Taste Testing Tenerife: Savour The Tradition Of Tapas

Tenerife is an island of huge diversity, boasting landscapes that vary from volcanic countryside to crystal-clear seas. It attracts thousands of tourists every year and in response has adapted its cuisine to the masses. However, if you’re willing to go off the beaten track, there are plenty of opportunities to sample traditional Canarian cuisine. The best way of experiencing the full scope of the island’s flavour combinations is to enjoy a famous Tapas. 

Mouth-watering Traditional Tapas Dishes

Cherne

One of the most popular dishes in Tenerife, Cherne is a large and meaty white fish that seems to appeal to everyone, even if you’re not usually much of a seafood fan. It is usually grilled and served with an array of Mediterranean vegetables, making it a perfect light and refreshing meal at the end of a hot summer’s day.

Morcilla Dulce

A Canarian twist on a Spanish classic, this dish is a sweeter version of the traditional pig blood sausage. It is made with almonds, raisons, caramelised onions and sugar to give it its unique taste. Some people like it on its own, but you can also balance out the sweetness by having it with savoury scrambled eggs. Que dulce!

Jamón

This thinly sliced cured ham is the perfect accompaniment to a refreshing glass of chilled wine. You can savour it on its own to whet your appetite, or if you’re feeling hungry, have it with crusty toasted bread and fresh sliced tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil. 

Paps Arrugadas Con Mojos

It’s rare to go to a tapas restaurant that doesn’t serve this famous recipe. Locally sourced, paps arrugagas are potatoes tenderised and cooked in salt water until their skins become wrinkled. They’re usually served with a spicy red dipping sauce called mojo, although you can sometimes get a garlic and herb sauce.

Croquetas

Another traditional potato-based dish, croquetas are delicious bread-crumbed balls stuffed with mashed potato and flavourings. The potato is often combined with fish, ham or pulled chicken, though you can also get ones with cheese or vegetables. Some places are more adventurous with their recipes than others, and particular favourite is the shrimp version.

Almagrote

If you are a big cheese eater, prepare to get excited! This is a tapas like no other. Somehow both crumbly and creamy, Almagrote is a cheese spread that combines hard cured cheese with tomato, paprika, garlic and olive oil. It may sound odd, but don’t dismiss it until you’ve tried it. It’s a crowd-pleaser for a reason.

How to Get There

There are two major airports on the island, one in the south and one in the north. Fortunately, many low-cost airlines, including Ryanair and easyJet, offer direct four-and-a-half hour flights to both airports in Tenerife. Transfers are available from both so simply choose the one that is most convenient for you. Once you’ve land, the easiest and most cost-effective way of completing your journey is with a pre-booked shared shuttle to your accommodation in Tenerife. Transferscan be pre-booked online before you leave home to save waiting around.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for affordable Tenerife transfers Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.