You’ll Love These 9 Best Traditional Dishes & Food at a Guachinche in Tenerife.
We visited Tenerife for the first time and were blown away. Not only by its stunning nature with so much variation, but also by all the amazing local food and traditional flavors it presented to us. One of the most unique culinary experiences you can have is eating at a Guachinche in Tenerife.
A Guachinche is a type of small, rustic restaurant that is found mostly in the north of Tenerife. These restaurants are typically family-run and serve traditional Canarian food, along with local wine. A place for locals to meet and share a great meal together.
What we loved so much about the Guachinches that we visited was the simpleness of it all. No super fancy decorations, the focus is on the food. Also no fancy dishes, just simple food with delicious flavors. Traditional dishes made with local ingredients. This is what the locals eat and love.
In this article we will list the 9 best traditional dishes to eat when you visit a Guachinche in Tenerife. We will also share a few links to some of the best ones on the island. Also we will share some of the history of the Guachinche. Let’s dig in!
What is the History of the Guachinche in Tenerife?
The history of a Guachinche goes back to the 17th century. They originated when local farmers would sell their leftover wine to their neighbors. This was a way for them to make some extra money and get rid of the excess wine that they couldn’t consume themselves. Over time, these wine sellers began to add food to their menus, and the Guachinche was born.
Originally, Guachinches were only allowed to operate for a few weeks a year, during the grape harvest. But over time, they became more popular and began to sell food and wine throughout the year. Today, Guachinches are a beloved part of Tenerife’s culinary scene, and many locals and tourists visit them for an authentic taste of Canarian cuisine.
What traditional food to eat at a Guachinche in Tenerife?
The food served at a Guachinche is simple, yet delicious. Many of the dishes are based on traditional Canarian recipes, passed down through generations of families. Here are some of the most popular dishes you can expect to find at a Guachinche in Tenerife.
Wrinkled Potatoes / Papas Arrugadas
This is one of the most iconic Canarian dishes, and a favorite at Guachinches. The potatoes are boiled in very salty water and served with a spicy, garlicky sauce made from paprika, olive oil, and other ingredients. The potatoes are grown on Tenerife and have a very rich flavor. We loved the salty wrinkly outside.
Mojo Sauce at a Guachinche in Tenerife
You haven’t visited Tenerife if you haven’t tasted a Mojo sauce. You will find the Mojo sauce everywhere on the island but definitely at a Guachinche as well. There is a green mojo and a red mojo. The Mojo Verde (green) is made with parsley and coriander (cilantro). The Mojo Picon (red) is made with peppers. You can get the sauce with fried cheese, the wrinkled potatoes and also with fish.
Gofio
This is a traditional Canarian flour made from roasted grain, mostly wheat, which is used to make a variety of dishes. Gofio is often mixed with honey or milk and served as a dessert. But you can also get it served with some white cheese. We also tasted Gofio Chocolate Truffles at El Aderno in Santa Cruz (they have multiple shops on the Island) and they were very special and tasty.
Almogrote Cheese Spread
Almogrote is a soft spread made from hard and aged cheese, peppers, olive oil and garlic. It is typically eaten as a spread on toast. Almogrote is traditionally made in La Gomera, the small Island right next to Tenerife. The popular cheese spread is very popular on all of the Canary Islands. The use of the hard and aged cheese gives it a unique flavor not to be compared to cream cheese.
Fried Cheese
Queso Frito is a popular dish at Guachinches. It’s made by frying slices of Canarian white cheese until they are golden brown and crispy. It is mostly served with the famous Mojo sauces.
Grilled Meat
Guachinches are known for their grilled meats, which are often cooked over an open flame. Popular options include pork ribs, chicken, and rabbit. I tasted the garlic rabbit and it was delicious. The garlic used to coat and marinate the rabbit gave it such a punch.
Carne de Cabra / Goat Stew
I had goat meat for the first time in my life at Guachinche La Noria in Santa Cruz. Carne de Cabra is a very flavorful and hearty goat stew. The intense flavor of the goat meat together with the flavors of wine, peppers and onions used in the stew, really blew my mind.
Local Wines at a Guachinche in Tenerife
Of course, no visit to a Guachinche is complete without trying the local wines. The most popular variety is Tenerife’s own Malvasía, a sweet white wine that pairs perfectly with many of the dishes served at Guachinches.
Croquetas
We also want to include Croquetas to the list of things to eat at a Guachinche. Though they are not a traditional Canarian dish they are on almost every menu in Tenerife. Croquetas are mostly known from the tapas restaurants, but they are so extremely popular on Tenerife, that most restaurant included them in their menus.
Croquetas are deep-fried balls or rolls with a flavorful filling and breaded crust. Popular fillings are meat, fish (cod), mushrooms, cheese or vegetables. We had amazing croquetas filled with the local Almogrote Cheese and Banana at Strasse Park in Santa Cruz. It was so special. Make sure to be on the lookout for some tasty croquetas all over Tenerife.
“I loved trying the Gofio. The flavor of the roasted grains was so special. And it combined amazingly well with the local white cheese. I loved experiencing such a new flavor combination.”
What are some great Guachinches in Tenerife?
Here we provide you with a few links to some of the more popular Guachinche Restaurants on Tenerife. All with scores of 4 stars or more on Google Maps.
- Guachinche La Cueva de Casiano
- Guachinche La Noria (Santa Cruz)
- Guachinche La Morra
- Guachinche La Huerta de Ana y Eva
- Guachinche El Cubano
- Guachinche Ramon
- Guachinche El Fogon
If you’re visiting Tenerife, a trip to a Guachinche is a must. These traditional Canarian restaurants offer a unique culinary experience, with simple yet delicious dishes . Whether you’re enjoying a plate of potatoes with mojo sauce or sipping on a glass of local wine, you’re sure to have a great meal at a Guachinche. Definitely the best way to discover the local flavors of Tenerife.
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