What to eat in the Canary Islands: Go on a gastronomic journey through Canarian cuisine thanks to the Seaside 5-star Grand Luxe Grand Hotel Residencia

It is said that food is a faithful reflection of the culture of a place, a mixture of flavours and culinary techniques which reveal the history and tradition of the area. This is definitely the case in the Canary Islands where the cuisine is a great treasure that sometimes takes a second seat to the landscapes, beaches and warm climate. However, once you discover it, there is no going back. If you are visiting the Canary Islands for the first time, obviously you are wondering what to eat here.

The variety of the Canarian cuisine seems without limits and it is all about using only excellent fresh and local raw materials. This love for good food, wellbeing and the comfort of the diner are some of the points where the Canarian culture and the Seaside Collection converge. Thus, under the guidance of the renowned chef Wolfgang Grobauer, the Grand Hotel Residencia includes the most representative traditional recipes of the Canary Islands among its culinary delights, for you to enjoy in the different dining areas of the hotel.

Canarian Fish  

Papas arrugadas 

The classic salt-crusted Canarian potatoes locally known as Papas arrugadas (literally wrinkled potatoes) are probably the most typical and most popular dish of the Canarian cuisine. Their secret lies in the volcanic composition of the soil, which gives these tubers a special flavour. Perhaps that is why, despite their easy preparation, papas arrugadas never taste the same outside the region. The other element that makes them so special is that they are cooked in salted water. These scrumptious potatoes are usually served with mojo canario so that you can feel a duality between the sweeter taste of the potato and the spiciness of this Canarian sauce.

Canarian  Mojo Sauce

Traditional foods create a feeling of belonging and joy. That is why the Canary Islands has a recipe that is rooted in their culture, providing every dish with flavour and pure bliss. Indeed, the Canarian mojo sauce is a key component in the cuisine of the islands, it adds a touch of flavour and spiciness to every mouthful.

This sauce has many variations, but the most traditional recipes are the mojo rojo (red mojo sauce), which is made with red pepper or paprika, and the mojo verde (green mojo sauce), which uses coriander or parsley. Both are classically included as an accompaniment to papas arrugadas, although they can also be seasonings for fish, grilled meats or vegetables. If you've had the pleasure of tasting it, you'll know that everything tastes a little better with mojo.

Gofio escaldado 

Cereal cultivation has always been a big part of the culture of the islands and a source of key ingredients for typical dishes such as gofio, a flour made of toasted cereals or legumes, a staple of the Canarian diet. If you have not yet had the pleasure of trying it, perhaps you should know that it can be served both as a side or a main dish. It is made from cereals such as wheat, maize or barley and is usually prepared scalded with water or milk.

Gofio has an important cultural and heritage value in the Canaries. It has been recognised as Cultural Heritage of the Canary Islands and forms part of the archipelago's gastronomic identity. It is present in traditional celebrations and festivities, and is a distinctive element of Canarian cuisine, appreciated by locals and visitors alike.

Canarian Cheeses

If you haven't yet visited the Canary Islands, you probably don't really know what dishes to eat and what the best cheeses are. Despite their lack of fame beyond the islands, Canarian cheeses are one of the greatest treasures of the food here and, together with a dreamlike landscape and an enviable climate, they are the main reason why you will want to come back here. The variety of cheeses is so wide that you could enjoy a month's stay in the archipelago and still not get round to tasting all of the different types available. That's why our best recommendation is sample a selection of some of the most emblematic Canarian cheeses.

• Queso de Flor. This highly prized cheese is made from raw goat's and/or sheep's milk. Its name is due to a layer of white mould that forms on its surface.

• Queso de Guía. This cheese is one of the best known on the island and is made with raw cow's milk. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a slightly sharp taste.  

• Queso de Valsequillo. It is made with raw goat's and/or sheep's milk after a curing process in a cave. It has an intense and slightly salty flavour.

• Queso de Media Flor. It is similar to queso de flor, but has a faster curing process. It has a firmer texture and a softer, velvety flavour.  

You could spend hours reading about Canarian cheeses, but this tour through the cuisine of the Canary Islands ends here for now, so that you can pause to enjoy the exact cooking point of the potatoes, which will be served as a garnish for a sublime tasty fish that still smells of the fresh sea. Also take the opportunity to dream of delighting your palate with a selection of flavours from a fantastic cheese board containing cheeses made from goat's milk and sheep's milk. 

Let yourself be surprised by the art of Canarian cuisine at the Grand Hotel Residencia