If not for the stunning beaches, nature, beach clubs and villas, the traditional food is another reason to travel to Majorca! Here are 7 dishes you must try during your island stay:
1. Sobrassada
Sobrassade is something typical Mallorcan and it can best be described as a spread made of lean pork, bacon and local spices. The ingredients are kneaded together and left alone for a curing process of 40 days at least. It’s usually served on a slide of toasted crispy bread. You got to try it. It’s mouthwateringly good!
2. Tumbet
This lovely Mediterranean blend of veggies is similar to the famous French Ratatouille or Cataluña if you’ve been to Valencia in Spain. Think aubergine, potatoes, red pepper bells, tomatoes, garlic and olive oil slow-roasted in the oven. Yum! It often comes with a fried egg on top. This recipe has been around since the 1600s and you’ll find it everywhere on Majorca Island.
3. Trempó & Coca de Trempó
Simple yet sophisticated – less is more! Trempó is all about basic and pure ingredients coming together and transforming into a heavenly dish. Trempó is a very basic salad consisting of fresh tomato, onion, green bell pepper, salt and olive oil. That’s it! Put these ingredients inside a pastry crust and you get ‘Coca de Trempó’. It’s a lovely sort of quiche or hearty pie. The perfect snack any time of the day in between your sightseeing in La Palma. Another great place to try this local dish is on Saturday morning at the Santa Catalina Market.
4. Arròs brut
This traditional Majorcan dish is full of delicious spices, meat and veggies. It’s a rice dish soaked in richly flavoured broth. The cinnamon, nutmeg, saffron and meat in the soup give the dish a brownish colour. It’s is also referred to as ‘dirty rice‘ but don’t let the name fool you. Arros Brut is delicious! The meat and vegetables in this dish are variable, depending on the season. The traditional Arros Brut is usually made with chicken or rabbit liver.
5. Pa amb Oli
The secret to this Majorcan dish? Native Mallorcan ramellet tomatoes! Pa amb Oli roots in the 18th century and it translates to ‘bread with oil‘. It’s simple: country ‘peasants’ bread (Pan Payés), Ramellet tomatoes, virgin olive oil and sea salt. These ingredients together are the perfect base. Now, you can vary by adding cheese, garlic, ham or whatever you desire. Pa amb Oli is perfect as a snack, no matter what time of the day it is. You’ll find it everywhere in Majorca.
6. Frito mallorquín
This Majorcan dish was first created in the 14th century, or so the story goes. It’s one of the oldest dishes around and therefore an absolute must-taste! So, what is it? Well, basically it is local seasonal veggies pan-fried in olive oil and mixed with lamb meat and organs. You’ll find it at every restaurant on the island.
Related: Best Majorca Restaurants to put on your list
7. Ensaimada
Ensaimada is a traditional Majorcan pastry snack (or dessert!) made with yeast dough and lard (not suitable for vegetarians!). The dough is made into a spiral shape before baking and after it is sprinkled with icing sugar. The Ensaimada is sometimes stuffed with chocolate or vanilla cream. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll never get enough of these. Luckily, you’ll find them everywhere in Majorca. You can get one straight away at the airport upon your arrival. great start to your Majorca villa holiday. Indulge!
