The gastronomy of Palma de Mallorca is well-known both nationally and internationally for its high-quality products and intense flavours. At LOCK & enjoy!, we explain the typical dishes and products of the city so you can buy them or take a small gastronomic tour through the various restaurants and bars.
If you need a safe place to leave your backpack or belongings for as long as you need, we are located near Plaza de España in Palma de Mallorca. Book with us!
Discover the Gastronomy of Palma de Mallorca!
The gastronomy of Palma de Mallorca is a significant part of Mallorcan identity and culture, being one of the city’s most important attractions. For this reason, we’ve prepared a wide selection of local products and dishes that are truly delightful.
Ensaimada
Although ensaimada is sold in many places across Spain, it is particularly famous in Mallorca. It is a pastry made from a strip of puff pastry dough formed into a spiral. The main ingredients are flour, sugar, eggs, and pork lard.
The earliest historical references to this product date back to the 18th century, with records showing that Mallorcan ensaimadas were already being made for events and festivities. In 1996, it received recognition as a Specific Denomination, and in 2003 as a Protected Geographical Indication, due to its importance as a local and tourist attraction.
The traditional ensaimada is the one without any filling, commonly known as “lisa,” but the one filled with pumpkin strands, known as “cabello de ángel,” is also very popular.
Over the years, other types have also gained popularity, such as ensaimadas filled with cream, custard, or chocolate.
You can purchase one in any shop in the centre of Palma at a very competitive price.
Sobrasada
Sobrasada originates from Mallorca, making it one of the most important gastronomic products. Although the island’s climate is not ideal for preserving meat by curing whole pieces, over the years, it has been made with raw cured sausages.
During the 16th century, Mallorca began to develop a significant charcuterie tradition with the island’s typical products. Sobrasada became one of the most common preservation methods in any Mallorcan household pantry.
Today, it is a product with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), a detail that sets it apart from other foods. It is made from the meat of Mallorcan black pigs, one of the island’s native breeds, and is then mixed with paprika, salt, and spices. Finally, it is stuffed into natural casings to be air-cured.
This product is known for its versatility in the kitchen, as it is used in many dishes. It is typically spread on bread but is also used as a base for stews.
In most tourist areas of Palma de Mallorca, you can find traditional charcuteries selling Mallorcan sobrasada, both in whole pieces and by weight.
Arrós Brut
“Dirty rice” can be enjoyed at any of the city’s top restaurants. Its name comes from the murky, brownish broth given by the spices and the liver paste added at the end.
It has a rural origin, as farmers (known as “payeses” in Mallorca) would throw whatever they had hunted that day into the fire. This small detail means that the ingredients vary from one area to another, and the vegetables also change according to the season.
At LOCK & enjoy!, we recommend trying it, as it is a delicious dish with a rich Mediterranean flavour.
Cocas
Cocas are a common product in regions like Catalonia and the Valencian Community, as well as in Palma de Mallorca. Although the way they are made varies depending on the town, they are generally a mix of water, flour, yeast, and oil; they come in both sweet and savoury varieties.
The most famous in Mallorca is coca de trempó. It is made with vegetables such as green peppers, onions, tomatoes, and paprika. You can buy it in any of Palma’s bakeries, as well as cocas made with peppers, vegetables, or meat.
They are typically enjoyed for lunch or as a small appetiser before a meal, and even for an afternoon snack.
Pa amb Oli
Also called “bread with oil”, this is another of the most typical appetisers or accompaniments in Mediterranean cities, and it is served in most restaurants as a standard item.
Its origin is quite interesting, as in earlier times, bread and oil were considered a guarantee of a proper meal.
The traditional recipe is made with brown bread, extra virgin olive oil, ramallet tomatoes, olives, and sea fennel as a garnish. On top of the bread, you can add fish, eggs, meat, or cheese.
Are you familiar with the architecture of Palma de Mallorca? We suggest you take a small architectural tour and, when you need a break, try one of the products we’ve described.
Pica-pica
This is a 100% Mallorcan cuttlefish dish with a very special mix of ingredients. It is made into a stew with onions, garlic, tomatoes, pine nuts, raisins, chillies, and paprika; the latter ingredient gives it its name.
It can be served with white rice, fried potatoes, or just a simple slice of bread.
Discover Palma de Mallorca! And remember, our lockers in Palma de Mallorca are open 24 hours a day. Choose your size and enjoy the gastronomy of Palma de Mallorca.
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