Papas arrugadas
Small potatoes boiled in heavy salt until the skins wrinkle – the best-known classic, served with mojo.
Food · Products · Aloe vera
Taste of Tenerife
What ends up on the table in Tenerife – and where it comes from: Canarian classics, simple recipes to try at home, island specialities and the aloe vera plantations in the south.
Canarian cuisine
Twelve dishes worth knowing in Tenerife – the names stay Spanish, as on the menu.
Mojo rojo y mojo verde
Two sauces for potatoes, fish and meat: red (paprika, chilli, garlic) and green (coriander or parsley).
Potaje de berros
Stew of white beans, watercress, squash, potatoes and pork ribs.
Gofio escaldado
A thick porridge of toasted flour (gofio) in fish broth – simple island cooking with Guanche roots.
Queso asado
Grilled goat's cheese with oil and spices, often served with mojo.
Almogrote
A spicy cheese spread made from aged cheese, paprika and oil.
Conejo en salmorejo
Rabbit in a strong garlic sauce – not the same as Andalusian salmorejo.
Rancho canario
A hearty one-pot dish with pork, beef, chickpeas, noodles and saffron.
Ropa vieja de pulpo
Shredded marinated octopus – a variation of the Canarian "ropa vieja".
Carne fiesta
Pork marinated overnight in Canarian adobo, then fried and stewed.
Bienmesabe
Sweet almond cream, served with flan, ice cream or fresh cheese.
Frangollo con miel de palma
Cornmeal dessert, often served with palm honey.
Recipes to try
Five simple basics. Amounts are a guide; adjust to taste.
Papas arrugadas
about 35 min
Ingredients1 kg small potatoes, 4–5 tbsp coarse sea salt, water
MethodWash the potatoes, leave the skins on and put them in a pot. Add water until it almost covers them and add the salt. Boil uncovered until tender (20–25 min). Drain, shake the pot over low heat until a white salt crust forms on the skins. Serve with mojo.
Mojo rojo
about 10 min
Ingredients3 garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tbsp sweet paprika, 1 dried chilli (or cayenne), 100 ml olive oil, 3 tbsp vinegar, salt, a little water
MethodBlend everything in a mortar or blender into a smooth sauce, adjust with a little water and taste. Better after 1–2 hours in the fridge.
Mojo verde
about 10 min
Ingredients1 bunch coriander or parsley, 2 garlic cloves, ½ tsp cumin, 100 ml olive oil, 2 tbsp vinegar, salt
MethodRoughly chop the herbs and blend finely with the other ingredients. Good with potatoes, fish and grilled cheese.
Gofio escaldado
about 15 min
Ingredients500 ml hot fish broth, about 150 g gofio, onion and olive oil to taste
MethodHeat the broth and stir in gofio gradually until you get a thick, mouldable porridge. Let it rest briefly and serve with onion and a little oil.
Bienmesabe
about 40 min
Ingredients250 g ground almonds, 250 g sugar, 250 ml water, peel of 1 lemon, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 egg yolks
MethodBoil water with sugar, lemon peel and cinnamon and simmer for about 10 min. Stir in the almonds, lower the heat, stir in the yolks and thicken while stirring. Cool; serve with ice cream, flan or fresh cheese.
Products & producers
The island has several protected designations. The businesses named are tips to check yourself, not partners or advertising; please ask about opening hours and prices in advance.
Honey – Miel de Tenerife (PDO)
Protected designation of origin. About 700 registered beekeepers with some 15,000 hives. Varieties include tajinaste, Teide broom, avocado, fennel, chestnut and heather. La Casa de la Miel in El Sauzal offers information, tastings and direct sales.
Goat's cheese
Mostly from goat's milk, fresh or cured. Production areas: Arico-Fasnia, Anaga, Teno and El Tanque. At the 2023 Concurso Insular de Quesos de Tenerife the winners were Quesería Benijos (La Orotava, cured) and Quesería Cunygan (Candelaria, fresh).
Gofio
Flour from toasted grain (traditionally maize and wheat), ground in stone mills. Eaten with milk, broth, stews and in baking; rich in iron, zinc and magnesium.
Banana – Plátano de Canarias (PGI)
The only banana in the world with a protected geographical indication; traditionally grown on small plantations.
Wine
Five designations on Tenerife: Abona, Tacoronte-Acentejo, Valle de Güímar, Valle de La Orotava and Ycoden-Daute-Isora. Well-known wineries: Monje (El Sauzal), Suertes del Marqués (Valle de La Orotava), Cráter (El Sauzal), Frontos (Granadilla) and Bodegas Insulares (Tacoronte).
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent long used in Tenerife for skin and hair care; the climate, volcanic soil and sea air are considered favourable. Care products are sold in plantation shops, spas and cosmetics businesses.
Note: effects such as "healing" or "anti-inflammatory" are producer claims, not medical advice. For skin problems please ask your doctor.
Finca Canarias Aloe Vera
TF-51, km 0.8, Arona. Guided plantation tours, shop with aloe products. Per map listings Mon–Sat 9–5; booking recommended.
Aloe Park Tenerife
Camino Bananeras 16, Arona. Talks on the history of aloe production, fruit orchards, tasting, souvenir bazaar; 2–4 hours, closed at weekends according to the provider.
Details are from public travel and map portals and not checked on site: please ask about opening hours and prices in advance.
More about Tenerife
Places, routes and tips for your trip are on the home page.
Sources: public tourism and trade pages (WebTenerife, Gobierno de Canarias, press). No health, legal or investment advice.