.png)
"Exploring Tenerife: A Culinary Journey Through the Island's Local Cuisine"
- Your Tips Gourmet
- Apr 29, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: May 4, 2024
Hola, fellow foodies!
Welcome to our blog where we share our travel experiences around the world. Today, I want to take you on a journey to Tenerife, a beautiful island located in the Canary Islands. A few years ago, we had the opportunity to visit this stunning island, and let me tell you, it was a culinary adventure like no other. In this article, I'll be sharing our personal experience of our trip to Tenerife, including the places we visited, the food we tried, and the activities we enjoyed. So, sit back, relax, and let me transport you to this beautiful island through my words. From the bustling streets of Santa Cruz to the laid-back vibes of the hippie beach, the island and its local cuisine were a paradise!
If you're ever in Tenerife, be sure to explore the local food scene and try everything from the high-end restaurants to the street vendors and beach shacks. You never know what awaits you on this beautiful island.
You can easily travel around Tenerife by car or scooter. In fact, having your own transportation can be a great way to explore the island at your own pace and see all of its hidden gems.
However, it's important to note that driving in Tenerife can be panoramic as much as challenging, especially if you're not used to driving on the right-hand side of the road. The island's roads are also narrow and winding, with steep drops in some areas, so it's important to drive carefully and cautiously.
I’d be happy to tell you something about Las Palmas, our first stop, and location of our accomodation! Las Palmas is the capital city of the province of Las Palmas, which is located in the eastern part of Tenerife. It is a vibrant and bustling city that offers a rich cultural experience and a dynamic food scene.
One of the highlights of Las Palmas is the Mercado de Vegueta, a local market that sells fresh produce, seafood, and meats. It is a great place to sample some of the local specialties, such as "papas arrugadas," which are small, wrinkled potatoes that are boiled in saltwater and served with "mojo" sauce. The sauce comes in two varieties: "mojo picón," which is a spicy sauce made with red pepper, and "mojo verde," a milder version made with garlic, cilantro, and parsley.
Both were truly delicious!
The market also has a variety of food vendors selling everything from empanadas to churros.
In addition to the market, Las Palmas is also home to many world-class restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Spanish dishes to international fare. One of the most popular areas for dining is the charming old town of Vegueta, where you can find many cozy restaurants tucked away in picturesque alleyways.
In our opinion, Las Palmas should be on your must-visit list when travelling to Tenerife. With its lively atmosphere, rich culture, active nightlife and delicious food, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
What to say about Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital city, we spent there one day only. It is a vibrant city with a rich culinary culture that reflects the island's history and influences from the Spanish mainland, Africa, and South America.
Breakfast on the way:
To reach Santa Cruz we passed by Tacoronte, a little town that is located in the heart of the wine region of Tenerife. It is known fo the historic town centre, which features picturesque streets lines with colonial-style houses, and its unique culinary traditions, such as the
"gofio", a Canarian flour made from roasted grains that is used in many local dishes.
Tacoronte is also home to many wineries and vineyards that produce some of the best wines in Tenerife. The town hosts an annual wine festival, where visitors can sample a variety of local wines and learn about the winemaking process.
There also are several local suppliers in Tacoronte that offer delicious burgers made with locally sourced beef and served with homemade fries, and they are known for their generous portions and affordable prices.
We stopped in a tiny burger joint that served up some of the most delicious burgers we've ever had. For just a few euros, we enjoyed what it was supposed to be our breakfast stop and happened to be a juicy burger, a cold beer, and a quarter litre of the local wine - talk about a great deal!
PS
If you have time, be sure to visit the nearby beach of Mesa del Mar, which is known for its black sand and dramatic cliffs. The beach is a popular spot for surfing and swimming, and there are several restaurants and bars where you can relax and enjoy the views.
In Santa Cruz, we were greeted by the warm, welcoming people and the delicious smells of street vendors selling everything from churros to fresh seafood. We wandered through the colourful streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city and stopping to sample some of the local specialties.
One of the most popular food items in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a traditional dish called "garbanzas compuestas," which is a stew made with chickpeas, pork, chorizo, and potatoes. It is typically served with "gofio," which has a nutty flavour.
Seafood is also a staple in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, given the island's location in the Atlantic Ocean. Fresh fish and seafood dishes are a common sight in many restaurants, with "caldo de pescado," a fish soup, being a local favourite.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife also offers a wide range of international cuisine, including Italian, Indian, and Chinese. The city's food scene is diverse and dynamic, with many restaurants and cafes offering innovative and creative dishes that reflect the island's history, but also influences from around the world.
From Santa Cruz we proceeded to “La Cueva de Chinamada” (you won't want to miss on this place if you ever take a trip to the island!), a well-known restaurant located in the town of Icod de los Vinos.
The restaurant is famous for its great location, as it is built inside a natural cave that dates back to the 18th century. The rustic decor and candlelit ambiance create a cozy and romantic atmosphere that is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
The menu features a variety of traditional Canarian dishes, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and homemade desserts. One of the most popular dishes at La Cueva de Chinamada is the "puchero," a traditional Canarian stew made with beef, pork, chickpeas, and vegetables. The stew is slow-cooked for several hours and served with a side of potatoes and a spicy mojo sauce.
In addition to the delicious food, La Cueva de Chinamada also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and the restaurant's outdoor terrace is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine (or two!) while taking in the stunning view.
After lunch walk:
One of the most amazing walks we took during our trip to Tenerife was the one from La Cueva de Chinamada to the cliff. The walk is about 5km long and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the island. The path is well-maintained and not too difficult, so it's suitable for most people. As we walked along the path, we could see the Atlantic Ocean stretching out before us, and the rugged coastline of the island. The cliff itself was a sight to behold, with its sheer drop into the ocean below. It was an unforgettable experience, and one that I highly recommend to anyone visiting Tenerife.
OUR FAVOURITE SPOT: PUERTO DE LA CRUZ and its unique tradition and holiday vibes.
Puerto de la Cruz is a picturesque coastal town that is famous for its fresh seafood and Canarian cuisine. One of the must-try dishes in Puerto de la Cruz is the fish stew, made with a variety of fresh fish, potatoes, and other vegetables.
The town also has many street vendors selling churros and other sweet treats.
We visited Puerto de la Cruz on a Wednesday. It was impressive the lively and festive holiday atmosphere. The town hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, with the Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz being one of the most popular and most colourful carnival celebrations in Tenerife, it takes place every year in February and lasts for several days, with parades, music, dancing, and plenty of food and drink. We are sorry to have missed of a week only such a peculiar local event. It's always disappointing to hear about an interesting event or activity after it has already taken place.
A hidden gem in Puerto de la Cruz is the San Telmo Bridge, which spans a canal that runs through the town. The bridge is lined with several restaurants and cafes, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.
This is a great place to enjoy a meal at one of the high-end restaurants or a drink while taking in the beautiful scenery.
But it wasn't just the view to impress us on our visit. One dish that we simply could not pass up was the paella. Made with fresh
seafood, saffron, and rice, this traditional Spanish dish was the perfect meal to share. We found a local restaurant that served up some of the best paella we've ever tasted, and we savoured every bite.
Look at the related posts at the end of the page, and tentalize your tastebud with our Paella recipe!
Overall, the town's unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty make it a great destination for visitors looking for an authentic Tenerife experience.
TIPS
Let's not forget about the hippie beach in La Caleta, a characteristic fishing village located on the southwestern coast of Tenerife, near the town of Adeje.
At the hippie beach there are still living people in the tents, or caves... At the time of our visit, there were also around 5 residents, who lived there permanently.
The hippie beach is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a glimpse into Tenerife's bohemian culture and artistic community.
Whether you're looking for a place to surf, sunbathe, or just soak up the atmosphere, this beach is definitely worth a visit.
If you go there... don't forget visit second beach (the sandy one)... it is a nudist beach, and there is party happening sometimes!
Our trip to Tenerife was a reminder that good food is not just about fancy restaurants and expensive ingredients. It's about the love and passion that goes into each dish, the welcoming spirit of the people who serve it, and the happy vibes of the place where it's enjoyed.
Tenerife truly was a destination that had something for everyone. Whether you're planning a trip to Tenerife or simply seeking inspiration for your next adventure, remember to approach life with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. Who knows what unforgettable experiences await you!
