The best Mallorca food you must try
When I undertook my 10-day itinerary around the island of Mallorca, one of my goals was to explore the local culture. Being quite familiar with Spanish customs and traditions, I was, however, clueless about what makes the Mallorquin culture unique.
But, step by step, I learned that one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new place is by trying the local cuisine. After numerous talks with locals and some research, I came up with a list of the best Mallorcan dishes to try.
This helped me to better understand the Mallorcan history and traditions. Behind each dish lies a story, or something related to the way locals live. Things are no different in the Balearic Islands, one of Spain’s autonomous communities. This is why you should try the following Mallorcan dishes when visiting Mallorca, my friend.
Try these specialty Mallorca food when visiting the island with local flavors and traditional dishes to savor and enjoy
Below is a non-exhaustive list of the best Mallorcan dishes I’ve encountered during my 3-week-long travel on the island. This is not a blueprint guideline, and I strongly encourage you to do your own research on-site.
But, I must admit that each of them is delicious and quite tasty, offering an interesting glimpse into the island’s past and the lifestyle of its inhabitants if you dare to ask. Therefore, come with me to unveil some of the meals you should try at least once in Mallorca.
Coca de Trampo
Let’s start with a Mallorcan dish that can be enjoyed anytime throughout the day: the Coca de Trampo. It is a kind of pie or quiche where the dough is made of flour, lard, oil, water, and salt.
Once the dough is ready to be baked, different ingredients are sprinkled on this thin rectangular piece of dough, and it goes into an oven at around 200 Celsius for around 10-15 minutes. In a Mallorcan bakery, the most traditional ones are with tomatoes, onions, and green pepper bells on top, but you can basically add any veggies that seem a good fit to you. No one will judge as long as it’s good, haha.
Ensemaïda
If you are ever stepping on the Mallorcan soil, you might quickly hear about the ensemaïda. This pastry is one of the most emblematic dishes every traveller has to try when visiting the main island of the Balearics.
In a nutshell, it is a simple rolled dough made of flour, water, eggs, yeast, and pork lard. Although this last ingredient might leave you perplexed, it is simply used as oil in other pastries.
The traditional way to make it is by rolling a thin piece of fresh dough into a circle before baking it at a high temperature. Then, it is topped with powdered sugar while still being hot. From my experience, it is absolutely delicious and a must-try dish in Mallorca.
Sobrasada
The Sobrasada was one of the Mallorca dishes I loved the most. Served either hot or cold, this traditional Mallorcan charcuterie is simply delicious. The sobrasada paste is made from pork, pimento, salt, and other spices. Then, as for sausages, this blend is put in a natural pork intestine and left in a room to dry and mature.
What makes it really unique, if made traditionally, is the use of black pork. This breed from the island gives it a unique taste you cannot find elsewhere. My personal advice? A slice of sobrasada reveals its potential when served on a slice of toasted bread with a touch of honey poured over it.
Tumbet
Another local dish to try in Mallorca is Tumbet. Some people may claim that it is simply a version of French Ratatouille, but locals would quickly tell you that Tumbet has its own unique features and is quite distinct. Who’s right? I’m not sure, but I certainly enjoyed it.
This vegetarian meal is made of potatoes, eggplants, zucchini, green and red pepper bells. The whole veggie blend is cooked with olive oil before being assembled layer by layer in a dish.
After having put a slight amount of tomato sauce on top of it, the dish goes right into an oven for around 20-25 minutes at 220 celsius. While it is sizzling hot, it is a great choice as a side for meat or fish, but can be enjoyed alone.
Frito Mallorquin
This last one is a meat-based meal, but is kind of particular. What is so special about it? Well, it might not please everyone’s taste buds as it is made from pork, lamb, and even duck’s blood, flesh, and liver.
But, don’t split on it yet! This gentle mix is fried in olive oil with some veggies like potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and pepper bells. Then, traditionally spiced up with pepper, salt, and a slight amount of chili, and is ready to be eaten!
Traditionally, this recipe is known as a last-minute mix. Locals were looking up in their fridge and were throwing everything in a big pan, eating it up with olive oil before bringing it to the table.
Delicious Pica Pica
This a simple seafood dish is an easy stew of cuttlefish in stewed tomatoes, garlic, chili and onions. A nice seafood taste with fresh cuttlefish or squid amid a spicy tomato sauce. Adding more of a stew sensation that the traditional squid calamari that is typically fried and served.
Served as a small tapa dish, pica pica means hot and spicy or you can actually order it also as a main entree with a larger portion with local bread to mop up all that delicious sauce.
Tapas in Mallorca
There are many popular Spanish tapas that you will find available in many restaurants including some typical Mallorca specialty dishes below to enjoy:
Pa amb Oli
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Mallorcan classic: rustic bread topped with tomato, olive oil, and local cheese or jamón
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Often sprinkled with sea salt and served with olives
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Simple but full of character
Padrón Peppers
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Lightly charred green peppers dusted with sea salt
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Mild most of the time… but one might surprise you with a kick
Croquetas
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Crispy outside, creamy inside
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Fillings vary: serrano ham, mushroom, cod, or chicken
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Comfort food in bite-size form
Gambas al Ajillo
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Shrimp simmered in olive oil with garlic and chili
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Served piping hot — great for bread dipping
Tortilla Española
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Thick omelette with potato and onion
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Delicious warm or cold, often served in squares for sharing
Boquerones en Vinagre
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Fresh anchovies marinated in vinegar, garlic, and parsley
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Bright and salty — perfect with chilled white wine
Chorizo al Vino
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Sausage simmered in red wine
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Bold, smoky, and totally satisfying
Where to try these popular Mallorcan dishes?
Now that you’ve discovered these Mallorcan specialties, you’re probably eager to try them. The main question remains: where should you go to avoid tourist traps and enjoy authentic Mallorcan cuisine at a reasonable price?
I can hear you mouthwatering from here, so let’s not wait any longer. Below is a list of addresses I have personally tried or which have been recommended to me by some locals living on the islands for years. Enjoy!
Casa Julio
This historic restaurant is located in the heart of Palma, next to the Town Hall. They offer homemade Mallorcan food and are a good place to try the Fritto Mallorcin or the Tumbet. They have a daily menu with generous portions and set menu options, one for €14 and another for €22 all week. I recommend booking in advance.
Celler sa Premsa
This place is another iconic restaurant serving homestyle Mallorca cuisine, open since 1958, where locals love to go. The inside decor is impressive and immersive, based on an old grape press and posters from the old bullring that used to be in the area. They offer menu options from €16, which are served with generous portions.
Meson San Pedro
Located outside the city center, in the neighborhood of Gènova, Meson San Pedro is a pillar of the best restaurants in Palma de Mallorca. Mostly renowned for its meat dishes and desserts, it is best to book in advance as it quickly fills because of its reputation. You can go there by bus, but it’s easier with a car since they have private parking.
Can Joan De S’aigo
It is the oldest bakery in Palma, with more than three centuries of history. You can find them in three different locations in Palma de Mallorca. They are famous for their ensaimadas, chocolate, and artisan ice creams. However, be careful! Once you enter, you might want to try everything they have. I recommend going to the oldest one, located on Carrer Sanç, and eating an ensemaïda with almond ice cream. A true banger. You can buy ensaimadas to take away by reserving them a day in advance, as they stay fresh for 2-3 days.
Continue your Mallorca Exploration with delicious traditional and local food specialties to try and enjoy.
We arrive at the end of our article about the best Mallorca dishes to try on the island. Diving into the local cuisine is a mandatory step for anyone who wants to understand the local tradition and history. Besides offering culinary pleasure, I have no doubt you will have a good time doing it.
However, if you are eager to explore more in-depth the capital of the Balearic Islands, I’ve got you! Come with me to unveil hidden gems, local legends, and the history behind the main attractions throughout this 3-day itinerary in Palma de Mallorca.
Bon voyage!
Wander With Purpose – Connect with Heart.
Bio: Hey, I’m Ulysse, A Slow traveller and the voice behind this article. I run SlowSightSoul where I share my adventures into a world of thoughtful and slow exploration. Have a look 🙂