Tapas are available throughout Lanzarote, but it’s only in the resorts where you’ll find a helpful translation on the menu. On the Canaries, tapas are often more seafood-oriented than elsewhere, and there are a few local favourites. Here are few dishes to look out for:
Papas Arrugadas – Canarian wrinkled potatoes, usually served with red and green mojo sauce. You’ll find these more often than the famous bravas (potatoes in a spicy sauce).
Pimientos padrón – Small, fresh deep fried green peppers.
Tortilla – Spanish omelette.
Chorizo – Chorizo sausage, often cooked in wine or cider.
Croquetas – Deep-fried, breaded bechamel, often with shredded cod, pork or chicken.
Ensaladilla Rusa – Russian salad is a chilled potato salad with olives, tuna and vegetables.
Albóndigas – Meatballs.
Lapas con mojo verde – A Canarian specialty – grilled limpets with a herby sauce.
Puntillas – Deep fried baby squid.
Calamares fritos – Deep-fried squid rings in batter.
Gambas al ajillo – Prawns in garlic.
Queso Cheese – (could be fresh cheese, often with ripe tomatoes; or a selection of more mature cheeses).
WORDS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Revuelto – A revuelto is eggs scrambled with another ingredient, e.g. mushrooms or prawns.
Estofado – Estofado means slow-cooked, stewed meat.
Frito – Fried.
Encebollada – Cooked with fried onions.
Salpicón – A chilled vinaigrette salad, usually of octopus (pulpo) or fish (pescado).
HOW TO ORDER:
A tapa is a small dish – a between-meals snack or part of a larger selection. If you want a larger portion, ask for a media (half serving) or a ración (full serving).
You’ll find many more dishes on offer in local tapas joints, so don’t be afraid to ask the waiter to find out more about what’s on offer.
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