I was recently talking to a friend (Hi Grace), and she pointed out that I have not posted in quite some time. The truth is, I have found myself pretty busy here in Fuerteventura…. and a bit uninspired. I guess it’s good that I’m spending more time living my life rather than just writing about it, but I’ve returned to my blog to push through this creative block and deliver you some quality content. Where are all my foodies? Today we are talking my favorite Canarian dishes:

Queso Frito (Fried Cheese)

Move aside mozzarella sticks. Fried cheese is my favorite appetizer to order at any Canarian restaurant. It is typically made with goat cheese and served with a drizzle of honey and a side of marmalade. You can also order this dish “a la plancha,” and the cheese will come grilled rather than fried. Super yummy. 10/10

Papas Arrugadas (Wrinkled Potatoes) with Mojo Picón

Did you even go to the Canary Islands if you haven’t tried papas arrugadas with Mojo Picón? You can not go anywhere here without encountering this popular dish. Mojo is a traditional sauce of the Canary Islands and comes in red and green. I prefer the green, but the red is more common. Each restaurant makes their mojo a bit different, but you can find it EVERYWHERE, even in the grocery stores. Mojo is also commonly served with bread. If you’re lucky, the restaurant will include garlic aioli with your papas as well.

Lapas with Green Mojo Picón

You betcha the Canary Islands has killer seafood. Lapas is my new favorite type of shellfish. I have never even heard of this dish before coming to the Canary Islands, but it is pretty easy to find here. I have even seen lapas shells while visiting some natural pools on the island. Think steamed clams but bigger and more flavorful. Served with green mojo, this dish is perfection.

Barbacoa (Barbeque)

If you come to the Canary Islands, it is a good idea to make friends with the locals. They will take you to cool hidden beaches where you can set up your own little BBQ. Grab some chicken, corn, and potatoes from the grocery store, and you are good to go!

Pescado del Día (Fish of the day) & Pulpo (Octopus)

You can not go to the Canary Islands without indulging in their delicious seafood. Fish & octopus are popular menu items. If you are like me, and you don’t know much about the differences between fish, you can request the “fish of the day” to share among your table. Usually, this is served with papas arrugadas and salad. Fish can be served various ways; “a la plancha” (grilled) “frito” (fried). Pictured on the right, is Barracuda, one of the more unique dishes I’ve tried… and very delicious!

Arepas

Not a Canarian food, but easy to find in the Canary Islands… With many immigrants living in the Canaries, you are likely to find authentic food from all over the world. These are arepas from my favorite Venezuelan restaurant in my neighborhood. Arepas Llaneras Venezolanas. Pictured is the super llanera especial (meat, beans, cheese, fried egg, fried banana, avocado)

Kebab

Another staple in my diet has been this falafel pita from Doner Kebab. Because Fuerteventura is so close to Africa, we have some great Moroccan food here. Although kebab is not Canarian, it can be widely found on the islands.

As a self-proclaimed foodie, discovering new food has been one of my favorite parts of living in the Canary Islands. If you find yourself here, I definitely recommend you try some of the items I have highlighted above. I’d love to hear any of your own recommendations as well in the comments section.

Un abrazo,

Mags