Galician cuisine is a celebration of local ingredients and traditional recipes, and each dish is a reflection of the region's unique cultural heritage. Whether you're a seafood lover or a meat eater, there is something for everyone. Being a gastronomic paradise, you cannot leave without trying some of the region's most authentic and savoury dishes. Here are some must-try Galician foods
Only The Best Galician Food
Caldo a la gallega: This is a hearty soup made with Galician-style broth, potatoes, turnips, cabbage, and chorizo. It's perfect for warming up on a cold day in Galicia. You can find it in most restaurants and taverns throughout the region.
Pulpo a feira: This is Galicia's most famous dish, and it's a must-try for anyone visiting the region. It's made with boiled octopus that is sliced and served on a wooden plate, sprinkled with paprika, sea salt, and olive oil. You can find it in most markets and restaurants throughout Galicia.
Lacon con grelos: This is a classic Galician dish made with pork shoulder, turnip greens, and potatoes. It's a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a chilly evening. You can find it in most traditional Galician restaurants.
Empanadas gallegas: These are savoury pies filled with meat, fish, or vegetables. They are a popular snack in Galicia and are perfect for a quick lunch or snack. You can find them in most bakeries and cafes throughout the region.
Marisco: Galicia is known for its seafood, and you cannot leave without trying some of the local specialties, such as necora (crab), centollos (spider crab), vieira (scallop), percebes (gooseneck barnacles), cigalas (langoustines), almejas (clams), navajas (razor clams), and a variety of fish. You can find seafood in most restaurants throughout the region, but for the freshest and most authentic experience, head to the coastal towns and fishing villages.
Zamburiñas: These are small scallops that are often served in their shells with garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs. They are a popular tapa (appetizer) in Galicia and are often served in seafood restaurants.
Ternera gallega: This is Galicia's famous beef, which is known for its tenderness and flavor. It's often served grilled or as part of a stew or casserole. You can find it in most traditional Galician restaurants.
Pimientos de padron: These are small green peppers that are fried and served with sea salt. They are a popular tapa in Galicia and are often served in bars and cafes.
Orella de cerdo: This is a traditional Galician dish made with pig's ears that are boiled and then fried with garlic and paprika. It's a unique and flavourful dish that is worth trying if you're feeling adventurous.
Xoubas: These are small sardines that are often fried and served as a tapa. They are a popular snack in Galicia and are often served in bars and taverns.
Quesos gallegos: Galicia is also known for its delicious cheeses, such as tetilla, which is a soft, creamy cheese made from cow's milk. It's often served with honey or quince jelly and is perfect for a cheese board or snack.
Raxo Gallego: is a traditional Galician pork dish that is a must-try for meat lovers. The dish is made from marinated pork that is then sautéed with garlic, paprika, and other spices until it is tender and juicy. It is typically served with potatoes or fries, and a green salad on the side. The dish is a favourite among locals and is often enjoyed as a tapa, or small dish, in bars and restaurants throughout the region.
Caldeirada de Raya: is a delicious and flavourful fish stew that is a specialty of Galicia. The dish is made with skate, a type of flatfish that is abundant in the waters off the Galician coast. The fish is cooked in a fragrant broth with potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers until it is tender and flavourful. The dish is often finished with a sprinkling of parsley and is typically served with crusty bread on the side. Caldeirada de Raya is a perfect representation of Galician cuisine, as it showcases the region's abundant seafood and fresh, local ingredients.
Cigalas, camarones, santiaguiños, and bogavantes are all types of shellfish that are commonly found in Galicia. Cigalas, or langoustines, are a type of prawn that is sweet and delicate in flavour. Camarones, or shrimp, are small, succulent, and often served with the head still on for added flavour. Santiaguiños, or scampi, are a type of large shrimp that is often grilled or fried. Bogavantes, or lobsters, are a luxury shellfish that are typically boiled or grilled and served with butter or aioli. All of these shellfish are typically caught along the Galician coast, particularly in the Rias Baixas region.
Nécoras, centollos, and bueyes are all types of crab that are popular in Galicia. Nécoras, or velvet crabs, are small but flavourful crabs that are typically boiled and served with mayonnaise or aioli. Centollos, or spider crabs, are large and meaty crabs that are often boiled. Bueyes, or brown crabs, are another large type of crab that is typically boiled. These crabs are typically caught in the Galician Rias, particularly in the Rias Altas region.
Almejas, berberechos, vieiras, zamburiñas, and mejillones are all types of molluscs that are commonly found in Galicia. Almejas, or clams, are typically served steamed or in a clam-based soup. Berberechos, or cockles, are small but flavourful molluscs that are often served on their own or in a salad. Vieiras, or scallops, are a premium mollusc that is often grilled or baked with a breadcrumb topping. Zamburiñas, or small scallops, are often served with garlic butter or tomato sauce. Mejillones, or mussels, are typically steamed or cooked in a tomato-based sauce. All of these molluscs are typically harvested in the Rias Baixas region.
Galicia´s rich culinary tradition also includes a variety of delicious sweets and desserts. Here are some of the most popular Galician sweets:
Tarta de Santiago: This is a traditional almond cake that originated in the city of Santiago de Compostela. The cake is made with ground almonds, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest, and it is often decorated with the image of the Cross of Santiago. The Tarta de Santiago is a popular dessert during the holidays and is also commonly served to the ones who complete the Camino de Santiago.
Bica: This is a soft, fluffy cake that is made with butter, eggs, sugar, and flour. Bica is a popular dessert throughout Galicia and is often served with coffee or tea.
Melindres: These are small, lightly sweetened cakes that are similar to donuts. They are made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, and are often flavoured with aniseed liquor. Melindres are a popular treat throughout Galicia and are often enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate.