First we eat. Then we do everything else.
A Little History of Families and Food Here #
Talking of Mediterranean cuisine, your first thought might be: fish and seafood. But this is only part of the story. The delicacies of the sea have played a major role in the coastal areas for millennia with a local population of fishermen.
Further inland (and we are talking about no more than a few kilometres here), the traditional Mallorcan way of cooking has always been a rural one with an emphasis on the hearty and the savory – kohl and legumes as well as pork and rabbit being high on the Mallorquin housewives' shopping lists.
As most families in the countryside own their own huerto or vegetable garden, and most others buy their vegetables and other foodstuffs fresh from the market, recipes for dishes vary depending on what is in season.
Read the articles of this ULTIMATE GUIDE to find out everything you need to know about Mallorcan ways of eating.
Eat Like a Local
One of the most special things Mallorca has is a scrumptious menu of foods choices either found only here, or are recipes from elsewhere, but with a Mallorquin twist. Here are some of the best, and best-known.
![Girls sharing meal eat food](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/girls-sharing-meal-eat-food.jpg)
Mallorca Cheeses
Cheese is one of the things that makes life worth living, says our writer Stephanie Horsman. So, when she moved to Mallorca she made it her business to find out what’s what.
![Market Cheese 1](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/Market-Cheese-1.jpg)
Mallorca Olives
Olives are as ubiquitous in Spain as tea is in China, but did you know Mallorca boasts three species of olives, each producing fruit a bit different than the run-of-the-mill olives you get in your martini? Read on to find out all the facts.
![Olives Market 3](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/Olives-market-3.jpg)
Pa amb Oli
Bread, Ramallet tomatoes and a very good olive oil is all you need to be in Culinary Heaven.
![Pa amb oli mallorquin food recipe](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/pa-amb-oli-mallorquin-food-recipe.jpg)
Many Influences #
Variation seems to be the basic theme of the Mallorcan way of eating in a more general way. The island has always been a place of many influences. In ancient times, the Romans, Moors and North Africans brought their foods and flavours. The locals did not only copy them but adapted them to make them their own.
Embutidos
Find out all you need to know about Mallorca's famous "Sobrasada," the Catalan "Butifarra" and all the other sausage varieties you'll encounter on this island.
![Sausage Embutidos Market](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/sausage-embutidos-Market.jpg)
Mallorca Mushrooms
From Esclata-sang to Picornells and more, here's a guide to Mallorca's varieties.
![Mushroom 6](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/Mushroom-6.jpg)
Coca Mallorquina
The island's answer for an easy meal.
![Red pepper tart](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/red-pepper-tart.jpg)
Flavors Evolve #
Of course, the Catalans and Spanish mainlanders left their traces, too. And more recently, it has been Mallorca's lively international Expat scene with their diversity of culinary customs who have inspired chefs to leave well-trodden paths and tickle every foodie's taste buds with surprising new creations.
The truth is that Mallorca's cuisine was never set in stone. Yes, it is traditional. But it can also be creative and new and astonishingly delicate, too.
Arroz Brut
Mallorca's famous "dirty" rice - - a dish that warms the body and soul.
![Arroz brut min](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/Arroz-brut-min.jpg)
Paella Party
Come Sunday or the Village's Saint's Day, locals love to gather around a fire with family and friends for a big meal.
![Paella Party Guests 04 JPG](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/Paella_Party_Guests_04.JPG.jpg)
Mallorca's Artisanal Almond Ice Cream
Delicious year round, the flavor let's you know you are on Mallorca. Try with almond tart for the perfect local dessert.
![Making almond ice cream](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/making-almond-ice-cream.jpg)
Tapas Time: Cooking Classes in Palma
Mallorca has cooking studios that cater only to teaching how to make tapas. Great for a group event or to make new friends.
![Cooking class culinary food people](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/cooking-class-culinary-food-people.jpg)
A Matanza on Mallorca
Strictly a non-vegetarian experience – join a Mallorcan family in a traditional "Killing the Pig" ritual.
![The arrival of the pig 3 min](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/The_arrival_of_the_pig_3-min.jpg)
Hierbas Nectar of the Gods
If the world falls down around you, collect local herbs and make anise-flavored Nectar.
![Hierbas Mallorca Old Man](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/Hiarbas-Mallorca-old-man.jpg)
To Wrap This Up #
We've only included a few of our top articles and posts. For more about what makes Mallorca's Foods and Drinks unique, check out more here >> Food & Drink. Make sure to scroll to the end of this article for related links we think you might find tantalizing. And, remember what they say:
The way to a man's (or woman's, pet's or friend's) heart is through his stomach.
DIRECTORY Mallorca Home Deliveries and Services
COVID-19 lockdown means no visits to bars and restaurants, but it doesn’t mean you have to cook all your meals yourself. We tell you who is open for home deliveries and service during COVID-19 lockdown.
![Palma City Flats](https://www.affordablemallorca.com/uploads/posts/Palma-City-Flats.jpg)
Our ULTIMATE GUIDEs are ongoing projects: It's worth coming back and checking out what's new!
#MallorcaCuisine #MallorcanRecipes #MallorcanFood
By Ulla Rahn-Huber
4 May, 2021