While it is no secret that Spain is renowned for paella and tapas, Mallorca in the Balearics also has some additional local traditional dishes that foodies won’t want to miss – make sure you read our guide to Cala d’Or cuisine. If you are staying at a rented villa in Cala d’Or, you’ll have some amazing cuisine options to try.
With inspiration from Mediterranean, Catalan, and Moorish gastronomy, Mallorcan dishes offer a unique culinary experience that you won’t find anywhere else outside of the island.
You might be visiting Cala d’Or to explore the beautiful beaches and take a sunny break in the warm summer climate, but you’ll be highly impressed with the selection of local dishes.
To help you to plan your restaurant and meal choices when visiting Cala d’Or, here are some of the dishes Mallorca is famous for:
Sobrasada
Wherever you are in Mallorca, you’ll see sobrasada is a popular menu option. Often mistaken for chorizo, it is similar in appearance but is very different in texture. It is spreadable just like pâté, so goes well with toast or a baguette. Usually made from ground pork, bacon, salt and paprika, it is a delicious cured raw meat that you should definitely try when visiting Cala d’Or.
Sopas Mallorquinas
Translating as Mallorcan soups, you might not expect to devour hot, hearty foods when you’re on a sunshine break but sopas Mallorquinas might change your mindset. Perfect for filling up before a long hike or an energetic day of watersports, soups typically include vegetables like tomatoes and cabbage, flavoured with paprika, or you might also find some tasty meat ingredients like beef or pork.
Coca Mallorquina
Coca Mallorquina is Mallorca’s twist on a pizza. Made with a shortcrust pastry base, they usually have Mediterranean ingredients like roasted peppers, tomatoes and onions. If you are looking for a quick bite to eat as you take a break from the beach, you’ll find plenty of bakeries that sell these tempting snacks, or you can choose it as a starter or side dish in one of the local restaurants in Cala d’Or.
Ensaïmada
Mallorca has some excellent pastry dishes and the ensaïmada is regarded as the most treasured one. The shell-shaped puff pastry bun is made with flour, eggs, yeast and sugar but what makes it different to other pastries is the use of pork lard for a distinct flavour. It is often eaten with breakfast or served with coffee for an afternoon snack. As you walk around Cala d’Or you will probably see lots of restaurants and cafes offering deals for coffee and cake, which are likely to include the option of ensaïmada.
Tumbet
Tumbet is a close variation of ratatouille, made with layers of fried aubergine, red peppers, courgette, potatoes, garlic and olive oil. Sometimes this will be included as a tapas dish or as a full and filling main and it is a great choice for vegetarians. If you fancy cooking this from your fully equipped kitchen in your private Spanish villa in Cala d’Or, you’ll be able to pick up all the ingredients from the local markets or supermarket.
Frito Mallorquin
Another dish that is hugely popular in Cala d’Or is frito Malllorquin, which is a tasty lamb-based stir-fry. Usually made with lamb liver, potatoes, bell peppers and a selection of herbs including fennel, you might also find variations with bacon. Again, if you want to try creating your own meals in your villa, this is one of the easiest to master. All you need is a frying pan to infuse all the tasty ingredients together – perfect for serving a quick and easy meal to a large group.
Pa amb Oli
This dish is essentially bread and tomato with olive oil and often garlic will be added for extra flavour. In restaurants, you’ll see topping choices such as cheese, cured meats, grilled vegetables and fish, so whatever type of ingredients you prefer can be served on pa amb oli. Often included in tapas choices or with breakfast, it is a very versatile dish given the many topping options. To make this yourself, you’ll just need to pick up some rustic bread, ripe tomatoes, olive oil and whichever toppings take your fancy.
Seafood
While all the dishes listed above will give you a sample of the local cuisine in Mallorca, no Cala d’Or holiday is complete without trying fresh seafood. Paella Marinera (seafood paella), Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish garlic prawns) and a variety of lobster dishes will be sure to delight the seafood lovers. Mallorca has a rich seafood heritage with an abundance of locally sourced seafood, fresh from the sea to your plate.
Best restaurants for local Cala d’Or cuisine
There are almost too many great restaurant options to choose from, but we recommend La Vermuteria, El Rincón and S’Ancora as a few of the best for traditional Mallorcan dishes. Whether you want to try fresh seafood or the majestic recipes unique to Mallorca, you’ll find menus filled with enticing options at these top restaurants.
Book your Spanish villa in Cala d’Or
If you’re ready to explore the delicious Mallorcan cuisine, you can book one of our Cala d’or villas located close to all the best local restaurants. With your own space to relax, you can holiday at your own pace, choosing when to enjoy the tranquillity of your villa and when to venture out to visit the stunning beaches and other highlights.
Book your Spanish villa today to make sure you are perfectly located, while having the luxury of your own pool, fully equipped kitchen and all the extra benefits of staying in a superior quality villa.