Tapas are a traditional Spanish cuisine that originated in the southern region of Andalusia, but have become popular all over the country and beyond. They are small plates of food, often served with drinks at bars, and are meant to be shared among friends.
Tapas are also popular in the Canary Islands, and are often served at bars and restaurants across the islands. Many tourists and locals alike enjoy trying different types of tapas while exploring the islands and experiencing the local culture.
Typical Canarian tapas
But you’ll notice that the tapas in Gran Canaria are slightly different than the ones in the peninsula! We listed some typical Canarian tapas dishes here. Don’t forget to check this article about typical Canarian food.
- Papas arrugadas: small, wrinkled potatoes boiled in saltwater and served with a spicy red or green mojo sauce.
- Croquetas: small, fried balls filled with various ingredients such as ham, chicken, or seafood.
- Tortilla: a type of omelette made with potatoes and onions.
- Tostadas: slices of toasted bread topped with ingredients such as tomato, cheese, or cured ham.
- Bocadillos: small sandwiches made with a variety of fillings such as cheese, ham, or chicken.
- Pulpo a la gallega: octopus cooked in a spicy paprika sauce and served on top of boiled potatoes.
- Empanadas: pastries filled with various ingredients such as seafood, meat, or vegetables.
- Queso asado: grilled cheese served with honey or tomato jelly.
Please note that these are answers and recommendations from community members and their personal experiences. Answers can be slightly edited for clarity.
Can someone suggest me a good place where to eat tapas?
If you’re up for a trip to the south I highly recommend Wapa Tapa (in Yumbo center, but the place itself is amazing!). You need to make a reservation a couple of days in advance though, because it’s very popular.
On Las Canteras Restaurante La Quilla. is my favourite
Tasca Galileo is excellent but is small and you can’t book, but it’s well worth queuing for.
Currently, my favourite place is Toma pan y moja. The reviews online are quite mixed, but I’ve not yet had a bad experience there!
Bodegón Pachichi
I love the duck at Tasca Galileo. And I love Bar Cafetería Ricarepa, I probably grab arepas here too often.
Tasca Galileo is really great! Today I went to Café Madrid (close to San Telmo), which was also really nice.
Toma pan y moja. They have great tapas and they are by the shore.
Ñoño El Chico. It’s on the paseo, super tasty and cheap tapas! They also have a delicious paella on Sunday.
I can’t recommend ENOUGH a tapas place called Wapa Tapa, in south in the Yumbo! We had 8 different tapas and 4 different deserts. Everything tasted perfect. They normally ask for a reservation a day upfront over WhatsApp, so keep that in mind.
There’s nothing more authentic than Bodegón Pachichi.
I would recommend Bodegón Pachichi, on Calle los Martínez de Escobar 51. Best to go to if you are a meat eater though, for vegetarians and especially vegans the menu is very limited. Try the chorizo infierno, you won’t regret. I love their mojo and almogrote. It’s a small and very loud restaurant, so be prepared
I recommend Somos Costeros, Bodegón Pachichi, Tasca Galileo, Bodega Extremeña, Bar Bochinche Los Jamones and La Travesia de Triana.There are also multiple stalls inside Mercado del Puerto for tapas. It’s nice to go there on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
Bodegón Pachichi
Ñoño El Chico
The tapas bars around Mercado del Puerto have the best navajas, scallops and prawns on the island in my opinion.
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