Traditional Foods in Gran Canaria: Local Delicacies

One of the best things about luxury Gran Canaria holidays – apart from the stunning scenery and year-round sunshine – is the traditional food in Gran Canaria, a flavourful fusion of Spanish, African and island influences. While you’ll find familiar Spanish dishes across restaurants and hotels, the real culinary magic lies in the typical Gran Canaria dishes that locals have treasured for generations. If you’re wondering what to eat in Gran Canaria, this guide will take your taste buds on a tour of the island’s most iconic delicacies.

Sancocho Canario – The Island’s Signature Dish

This vibrant main course is a must-try if you’re exploring authentic food in Gran Canaria.

What is it?

A hearty dish made from salted cod, sweet potato and a serving of gofio.

How it’s prepared:

• The salted cod is soaked overnight
• Boiled with ‘papas arrugadas’ – small Canarian potatoes
• Served with mojo verde or mojo picón (traditional green and red sauces)

When to eat it:

It’s especially popular during Easter and Good Friday but can be found year-round in traditional restaurants across the island.

Where to try it:

Look for family-run eateries in towns like Arucas, Agaete and Teror.

Gofio – The Canarian Superfood

Gofio isn’t just an ingredient – it’s part of the identity of traditional food in Gran Canaria.

What is it?

A nutrient-rich flour made from roasted grains such as barley, maize and wheat.

How it’s used:

• Added to children’s milk for extra nutrition
• Made into ice cream (helado de gofio)
• Served as mus de gofio (gofio mousse)
• Made into a pureé and served with onions (gofio escalado / scalded gofio)

Why you should try it:

It’s packed with protein, fibre, minerals and vitamins – a true local health secret.

Bienmesabe – The Sweet Taste of Tejeda

If you’re deciding what to eat in Gran Canaria for dessert – this is it. Bienmesabe literally translates to “it tastes good to me”, and it absolutely does!

Ingredients:

• Ground almonds
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Lemon zest
• Cinnamon
  

Where it comes from:

The mountain village of Tejeda, famous for its almond trees and panoramic views. Visit in early February to witness the Festival of the Almond Trees in Flower.

How to enjoy it:

• As a dessert topping
• Mixed with ice cream – especially gofio ice cream
• On its own with a coffee or local rum

Papas Arrugadas – The Iconic Canarian Potatoes

No list of traditional food in Gran Canaria would be complete without papas arrugadas, the famous “wrinkled potatoes” of the islands. These small, salty potatoes are considered the ultimate symbol of typical Gran Canaria dishes, and they’re served everywhere – from beach bars to Michelin-starred restaurants.

What makes them unique?

They’re boiled in heavily salted water (traditionally even seawater) until the skin wrinkles and a fine layer of salt crystals forms on the outside.

How they’re served:

• Always with mojo verde (cilantro-based green sauce) or mojo picón (spicy red pepper sauce)
• As a side to fish, meat or tapas
• Often ordered as a starter to share
  

Why you should try them:

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and flavour-packed – papas arrugadas are the perfect introduction to what to eat in Gran Canaria. They’re simple yet iconic, and locals often call them the “soul of Canarian cuisine”.

Chuchangas – Canarian Snail Stew

Not just for the French! Locals take great pride in this surprising delicacy, locally called caracoles en salsa.

What’s in it?

• Snails cooked with tomatoes, peppers, onion, garlic and sometimes chorizo, stewed in a warming homemade gravy
  

Where to find it:
Check traditional taverns inland – especially during local food festivals. It’s an adventurous addition to your list of what to eat in Gran Canaria.

Ron Miel – The Taste of Gran Canaria in a Glass

No culinary tour is complete without this locally crafted liqueur.

About Ron Miel (Honey Rum):

• Only produced in the Canary Islands
• Smooth, sweet and perfect after dinner
• Often served chilled as a complimentary shot in restaurants
  

Try it with:

• Coffee
• Ice cream
• Bienmesabe
• Or simply on its own at sunset!

Local Markets – The Heart of Canarian Food Culture

To experience genuine food in Gran Canaria, visit the vibrant local markets.

What to look for:

• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Goat’s cheese & honey
• Chorizo de Teror
• Handcrafted sweets
• Local wines and rums
  

Best markets to explore:

• Mercado de Vegueta (Las Palmas)
• San Mateo Farmers’ Market
• Teror Market (Sundays)

What to Eat in Gran Canaria – Feeling Hungry?

Gran Canaria is more than a sun-soaked escape – it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen. So before packing your bags, make sure to note down these irresistible delicacies and savour the true flavour of the Canary Islands! If you’re ready for a getaway, check out our top deals below to this culinary paradise…