Introduction to Canarian gastronomy
Canarian food, and particularly that of Tenerife, is a melting pot of flavors that combines influences from Spanish and Latin American cuisine. This unique blend of culinary traditions has resulted in tasty and unique dishes that reflect the rich history and culture of the region. In Tenerife, the gastronomic offer is wide and varied, but in the north of the island you will find some of the most authentic and traditional treasures in the famous “guachinches”.
Typical dishes of Tenerife
1. Wrinkled potatoes with mojo
The wrinkled potatoes are perhaps the most emblematic dish of Canarian gastronomy. They are prepared with small potatoes, typically of the variety known as “papa bonito”, which are boiled in heavily salted water until the skin wrinkles. They are served with two types of mojo: red mojo (picón) and green mojo. Mojo picón is a spicy sauce made with peppers, garlic, cumin, paprika, olive oil and vinegar. Mojo verde, on the other hand, is a milder sauce made with cilantro or parsley, garlic, cumin, olive oil and vinegar.
This simple but delicious dish is a symbol of Canarian hospitality and is served on almost any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations. The simplicity of the ingredients highlights the quality of the local products, and the contrast between the salty potatoes and the flavorful mojos creates an unforgettable culinary experience.
2. Old clothes
Ropa Vieja is a useful dish that is prepared with shredded beef or chicken, chickpeas, potatoes, peppers, onions and tomatoes. Everything is cooked together until you obtain a kind of thick and tasty stew. This dish reflects the influence of Spanish cuisine and is very popular both in the Canary Islands and in Latin America.
The history of ropavieja is as rich as its flavor. Originally from the Iberian Peninsula, this dish reached the Canary Islands and was adapted to local ingredients. Its name, which literally means “old clothes”, refers to the custom of using leftover meat to prepare this stew. In Tenerife, ropa Vieja is a testament to culinary ingenuity and the ability to transform simple ingredients into a complex and comforting delight.
3. Cherne
The cherne is a highly appreciated fish in Canarian gastronomy. It is prepared in various ways, but one of the most traditional is baked, accompanied by potatoes and vegetables. It is also common to find it in stews and sancocho, a typical Canarian dish that combines salted fish with potatoes, sweet potato and mojo.
The cherne is valued for its firm meat and delicate flavor, which makes it the perfect protagonist for many Canarian dishes. In sancocho, for example, the cherne is cooked slowly until it melts in the mouth, impregnating the broth with its essence. This dish, often served with a generous portion of gofio and mojo, is a celebration of the sea and land flavors of Tenerife.
4. Ribs with potatoes and corn pineapple
Ribs with potatoes and corn is a hearty and tasty dish prepared by boiling pork ribs with potatoes and corn. The result is a comforting and flavorful dish, which is usually served with green mojo sauce to give it a fresh touch.
This dish is a testament to the Canarians’ love of hearty, substantial meals. The pork ribs are cooked slowly to ensure the meat is tender and juicy, while the potatoes and pineapple soak up the juices and flavours of the meat. The green mojo sauce adds a vibrant, refreshing note that balances the richness of the dish, making ribs with potatoes and pineapple a popular choice at guachinches across the island.
5. Goat meat
Goat meat is very popular in Tenerife and is usually prepared in the form of a stew. The meat is slowly cooked with a mixture of spices, wine, garlic and herbs until it is tender and juicy. This dish is commonly accompanied with papas arrugadas or sweet potatoes, offering an authentic taste of Canarian cuisine.
The preparation of goat meat is a perfect example of Tenerife’s survival cuisine, where humble ingredients are transformed into extraordinary delicacies. Goat meat, although fibrous, becomes tender and flavoursome after hours of slow cooking. The spices and wine create a rich, fragrant broth that perfectly complements the meat. This dish, although simple, is a testament to the skill of Canarian cooks in creating dishes full of flavour and character.
Guachinches of northern Tenerife
Guachinches are typical Tenerife establishments where a few dishes of home-cooked food are served, and only home-grown wines and water are used. They are known for offering an authentic and affordable experience of local gastronomy, and must be registered following a series of rules: . Below are some of the best-known and most recommended guachinches in the north of the island.
1. Guachinche El Ramal
Located in La Orotava, Guachinche El Ramal is famous for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent value for money. Here you can taste traditional dishes such as grouper, ribs with potatoes and pineapple and gofio escaldón. The house wine is a young and robust red, perfect to accompany these delicacies.
El Ramal stands out not only for its food, but also for its family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy an authentic Canarian experience, surrounded by vineyards and rural landscapes. This guachinche is a perfect place for those looking for a home-cooked and tasty meal, served with a smile and a glass of local red wine.
2. Guachinche La Casona
Located in the municipality of La Orotava, Guachinche La Casona is known for its rustic and charming surroundings. Its menu includes a variety of Canarian dishes, such as papas arrugadas con mojo, queso asado con miel, and carne fiesta (marinated and fried pork). In addition, it offers a selection of local wines that perfectly complement the food.
La Casona is a classic example of the guachinches of northern Tenerife. With its rustic décor and relaxed atmosphere, it is an ideal place to enjoy a long, relaxing meal. The dishes are generous and full of flavour, reflecting the love and dedication of the cooks. The grilled cheese with palm honey, in particular, is a favourite among customers, combining the richness of the cheese with the sweetness of the local honey.
3. Guachinche El Primero
This guachinche, located in Los Realejos, stands out for the quality of its ingredients and the authenticity of its recipes. Among its most popular dishes are garbanzas, ropa vieja and puchero canario. The atmosphere is informal and familiar, ideal for enjoying a relaxed and traditional meal.
El Primero is known for its commitment to quality and authenticity. Ingredients are fresh and local, and dishes are prepared following traditional recipes passed down through generations. Garbanzas, for example, is a rich and flavourful stew that stands out for its tender chickpeas and well-seasoned broth. This guachinche is an ideal place for those who want to try real Canarian cuisine in a welcoming and unpretentious setting.
4. Guachinche Casa Lito
In the municipality of Santa Úrsula, you will find Guachinche Casa Lito, a place that combines good food and a pleasant atmosphere. Its specialties include grouper, cod with onions and pork chops. The house wine is another of its great attractions, made with grapes from local vineyards.
Casa Lito is a guachinche that stands out for its attention to detail and commitment to quality. The codfish with onions, one of the signature dishes, is slowly cooked until the fish is tender and the caramelized onions add a natural sweetness that complements the salty flavor of the cod. This guachinche is a perfect place to enjoy a quiet and tasty meal, surrounded by the natural beauty of La Victoria de Acentejo.
5. Guachinche Casa Yayi
Casa Yayi, located in La Matanza de Acentejo, is a restaurant with great prestige in the area. Its menu stands out for the variety and quality of its dishes, such as garbanzas compostas, chorizo de perro and grilled sardines. The place is known for its warm atmosphere and attentive service.
Casa Yayi is renowned for its home-style cooking and welcoming atmosphere. Garbanzas compostas, a chickpea stew with meat and spices, is a hearty and flavourful dish that reflects the richness of Canarian cuisine. Chorizo de perro, with its spicy and smoky flavour, is another favourite among customers. This guachinche is an ideal place to enjoy a traditional meal in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Tenerife’s gastronomy is an open window to the island’s rich culture and traditions. From papas arrugadas con mojo to goat meat, each dish tells a story of cultural mixes and authentic flavours. The guachinches of northern Tenerife offer a unique opportunity to experience this cuisine in its purest and most traditional form. Visiting these establishments is not only a delight for the palate, but also a way to connect with the essence of Canarian life.
With their rustic atmosphere and focus on home-style cooking, guachinches represent the best of Canarian hospitality. They are places where food is served with love and dedication, and where visitors can enjoy authentic and tasty dishes in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
To complement this gastronomic experience, Hotel Rural Casablanca offers ideal accommodation in an equally authentic and charming setting. Located in a natural setting and surrounded by beauty, our hotel is the perfect place to rest after a day exploring the flavours of Tenerife. Whether you are a visitor to the island or a resident looking to rediscover its culinary heritage, Tenerife’s typical dishes and guachinches are a treasure not to be missed. Bon appetit and welcome to Hotel Rural Casablanca!
