The Spanish island of Majorca may be small, but it’s home to many great food ideas that are worth trying out. Holidays to Majorca are best enjoyed with locally grown products such as olive oil, almonds and potatoes. If you’re looking for a foodie destination that won’t leave you hungry, here’s what you need to know about the traditional dishes that Majorcans love.

Ensaïmadas – perhaps the most recognisable delicacy from the island, these sugared pastries are often brought home by tourists. With their distinctive spiral shape, it’s easy to find them on Majorca, though you’ll have to be quick as they tend to sell out in bakeries by lunchtime. The centre of the pastry is filled with a sweet syrup or cream for a snack or pudding, whilst breakfast Ensaïmadas are plainer.

Sopa Mallorquina – technically too thick to really be considered a soup, this is more like a hearty broth or casserole, with chunks of vegetables and pork served alongside thinly sliced bread. It’s very filling and traditionally was a cheap way for locals to feed their families.

Sobrasada – the iconic spicy red sausage features in many Majorcan dinners, with a base of bacon and pork mince and a similar taste to Spanish chorizo but with a softer edge so it can be made into a paste. After the meat has been cured, it is sprinkled with paprika and salt. A stronger version, known as ‘coent’, includes cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Lechona Asada – not for the faint hearted, roast suckling pig is very popular in Majorca and is easily found in restaurants and pubs when you visit. It’s generally served with potatoes and pureed apple sauce, which brings out
the flavour of the meat.

Pa’amb Oli – in its most basic form, this is brown bread with olive oil, tomato and garlic, although it can become a larger part of a meal with the addition of Serrano ham, cheese, olives or sausage meat. It resembles Italian bruschetta and there is also a Catalan version called Pa’amb Tomàquet.

Arròs de Peix – for vegetarian tourists, you can’t go wrong with this classic fish and rice soup. It might sound bland, but flavour is added with tomatoes, onions and garlic. Typical fish choices include monkfish or sea bream.

Tumbet – this is a layered dish consisting of potatoes, onions, aubergines and peppers, with other vegetables added at the chef’s discretion. It’s often compared to ratatouille and is suitable for vegetarians.

Greixonera de Brossat – a type of cheesecake, this is a local speciality that will tempt your taste buds and has a sweet finish with a hint of cinnamon and lemon. It can be made with ricotta or cottage cheese and is found across the island.

Gató d’ametlla – almond cake is a staple dessert in Majorca as almonds are a major part of agriculture here. The cake tends to be served with ice cream or Ensaïmadas and it’s a light way to end your meal.


About the author: Keen on both food and travel, Polly Allen is a journalist who has recently visited Majorca Island and Boston, USA in search of the perfect dish. A tapas fanatic, she’s frequently found on holiday in Spain and would love to visit South America.