Want to know about the best foods in Mallorca? In this guide I will give you a grand tour of the main dishes I have tried on my travels around the Spanish island (I have visited at least 5 times).
Food in Mallorca ranges from simple tapas to PGI protected status foods and locally celebrated culinary traditions.
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1. Mallorcan Tapas
When looking for food in Mallorca, the most obvious choice is traditional Mallorcan tapas.
Spanish tapas is presented in small bite-sized portions, usually including Spanish sausage, charcuterie, cheeses, bread, olives, seafood or Spanish tortilla. Tapas is served with a small wine, beer or vermouth (or a soft drink for those who do not wish to drink alcohol). The idea is you have little tastes of different dishes whilst socialising with others in an informal and relaxed manner.
A Pintxo (‘pincho’) is a topping skewered onto a piece of bread and is usually served cold (but not always). Pintxos containing tortilla (Spanish omelette) or meatballs will usually be served warm. They are eaten with the fingers, whereas tapas is often eaten with cutlery, depending on the type of dish.
Of course tapas is served all over Mallorca, but the tapas scene in Palma De Mallorca is particularly excellent. Every Tuesday in the Sa Gerreria neighbourhood there is a special tapas route called Ruta Martiana, which many tapas bars in the area participate in. These bars serve one tapas dish or pintxo, along with one small drink for less than 3 euros.
The word martiana is a play on words involving the Spanish word for Tuesday and a random reference to Martians. No one seems to know why. You will find plates with aliens drawn on them and even an alien t-shirt in one bar, which you can buy as a tapas souvenir.
Some of the best Mallorcan tapas involves the PGI protected Sobrasada sausage, which you can read more about at number 7 below.
2. Llonguet Rolls
A staple food in Mallorca, this is a light fluffy and crispy local bread roll. It can be served with any meal at any time of day. People from Palma are sometimes known as ‘Llonguets’ too, named after the bread roll.
3. Bunyols
These are little Mallorcan doughnuts, made from a potato dough which gives them a different texture to their British/American counterparts. They are delicious with tea or coffee as a snack, or as a dessert. Bunyols are popular with children and adults alike.
4. Ensaimada pastries
You will see this swirly spiral pastry everywhere you go in Mallorca. It is like a flaky spiral croissant, baked at a high temperature and covered in icing sugar. This widely celebrated dish holds PGI status (it is geographically protected and you can’t get these pastries anywhere else). As a result it is common to see people taking stacks of octagonal boxes with them on the plane home.
Fun fact: It is said these pastries are impossible to recreate elsewhere, because only the Mallorcan sea air can help them rise.
Note: these pastries are made with lard (the ‘saim’ part means lard) which will not be suitable for those following a vegan or pescatarian diet.
5. Pa Amb Oli
Probably the most ubiquitous of the Mallorcan foodstuffs, this is served anywhere and everywhere, at any time of day. It is a snack of local brown bread rubbed with oil, tomato and garlic. It is often eaten for breakfast, before a meal, afternoon snack, tapas, etc. Pa Amb Oli can be found all over Spain, but the Mallorcan version uses a different type of tomato.
6. Coca de Cuarto
These are small squares of a light sponge cake which are soft and delicious. They have a delicate vanilla flavour, are topped with sugar and are very moreish.
7. Sobrasada Sausage
No list of food in Mallorca would be complete without Sobrasada.
This wonderful cured spicy sausage is a bit of a national treasure in Mallorca, featuring heavily in tapas dishes and also sold in many restaurants to take home. It is soft and almost spreadable, therefore it is a perfect partner for your Mallorcan Longuet bread.
The Sobrasada sausage holds the prestigious protected geographical indication (PGI) status, and is not the only Mallorcan food to be awarded this recognition (see number 4 ensaimada pastries above).
8. Tumbet Vegetables
This is a vegetable side dish – think ratatouille meets Lancashire hotpot. Potatoes, aubergines, peppers, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, pepper, cayenne, cheese and salt – lightly fried then baked in the oven.
9. Botifarri
One of the more spicy foods in Mallorca. I have seen this spelled many different ways in different parts of Mallorca, but the produce stays the same – a small sort of black pudding sausage. If it is tied with white string it will be less spicy, and red string means it is more spicy.
10. Trempo
When considering foods in Mallorca, Trempo is always a go-to staple foodstuff of the Mediterranean. A light and fresh salad of peppers, tomato and onion dressed with olive oil and salt. Trempo is often served on bread or in a pastry as a light snack.
I have seen it spelt ‘Trempo’ and ‘Trampo’ in different parts of Mallorca.
11. Coca Mallorquina
Coca is a local bread which looks like a dark pizza dough but with more of a biscuit texture. Sort of like toasted rye bread. It is often topped with Trempo (‘coca de trempo’) or meat/fish toppings (‘coca de mallorquina’).
12. Caldereta
A popular Spanish soup or stew which is made throughout the world. In Mallorca it is made with seafood (the lobster version is the best) and it is a popular dinner item.
13. Arros Brut
The original dirty rice! This is a savoury rice casserole made with any ingredients in season at the time, and rice. It is a little more soupy than a traditional Spanish paella. Arros Brut is a year-round staple in Mallorcan life.
14. Frit Mallorqui
Frit Mallorqui is one of the more foods in Mallorca (it dates back to the 14th century). It’s made with offal and is definitely not for everyone, but many feel it is one of the most delicious Mallorquin recipes.
You might also be interested in my Mallorca Travel Guide or 20 Unusual Facts About Mallorca.
FAQs about food in Mallorca.
Below are some frequently asked questions about food in Mallorca:
Q. What are some traditional Mallorcan dishes I should try?
- Pa amb Oli: A classic Mallorcan dish consisting of rustic bread topped with olive oil, tomatoes, and often ham or cheese.
- Sobrasada: A cured sausage made from pork, paprika, and spices, often enjoyed spread on bread.
- Ensaimada: A traditional sweet pastry that is spiral-shaped and lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
- Tumbet: A local vegetable stew made with layers of fried eggplant, potatoes, and peppers, topped with a tomato sauce.
- Frito Mallorquín: A hearty dish made with diced pork, potatoes, peppers, and spices, usually enjoyed as a main course.
2. Where can I find the best seafood in Mallorca?
- Port de Sóller: Known for its fresh seafood restaurants along the picturesque waterfront.
- Palma: The capital city has numerous seafood restaurants, particularly in the Old Town and near the marina.
- Cala d’Or: A charming town with several restaurants offering fresh catches from the Mediterranean.
3. Are there any must-try local cheeses in Mallorca?
- Queso Mahón: A famous cheese from the island of Menorca, often found in Mallorca, characterised by its firm texture and tangy flavour.
- Queso de Cabra: Goat cheese from the region, typically available in various ages and styles, from fresh to aged.
4. What are some popular Mallorcan desserts?
- Ensaimada: As mentioned, this sweet pastry is a Mallorcan favourite, often enjoyed with a coffee.
- Leche Frita: A dessert made from fried milk pudding, served with cinnamon and sugar.
- Coca de Patata: A soft, sweet bun that is often enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate.
5. Can I find vegetarian or vegan food in Mallorca?
- Vegetarian: Many traditional Mallorcan dishes can be adapted to vegetarian diets, such as Tumbet and Pa amb Oli without meat.
- Vegan: While not as prevalent, vegan options are becoming more available in urban areas like Palma. Look for vegetarian restaurants or Mediterranean eateries that offer plant-based dishes.
6. Where can I experience Mallorcan wine and local beverages?
- Local Wineries: Mallorca has a growing wine industry, with wineries such as Bodega Son Prim and Bodegas Macià Batle offering tastings and tours.
- Local Bars and Restaurants: Many places serve local wines and the traditional herbal liqueur Hierbas Mallorquinas, which is made from various herbs.
7. What are some great food markets to visit in Mallorca?
- Mercat de l’Olivar (Palma): A bustling market offering fresh produce, local meats, cheeses, and baked goods.
- Mercat de Santa Catalina (Palma): Known for its vibrant atmosphere and variety of fresh and local food items.
- Mercat de Sineu: A traditional market in Sineu that is open on Wednesdays and offers a range of local products and specialties.
8. Are there any food festivals or events in Mallorca?
- Fira de l’Oliva: Held in Caimari, this festival celebrates the olive harvest with tastings and demonstrations.
- Fira de la Neu: A winter festival in the town of Pollença featuring local products and food.
- Festa des Vermar: A wine and harvest festival in Binissalem with local wine tastings and food.
9. Can I find international food in Mallorca?
A: Yes. Mallorca offers a variety of international cuisine, including Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern food. Areas like Palma and popular tourist towns have a range of international dining options.
10. Are there any local food tours available?
A: Yes. Several tour companies in Mallorca offer food tours that explore local markets, traditional eateries, and regional specialties. Look for guided tours in Palma or other major towns for an immersive culinary experience.
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