Traditional food and drinks in Galicia

Galicia, located in the northwest of Spain, is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and—most importantly—delicious food and drinks. Whether you’re walking the Camino de Santiago or simply exploring this beautiful region, the local gastronomy is a fundamental part of the experience. Here’s a guide to the must-try dishes and beverages in Galicia and along the Camino.

• Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-Style Octopus)
  One of the most iconic dishes in Galicia, pulpo a la gallega (or pulpo á feira) is a simple yet flavorful dish of octopus, boiled to perfection, sliced, and sprinkled with coarse salt, paprika, and olive oil. It’s typically served on a wooden plate with boiled potatoes. The best place to try it? Melide, a town on the Camino Francés, is famous for its pulperías (octopus restaurants).
• Empanada Gallega (Galician Pie)
  A staple of Galician cuisine, this savory pie is made with a thin, flaky dough and filled with a variety of ingredients, such as tuna, cod, or meat with onions and peppers. It’s a perfect snack for hungry pilgrims and travelers.
• Tarta de Santiago (Santiago Cake)No visit to Santiago de Compostela is complete without tasting this almond cake, which is often decorated with the Cross of Saint James on top. Made with ground almonds, eggs, sugar, and lemon zest, it’s a sweet and satisfying treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee or a glass of local wine.
• Pimientos de Padrón (Padrón Peppers)
  These small green peppers, fried and sprinkled with sea salt, are famous for their unpredictable spiciness—some are mild, while others pack a punch! The best ones come from the town of Padrón, which is on the Camino Portugués
• Caldo Gallego (Galician Stew)
  A comforting dish, especially in the colder months, caldo gallego is a hearty soup made with potatoes, greens (such as turnip tops or kale), beans, and sometimes chorizo or pork fat. It’s the perfect meal to refuel after a long day of walking.
• Lacón con Grelos (Pork Shoulder with Turnip Greens)
  This is a traditional Galician dish made with lacón (cured pork shoulder), grelos (turnip greens), potatoes, and chorizo. It’s especially popular in winter and during carnival celebrations.
• Mariscada (Seafood Platter)
  Galicia is famous for its fresh seafood, and a mariscada is a luxurious way to enjoy it. It typically includes a mix of crabs, shrimp, mussels, scallops, and clams, often paired with Albariño wine.
• Churrasco (Galician Barbecue)
  Galician churrasco is a favorite among meat lovers. Grilled ribs, chorizo, and other meats are cooked over an open flame and served with chimichurri sauce and fried potatoes.
• Bica (Galician Sponge Cake)
  Bica is a traditional Galician sponge cake, particularly famous in the region of Ourense. It has a dense, buttery texture and is often enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate.
• Orellas (Fried Pastry Ears)
  Orellas, meaning "ears" in Galician, are crispy, sweet pastries made from thinly rolled dough, fried until golden, and sprinkled with sugar. They are a popular treat during carnival season but can be found year-round.

Drinks to Try in Galicia

• Albariño Wine
  Galicia is known for its excellent white wines, particularly Albariño, a crisp and aromatic wine produced in the Rías Baixas region. It pairs beautifully with seafood dishes.
• Queimada
  A traditional Galician drink with mystical roots, queimada is a fiery ritual drink made with orujo (a strong grape-based spirit), sugar, lemon peel, and coffee beans. It’s set on fire while a spell-like incantation is recited to ward off bad spirits.
• Licor Café (Coffee Liqueur)
  For those who love coffee and spirits, licor café is a must-try. This sweet and strong liqueur is often enjoyed after meals and is deeply rooted in Galician culture.

From fresh seafood to legendary cakes and unique drinks, the food along the Camino de Santiago and in Galicia is an unforgettable part of the journey. Buen provecho!

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