What to Eat in Galicia Typical Dishes

When it comes to culinary experiences in Spain, Galicia stands out as a true gastronomic paradise. This region is not just a destination for stunning beaches and breathtaking landscapes, but it is also a haven for food lovers. Are you ready to explore the typical dishes of Galicia? Get ready, because this journey will tantalize your taste buds and leave you eager for more!

From fresh seafood to hearty stews, Galicia offers a diverse culinary landscape that reflects its rich cultural heritage. If you find yourself gaining a few extra pounds, don’t blame us; blame the irresistible flavors and high-quality ingredients that make this cuisine so unforgettable!

Pulpo a feira: the star dish of Galicia

Let’s kick off our culinary tour with the star dish of Galicia: pulpo a feira. This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience. The preparation is an art form in itself. The octopus is boiled to perfection, resulting in a tender texture. Once ready, the tentacles are sliced into bite-sized pieces and served on a traditional wooden plate, generously drizzled with olive oil, paprika (both sweet and spicy), and a sprinkle of coarse salt.

While it’s common to find it served with cachelos (boiled Galician potatoes), it’s recommended to order them separately to truly savor the pulpo without being overwhelmed by the starch. One of the best places to enjoy this delicacy is in the town of O Carballiño, particularly at Pulpería a Fuchela. If you visit, don’t miss their grilled octopus and onion squid – they are simply divine!

Identifying Galician octopus: With rising demand, many places might serve octopus sourced from Morocco. While it can be challenging to tell them apart once cooked, Galician octopus is typically smaller and boasts a richer flavor due to its diet of seafood. It also tends to lose its skin more easily, making it distinct from its Moroccan counterpart, which often looks a bit paler.

Lacón con grelos: a winter classic

Have you ever heard of grelos? Before visiting Galicia, I hadn’t either! Grelos are the tender stems of turnips, and they play a significant role in one of the region's beloved winter dishes: lacón con grelos. This hearty stew combines lacón (cured pork shoulder) with grelos, potatoes, chorizo, olive oil, and paprika. It’s a comforting dish that warms the soul on chilly days.

Caldo Gallego: the soul-warming stew

Caldo gallego is another essential dish that embodies the spirit of Galician cuisine. It’s a rustic soup made with grelos, greens, potatoes, beans, and various meats such as pork bones, bacon, or ribs. On a rainy day, nothing beats a warm bowl of this hearty stew to lift your mood.

Empanada: a beloved Galician classic

The Galician empanada is a culinary treasure. Forget the small, stuffed pastries you may be familiar with; here, the empanada is large and bursting with flavor. While the traditional filling includes tomato, tuna, and onion, the variations are endless. You can find empanadas filled with anything from scallops to octopus, or even cod with raisins. The dough is typically made with wheat flour, though there’s also a cornmeal version, particularly popular in the Rías Baixas region.

You’ll find empanadas in restaurants, bars, and bakeries, making them a perfect option for a quick and delicious meal on the go.

Mariscada: a seafood feast

No visit to Galicia is complete without indulging in a mariscada, a seafood feast like no other. The region’s coastal waters yield some of the freshest and most flavorful seafood, including gooseneck barnacles, razor clams, mussels, scallops, crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and clams. You name it, they have it!

Make it a point to enjoy at least one mariscada during your stay; it will be one of the best meals of your life, especially paired with a glass of Albariño or Ribeiro wine. Celebrating a special occasion? Treat yourself to a mariscada in O Grove, at the Restaurante Taberna Lavandeiro, where you can choose from options that include lobster or crab.

Percebes: a unique Galician delicacy

If there’s one dish that encapsulates the essence of Galicia, it’s the percebe. These unique shellfish cling to the most inaccessible rocks along the coast, making them difficult to harvest. The profession of percebeiros is one of the most dangerous in Galicia, but the reward is worth it. Percebes are a true taste of the sea, boiled for just a few minutes and served as is, or sometimes grilled.

How to eat percebes: To enjoy them, you must crack open the hard shell. Simply hold one side and twist the other until it breaks. The tender flesh can then be pulled out and enjoyed. For added flavor, you might want to suck on the tip for a burst of marine essence!

Churrasco and chuletón: Galician grilled meats

If you’re traveling through Galicia and see signs for “Asador,” “Parrilla,” or “Brasas,” hit the brakes! The region is famous for having some of the best beef in the world. Don’t miss out on trying a juicy chuletón (rib steak) or a succulent pork churrasco, especially when grilled to perfection over an open flame.

Merluza a la gallega: a simple yet delightful dish

Another must-try dish is the galician-style hake, which features the fish cooked with potatoes and onions, topped with a sauce made from sautéed garlic and paprika. This dish highlights the simplicity and quality of Galician ingredients, making it an authentic taste of the region.

Betanzos tortillas: the best in Spain

The tortilla de patatas is a dish you’ll find all over Spain, but the ones from Betanzos, a small town near A Coruña, are said to be the best in the universe. While we won’t dive into the secret of their preparation, a visit to Betanzos will certainly leave you wanting to taste one of these legendary tortillas.

Pimientos del Padrón: gamble with your palate

Pimientos del Padrón are small green peppers that embody the spirit of culinary adventure. Some are mild, while others pack a spicy punch, making it a game of “Galician Russian roulette.” Locals are skilled at identifying the spicy ones, but if you're feeling lucky, give them a try! They are typically fried and served as a tapa alongside meats, tortillas, or simply with a drink.

Tarta de Santiago: a sweet ending to your meal

No meal in Galicia would be complete without a sweet treat. Tarta de Santiago is a traditional almond cake, often dusted with powdered sugar in the shape of the Cross of Santiago. It’s a delightful way to end your culinary journey through Galicia, and it’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Queimada: an ancient tradition

Queimada is more than just a drink; it’s a ritual steeped in tradition. Originating from pagan rituals, this concoction combines orujo (a type of pomace brandy), lemon peel, coffee beans, and sugar. The interesting part? It’s prepared in a ceremonial fashion, where the drink is set on fire while a conjuro (incantation) is recited to ward off evil spirits.

If you want to experience this magical ritual firsthand, you can participate in a Queimada workshop in Santiago de Compostela that’s both fun and affordable!

Are you excited to try these typical dishes of Galicia? Trust us, you’ll leave with a satisfied stomach and memories of some of the most incredible flavors this region has to offer. If you have other dish recommendations from Galicia, feel free to share!

* Photocredit: Shutterstock

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