Mallorcan specialties: You have to try these 10 dishes on Mallorca!

What do you actually have to eat on Mallorca? What are typical Mallorcan dishes? In general, typical Mallorcan cuisine consists of the usual Mediterranean ingredients. All kinds of vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, peppers and eggplants; fish and seafood; meat (including lamb) and, of course, lots of garlic and olive oil make Mallorca’s cuisine not only healthy but also varied. In this article, I’ll tell you which 10 Mallorcan specialties you shouldn’t miss out on.

#1 Ensaimada

As soon as you arrive at the airport in Palma, you will notice the hexagonal boxes hanging from delicatessens in every conceivable size: This is the traditional packaging of ensaimadas. (Tip: If you want to take one or more ensaimadas home with you, you’ll still have the opportunity to do so at the airport).

An ensaimada is a sweet yeast dough snail and is traditionally spread with plenty of lard and baked. So not for vegetarians! Ensaimadas are available plain or filled. Popular fillings include angel hair, vanilla or chocolate cream, dulce de leche or more exotic combinations such as sobrasada.

You can find delicious ensaimadas in many bakeries on Mallorca. In the Horno Santo Christo stores, you can not only buy ensaimadas, but also try them directly in a pleasant atmosphere with a café con leche.

#2 Frito mallorquin / Frit mallorquí

Frito mallorquin is one of the Mallorcan specialties that is not everyone’s cup of tea. The original version of this stewis made fromlamb offal (liver, lungs and heart). The offal is sautéed briefly with onions in plenty of olive oil, then chopped vegetables such as peppers, fennel, peas and potatoes are added and everything is braised. Frito mallorquín isserved as a main course, but can also beserved lukewarm in small quantities as tapas.

However, there are now also versions without offal or completely meat-free.

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#3 Gató de almendra / Gató d’ametlla

Mallorca is known for its almond blossom in February, which creates a sea of flowers in many places. No wonder that almonds also play a role in Mallorcan cuisine. The Mallorcan almond cake Gató d’ametlla is fluffy, light and consists almost entirely of eggs, sugar and almonds. Enjoy a slice with a scoop of genuine Mallorcan almond ice cream.

You can find the recipe here.

#4 Coca de Patata

Cocas de Patata are fluffy, sweet yeast rolls made from potato flour, dusted with powdered sugar and a delicious snack with coffee. The best cocas on the island can be found in Valldemossa! Here they are freshly baked from morning to late afternoon and you can often find lukewarm cocas fresh from the oven.

More about Valldemossa & where to find the best cocas de patata

#5 Coca Mallorquina / Coca de Trampó

In contrast to the cocas de patata, the coca mallorquina is a hearty specialty. Coca Mallorquina is a kind of thin pizza without cheese, but topped with lots of vegetables, especially peppers. This vegetable pie is eaten cold or warm, as a snack or as a small starter. Attention vegetarians: Traditionally, the dough is made with lard.

#6 Sobrasada

#7 Pa amb oli

Pa amb Oli translates as “bread with oil” and is as simple as it is delicious. Rustic farmhouse bread is toasted and then spread with olive oil, Ramillet tomatoes and garlic.

Ramillet tomatoes are a special variety of tomato on Mallorca. They are often sold hanging with a panicle and have a particularly firm skin. For Pa amb Oli, they are simply cut open and the cut surface is grated over the bread.
Pa amb Oli is available in different variations. Olives and cheese are often served with it.

#8 Tumbet

A Mallorcan tumbet is a delicious, hearty vegetable dish that vegetarians will also enjoy. Potatoes, eggplants, bell peppers, and onions are sautéed in plenty of olive oil, topped with tomato sauce, and then braised in the oven. Tumbet is served as a side dish with meat and fish, as a cold appetizer, or as a complete main course.

#9 Sopas mallorquinas

No, that’s not a spelling mistake, a sopas mallorquinas is always referred to in the plural :) Strictly speaking, it is a rich stew with white cabbage and pork, served on thick cubes of bread. A traditional peasant dish that will keep you going all day!

#10 Arroz brut

Another stew: arroz brut (dirty rice) is usually served in a clay pot and consists of rice, broth, vegetables, meat and offal, which gives the stew its color. Another rice dish that you will also find veryoften on Mallorcais the famous paella.

Bonus tip: Paella

Paella is not, strictly speaking, a typical Mallorcan dish andoriginally comes from the area around Valencia. However, you will also find many restaurants in Mallorca that serve paella! And because a paella can be a huge event, depending on its size, and really brings the Spanish way of life to life, I highly recommend you try a paella! Especially if you like seafood, you’ll be delighted!

Tips for eating in Mallorca

As you can see, Mallorcan cuisine is very rich! Many types of fruit and vegetables come directly from the island, and you can taste it! So much grows on Mallorca: oranges, lemons, olives, almonds and more!

I also highly recommend visiting one of the many markets – and if you are self-catering in your accommodation and enjoy cooking, you will be delighted with the island’s great produce!

Foodie Tip: Would you like to try your hand at cooking while on vacation? In Mallorca, you’ll find plenty of beautiful self-catering accommodations!
➜ Book a vacation rental or a finca with its own kitchen in Mallorca here