The typical food of Tenerife is a unique culinary experience that combines influences from Spanish, African and Latin American cuisine.
On the island, you can enjoy iconic dishes such as papas arrugadas con mojo picón, conejo en salmorejo (rabbit in gazpacho) and gofio.
You can also enjoy traditional desserts such as bienmesabe and roquetes canarios.
In addition, Tenerife’s gastronomy stands out for the presence of fresh fish and seafood, as well as the use of tropical fruits in different culinary preparations.
At the end of this article you will discover the two best restaurants where you can taste typical food from Tenerife.
So you can enjoy a unique gastronomic experience on the island on your next holiday.
International influences on Tenerife’s gastronomy
Tenerife’s rich gastronomy has been influenced by diverse cultures throughout its history. The combination of flavours and culinary techniques from Spain, Africa and Latin America has resulted in a variety of unique and delicious dishes.
Spanish cuisine in the gastronomy of Tenerife
The Spanish presence in Tenerife has left a significant mark on its gastronomy.
Dishes such as papas arrugadas con mojo picón, conejo en salmorejo and sancocho canario are examples of the influence of Spanish cuisine on the island.
These dishes combine indigenous ingredients with traditional culinary techniques, creating irresistible flavours and textures.
African and Latin American influences in typical Tenerife food
Tenerife’s geographical location, close to the coast of Africa and in the middle of the Atlantic, has allowed for the influence of African and Latin American cuisine on the island.
Gofio, a preparation of toasted maize flour, is a clear example of this influence.
It is used as a base or accompaniment in various Canarian dishes, providing a distinctive flavour and unique texture.
Likewise, rancho canario, a traditional stew made with chickpeas, pork, chicken, chorizo, ham and vegetables, reflects the African influence on the island’s cuisine.
The use of spices and the combination of ingredients create a tasty and comforting dish.
On the other hand, tropical fruits, such as bananas, mangoes and pineapples, also have a prominent presence in Tenerife’s typical cuisine, due to the Latin American influence.
These fruits are used in various dishes and desserts, adding freshness and an exotic touch to the island’s gastronomy.
Iconic dishes of Tenerife’s gastronomy
Wrinkled potatoes with mojo picón sauce
Papas arrugadas con mojo picón (wrinkled potatoes with mojo picón) are a real culinary delight in Tenerife.
These are small potatoes cooked in their skins with sea salt, which gives them a unique wrinkled texture.
They are usually accompanied by mojo picón, a sauce with a thick consistency and intense flavour, made from red peppers, garlic, olive oil, cumin and vinegar.
This dish is a must on any Canarian table and is perfect for lovers of intense and spicy flavours.
Rabbit in salmorejo and other delicacies
Another emblematic dish of Tenerife’s gastronomy is rabbit in salmorejo.
This traditional stew is prepared with chopped rabbit, marinated in a mixture of spices and wine, and then simmered with tomato, onion, pepper, garlic and bay leaf.
The result is tender, juicy meat, infused with Mediterranean flavours. As well as rabbit in salmorejo, in Tenerife you can also enjoy other delicacies such as sancocho canario, a marinated fish cooked with potatoes and mojo sauce, or bienmesabe, a dessert made with almonds and honey that will take you back to the island’s sweet tradition.
Unique culinary experiences in Tenerife
Tenerife’s gastronomy offers a wide variety of unique culinary experiences.
In addition to the iconic dishes mentioned above, you can’t miss gofio, a versatile toasted cornmeal that is used as a base or accompaniment in numerous preparations.
You can also indulge in rancho canario, a succulent stew of chickpeas, pork, chicken, chorizo, ham and vegetables, which reflects the influence of traditional Spanish cuisine on the island. Without a doubt, the typical food of Tenerife is a unique gastronomic experience that will allow you to explore the flavours and culture of the region.
Traditional ingredients and techniques in the gastronomy of Tenerife
Use of gofio in Canarian cuisine
Gofio is a fundamental ingredient in the gastronomy of Tenerife.
This is roasted corn or wheat flour that is used as a base or accompaniment in various Canarian dishes.
This is roasted corn or wheat flour that is used as a base or accompaniment in various Canarian dishes.
Gofio can be found in both savoury dishes and desserts, adding a particular flavour to the island’s traditional cuisine.
The Canarian ranch and its culinary tradition
Rancho canario is a traditional stew that reflects the fusion of different culinary influences in Tenerife.
This dish is prepared with chickpeas, pork, chicken, chorizo, ham and vegetables.
The combination of all these ingredients creates a rich and tasty broth, perfect to enjoy on special occasions. Rancho Canario represents the essence of the island’s traditional cuisine, with an abundance of flavours and a preparation that requires time and patience.
Traditional desserts to complement the gastronomic experience
Tenerife’s gastronomy would not be complete without its delicious traditional desserts.
Bienmesabe, for example, is a dessert made from almonds, sugar, eggs and lemon, which is served cold and delights with its sweet taste and smooth texture.
Another emblematic dessert is the roquetes canarios, small fried sponge cakes covered in sugar, which melt in your mouth and are the perfect complement to a typical Tenerife meal.
- Gofio is a versatile ingredient in Canarian cuisine, used in both savoury dishes and desserts.
- Rancho canario is a traditional stew that mixes meat, chickpeas and vegetables to create a unique flavour.
- Traditional desserts such as bienmesabe and roquetes canarios are the finishing touch to any meal in Tenerife.
The presence of fresh fruit, fish and seafood in Canarian cuisine
Tropical fruits in Tenerife’s gastronomy
The geographical location of Tenerife, in the heart of the Canary Islands, means that the island’s gastronomy benefits from the abundance of fresh fish and seafood.
Prominent ingredients include vieja, wreckfish, sama, prawns and shrimps, which are used in a variety of traditional dishes. In addition, tropical fruits such as pineapple, papaya and mango add an exotic and refreshing touch to many of the island’s traditional dishes.
Historical and cultural influences on the island’s cuisine
The presence of fresh fish and seafood in Canarian cuisine is the result of the historical and cultural influences that have shaped Tenerife’s gastronomy over the years.
The island has been a port of call for sailors and traders who have brought with them new species of fish and culinary preparation techniques. The fusion of African, Spanish and Latin American flavours and traditions has further enriched the local cuisine, offering a wide variety of delicious and unique dishes.
Simplicity and use of fresh ingredients in Tenerife’s gastronomy
One of the most outstanding aspects of Tenerife’s gastronomy is the simplicity and the use of fresh ingredients in the preparation of dishes.
Fish and shellfish caught in the waters around the island are cooked simply to bring out their natural flavour.
The combination of fresh fish, aromatic herbs, olive oil and lemon creates dishes full of freshness and authenticity.
Canarian cuisine values the quality of the ingredients and seeks to offer genuine gastronomic experiences that reflect the richness and diversity of Tenerife’s natural environment.
Where to find the best typical and quality food in Tenerife
Taste 1973 restaurants are undoubtedly the best places to enjoy a good typical meal in Tenerife.
Taste 1973
Under its slogan “We don’t create recipes, we create emotions” the restaurant Taste 1973 is a culinary reference, not only in Tenerife, but also internationally.
It has one Michelin star and one sun from the Repsol Guide.
It is also located in Playa de las Américas (in Tenerife South) and has a history of more than 40 years.
El Taste 1973 is committed to tradition, as well as to the most original culinary proposals with creative and avant-garde gastronomy.
In short, it is a tribute to the island’s gastronomy with unique food. So you won’t find anything like it.
It has two tasting menus:
- Roque Guincho, which includes: snacks, OA shrimp, moja pan, pica papa, carabinero marine rice, wreckfish in kombu, slice of our coasts with sweet potato borrallera, black pig royal, goat yoghurt sorbet with sea herbs.
- Roque de Arona Hío, which includes: snacks, OA shrimp, moja pan, pica papa, carabinero marine rice, condumio de chipirón (baby squid), slice of our coasts with sweet potatoes, wreckfish in kombu, royal de cochino negro, baifo, goat yoghurt sorbet with herbs from the sea, tasting of cheeses from the islands.
Would you like to book the Taste 1973 for your next holiday in Tenerife? Contact us NOW by phone: 0034 922 757 700 or by email: 1973@villacortes.com
Bodegón Guachinche Cas Toñito
Bodegón Guachinche Cas Toñito is a restaurant specialising in Canarian food located in the south of Tenerife.
This is a traditional Canarian guachinche, located in the locality of Valle San Lorenzo.
It has a varied menu of typical food from Tenerife where you will find:
- Starters
- Various types of salads
- Escaldón, soup of the day, croquettes, ropa vieja, mushrooms and prawns with garlic, black pudding, limpets, sausages and chistorras,…
- Fish such as octopus or cod with onions.
- Meat: Iberian secret, goat meat, pork ribs, steaks, entrecôte, grilled chicken,…
- Homemade desserts that are a delight: coffee dessert, quesillo, biscuit and chocolate tart,…
As for drinks, you can also enjoy the island’s own beverages.
Because you can taste their house red wine from independent winegrowers. Also fruity white wine from a renowned winery on the island.
In short, Bodegón Guachinche Cas Toñito is an ideal place to try typical Tenerife food that will not leave you indifferent.
Book a table for your next visit to the island here: 634 36 38 39
Park Club Hotel Restaurant
The Park Club Hotel in the south of Tenerife has free buffet restaurants.
Its main restaurant offers 10 menus that rotate every 10 days.
One of these menus has a Canarian theme and is well worth a visit for the quality of its cuisine.
What’s more, as it is a free buffet, you can try as many dishes of typical Tenerife food as you like, even repeat the one you like best!
This restaurant also offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, where friends, couples and families can enjoy the best themed buffets and pizzas handmade in a traditional oven.
