From royal lobster sidewalk to sweet treats, you'll find delicious food in the Balearic Islands. Here you can taste some of the most flavorful specialties so you know what to eat the next time you visit the archipelago. In short, there is something for everyone.
The Balearic Sea is full of fresh seafood, which is also enjoyed by the local cuisine. It is also bursting with delicious specialities, from shrimp to swordfish. A specialty of the islands, especially in Menorca, is the caldera de langosta soup – a lobster soup or stew based on the local blue lobster. As with so many dishes of Mediterranean cuisine, the ingredients for the soup are simple, but the result is stunning. The soup itself is based on a so-called sofrito, a basic mixture of tomatoes, green pepper, onion, garlic and parsley. The soup spends several hours simmering and collecting flavors on the stove before serving. The dish is served with thin slices of bread. It tastes heavenly – and no wonder the Spanish royals often go to Menorca to enjoy the dish!
If you have ever been to Spain, you also know that many fantastic cheeses are produced in the country. One of the great cheese meccas is the island of Menorca, which is known for its long and traditional cheese production. The absolute crowning glory has to be the island's maó cheese, named after the island's capital, Mahon. The cow's milk cheese has become a staple among locals for its salty taste and buttery texture – and a big hit with visitors.
Sausages and cured meats are also worth sampling when visiting the Balearic Islands. Of course you will find the world famous chorizo here, but have you ever tasted the Mallorcan sobrassada? The sausage is based on the local black Balearic pork and seasoned with a simple spice mixture consisting of paprika, salt and black pepper. Enjoy a selection of local cheeses, wines and charcuterie with freshly baked bread and a glass of Mallorca's finest wine.
Coca de trampo is another popular, traditional dish that can be found at any bakery, especially in Mallorca. It is a tasty bite that reminds a bit of pizza. The bottom is thin, crispy puff pastry, topped with various delicacies. One of the favorites is coca de verduras, where the freshly baked dough is filled with a flavorful mix of chopped tomatoes, onions and peppers.
When visiting the bakery, it is also obvious to try some of the archipelago's many desserts. On every menu you will soon find ensaimada, a spiral-shaped snail that can be both salty and sweet. It can be eaten at the breakfast table or as a quick snack for lunch.
In Ibiza, the remains of this beautiful snail are used for the local dessert greixonera. The remnants of the spiralized dough are combined with eggs and milk and then baked until firm and golden brown. The dessert is often served bottom-up and sprinkled with ground cinnamon or grated lemon zest.
Traditional Balearic cuisine is rich in vegetables, grains and pulses. Due to the sunny location, all islands have the opportunity to grow their own crops all year round. So it's not far from farm-to-table where you can enjoy some of the archipelago's crunchy and tasty vegetable dishes. Here you can taste vegetarian dishes such as tombet, which consists of lightly fried bell peppers, potatoes, onions and aubergine. You can also enjoy Trampó mallorquín, a simple salad made with tomato, onion, local green pepper, olive oil and salt. It is precisely these dishes that are good examples of what Balearic cuisine is so good at:letting excellent ingredients speak for themselves.
