Santiago de Compostela is the epicentre of one of the most spectacular gastronomic menus in all of Spain, which is saying a lot.
A menu worthy of paradise
The true secret of its appreciated gastronomy lies in the simplicity of its preparation, its intense flavours and the careful preparation and cooking of its dishes, which have made it the holy city of flavours in Galicia.
Choosing a single menu for the many delicacies prepared in this attractive and enigmatic city is very difficult. However, some of them stand out thanks to a special mix of flavours, excellent quality ingredients and a great mystique in their preparation.
Galician pie, the supreme delicacy
To begin with, the Galician pies that are prepared in Santiago de Compostela are worth mentioning thanks to their stew, which can be octopus, cod or tuna, seasoned with a delicious stir-fry of peppers and onion. Do not forget to accompany them with one of the excellent wines from the region.
Another bastion of Santiago's gastronomy is “lacón con grelos”, which is highly appreciated during the winter months. “Lacón”, which is Galician ham par excellence, is accompanied by a type of broccoli typical of Italian and Portuguese cuisine, and its exquisite preparation has crossed borders.
Galician style octopus
The deceptive simplicity of this traditional dish goes hand in hand with its delicious flavour. It is made with octopus cooked and cut in a pot, to which paprika, salt and oil are added.
Although it seems like a simple preparation, a lot of experience and good sense are required for the stew to reach the authentic epiphany of flavour.
High-quality products
The seafood tray is an authentic feast full of scallops, mussels and barnacles whose fame and quality have transcended borders throughout the world. It’s no wonder, as we are talking about one of the most important dishes on an already spectacular menu.
In addition to these delicious dishes, Santiago's cuisine stands out for the ingredients from its splendid garden and its beef. One of the most important in all of Galicia is beef “churrasco”, whose smoky touch is one of its great secrets.
Another very popular dish is Galician broth, which combines the best of everything the region is capable of providing: collard greens, turnip tops, cabbage, white beans, pork and chorizos.
Finally, we cannot fail to mention another popular dish, in both Santiago and all of Spain: the potato omelette, whose seasoning and preparation offer another excellent example of what a simple but dedicated kitchen can do.
Pancakes and “queimadas”
If we were forced to choose one dessert representative of Santiago cuisine, without a doubt, the famous pancakes would top the list.
Similar to the famous crêpe, pancakes are made with eggs and flour. Depending on the region, water or milk is added interchangeably.
In the same way, “queimada” is considered the most popular and traditional drink in Santiago de Compostela and all of Galicia.
Magical powers against the evil eye and other curses were conferred on it long ago, and its origin is lost in the mist of time.
Made with sugar, brandy and orange or lemon rind, it is a drink that, like much of the region’s gastronomy, has crossed borders and acquired relevance and reputation throughout the world.