Tenerife is known for many reasons, such as its perfect weather that gives the island the title of “Island of Eternal Spring”, amazing destinations as the Teide, unbelievable coastlines and beaches where Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos definitely stand out, among other wonders that this Spanish region offers. Now, there is another aspect that really shines about Tenerife: the food and general gastronomic culture.
In fact this gastronomic characteristic of the island and the Canary archipelago in general is very important, as an identity element for the Canarian people that is very different if it is compared with Spanish identity, even when the islands belong to Spain. Those differences are given due to distinct weather, location in the world and cultural roots.
Let's get to know more about food and Tenerife´s gastronomy, its importance in terms of culture, distinctive elements, details about the “guachinches” and the best places to eat.
Characteristics of Tenerife's Tasty Cuisine
The Canary Islands and therefore, Tenerife, are part of Spanish territory while the archipelago is not located in the peninsula, but further away and in fact standing in African waters. This is very important to know, since this is the main reason, along with weather and other elements, that makes the gastronomy in Canary Islands and Tenerife so different from the Spanish one.
Tenerife´s traditional food has its cultural roots in African and Latin American cuisine, first due to location and secondly because of massive immigration from people that came from countries like Venezuela, Colombia and more to the Canary Islands in past decades, along with the impact the Canarian natives, also called Guanches.
So, elements and dishes are characteristic respecting strong and robust flavor with use of spices, but at the same time simplicity in preparation, rich and varied ingredients and the influence of so many cultures that give the Tenerife cuisine an exotic feature, standing out the same way its destinations and perfect weather do.
Eating fresh, traditional and delicious food in Tenerife's Guachinches
There is another distinctive element in relation to the gastronomy in Tenerife that is unique; the existence of “Guachinches”, but what is that exactly? In details, a guachinche is a type of food venue originated in the Canary Islands, as places where farmers, families and other people offer their produce ingredients and dishes to the visitors, who are looking to eat delicious, cheap and traditional Canarian food.
From the tapas and main dishes to the wine and cheese that visitors come to drink and eat, all of the elements are harvested in the venue, which usually are not that fancy restaurants and everything is about the food, since traditional Tenerife´s cuisine can only be found in these places.
Currently, guachinches have become more modern and sophisticated as classic restaurants in the island, but trying to keep that traditional touch and amazing food with their own produce.
Some traditional dishes to eat in Tenerife and where to enjoy them
Having addressed some of the history and characteristics of the gastronomy in Tenerife, which are definitely subjects that are worthy of being discussed in more details, with unique elements and exotic features, let's now know some of the actual dishes and gastronomic representations that are eaten by people on the island on a daily basis.
For instance, one of the most recognized preparations and dishes that comes from Tenerife is definitely the papas arrugadas con mojo or “wrinkled potatoes” with mojo, with spicy sauce that includes garlic, red pepper and other strong ingredients. This is a must when it comes to Tenerife´s gastronomy, as well as the Gofio, Ropa Vieja Canaria or “Old Clothing” Canaria and the famous Sancocho.
On another part, Tenerife offers plenty of places where to eat, from high-class restaurants to more traditional options and the aforementioned guachinches, which are quite recommended in the island due to their characteristics and traditional and cultural approach in food.
El Guachinche de Argelio, Bodegón El Primero, Casa Paca and Guachinche Romance are venues to eat in Tenerife that are recommended, located all over the island and all of them outstanding in terms of delicious food, quality and service.
