaside restaurant, visiting a local market, or trying tapas in the historic districts, there are several dishes and food experiences you simply must try. Below is an in-depth guide to what to eat in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and how to enjoy its authentic culinary culture.
1. Papas Arrugadas (Wrinkled Potatoes) with Mojo Sauce
This is the most iconic dish of the Canary Islands and a must-try for any visitor.
Papas arrugadas are small local potatoes boiled in heavily salted water until their skins become slightly wrinkled. They’re served with mojo, a flavorful sauce that comes in two varieties:
- Mojo Rojo (Red Mojo): Made with red peppers, garlic, paprika, olive oil, and vinegar — slightly spicy and full of flavor.
- Mojo Verde (Green Mojo): Made with cilantro or parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar — fresh and aromatic.
This simple yet delicious dish often accompanies fish or meat, but it’s also wonderful on its own as a tapa.
2. Fresh Local Fish and Seafood
Being surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Las Palmas offers some of the freshest seafood in Spain. Local fish such as cherne (wreckfish), vieja (parrotfish), sama, and atún (tuna) are commonly served grilled, baked, or fried.
Typical preparations include:
- Pescado a la plancha: Grilled fish with olive oil and herbs.
- Sancocho Canario: A traditional salted fish stew served with potatoes, sweet potatoes, and mojo sauce.
Many of the best seafood restaurants are located along Las Canteras Beach and in the San Cristóbal fishing village, where you can enjoy ocean views and freshly caught fish of the day.
3. Gofio
Gofio is a staple of Canarian cuisine and one of the oldest local foods, dating back to the indigenous Guanche people. It is made from toasted grains (usually wheat or maize) that are ground into a fine flour.
It can be used in various ways:
- Mixed with milk for breakfast.
- Added to soups and stews for extra thickness.
- Served as gofio escaldado, a thick, savory paste made with fish broth and mojo, often eaten as an appetizer.
Gofio is both nutritious and deeply tied to the island’s culinary identity.
4. Ropa Vieja Canaria
This hearty and flavorful dish literally means “old clothes,” but don’t let the name fool you — it’s a delicious slow-cooked stew. It’s made with shredded beef or chicken, chickpeas, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices. Sometimes it includes potatoes or vegetables.
Every restaurant and household has its own version, and it’s one of the best examples of Canarian home-style cooking.
5. Carne de Cabra (Goat Meat) or Conejo en Salmorejo (Rabbit Stew)
Inland areas of Gran Canaria specialize in meat dishes, especially goat and rabbit.
- Carne de Cabra: Goat meat is slow-cooked until tender in a rich sauce of wine, garlic, and herbs. It has a strong, earthy flavor and is typically served with potatoes or gofio.
- Conejo en Salmorejo: Rabbit marinated in a sauce of paprika, garlic, wine, and vinegar, then stewed or roasted to perfection.
Both dishes reflect the traditional rustic cooking of the Canarian countryside and are excellent choices for meat lovers.
6. Potaje de Berros (Watercress Soup)
A comforting and traditional Canarian soup made with watercress, potatoes, beans, and corn. It is sometimes flavored with pork or chorizo for richness.
It’s especially popular in the cooler months and is a staple of local home cooking. Many small restaurants, known as guachinches, serve it as part of their daily menu.
7. Tapas and Pinchos
Like the rest of Spain, Las Palmas has a lively tapas culture. You can sample a variety of small dishes while enjoying a drink at local bars, especially in the Triana and Vegueta districts.
Common tapas include:
- Papas arrugadas with mojo.
- Grilled octopus (pulpo a la plancha).
- Croquettes (croquetas de jamón or croquetas de pescado).
- Spanish omelet (tortilla española).
- Fried calamari (calamares).
Tapas bars in Las Palmas often combine traditional Canarian flavors with Spanish classics, offering a great opportunity to taste different dishes in one evening.
8. Local Cheeses
Gran Canaria produces excellent cheeses, especially queso de flor and queso de media flor, made from cow, sheep, or goat’s milk. The island’s cheeses are often semi-cured, giving them a creamy yet strong flavor.
Try them with local honey or as part of a tapas platter. Many restaurants serve cheese from Guía, a town famous for its artisanal production.
9. Canarian Desserts and Sweets
Las Palmas offers a variety of traditional desserts influenced by Spanish and North African traditions.
- Bienmesabe: A rich dessert made from ground almonds, egg yolks, sugar, and lemon zest, often served with ice cream.
- Príncipe Alberto: A chocolate and nut dessert that’s both sweet and dense.
- Frangollo: A cornmeal pudding with milk, eggs, raisins, and cinnamon.
- Truchas de batata: Sweet pastries filled with sweet potato, almonds, and sugar, typically eaten at Christmas time.
10. Local Drinks
To complement your meal, try some of the island’s traditional drinks:
- Canarian Wine: The volcanic soil gives local wines a distinct character. Look for varieties from the nearby Bandama or Monte Lentiscal regions.
- Ron Arehucas: A famous rum distilled in the town of Arucas, often enjoyed straight or in cocktails.
- Café Barraquito: A layered coffee drink with condensed milk, espresso, cinnamon, and liqueur — sweet and aromatic, perfect as a dessert coffee.
11. Where to Eat in Las Palmas
- Las Canteras Promenade: Ideal for fresh seafood and beachfront dining.
- Vegueta: Great for traditional Canarian restaurants and tapas bars.
- Triana: Offers modern bistros and fusion cuisine.
- San Cristóbal Village: Known for small, authentic fish restaurants by the sea.
Final Thoughts
Eating in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is as much about the atmosphere as the food itself. Whether you’re enjoying wrinkled potatoes with mojo at a seaside restaurant, sipping local wine in a historic plaza, or sharing tapas with locals, every meal connects you to the island’s traditions and warm hospitality.
