Malaga surely is a prominent tourist destination, as millions of people visit this city every year. Usually, they are looking for nice weather and gorgeous beaches, accompanied by the best nightlife you can get. But there is another big bonus besides that – delicious food and tapas in Malaga.
What are Tapas?
When it comes to meals, the Malagueños perfectly know what to suggest and how to serve them. “Tapas” is the name given to those small portions of the vast selection of local dishes, and they are served this way so you can share it with everyone sitting at the table, living the real Andalusian experience. Even if you have already tried tapas in another Spanish city, don’t infer that you have already tasted all the delicious foods this country has to offer. In fact, each region has its unique traditional selection of tapas. So, find out which are the most famous salads, soups, and main dishes in Malaga:
1. Tapas in Malaga: Espetos
Let’s start with Espetos (translated means “Skewer”). You’ll say that’s not a starter and you’re right, it isn’t. But come on, we all know that once you arrive in Malaga, the first thing you’ll do is head to the beach. So why not take the chance to taste the best traditional food you can find near the sea while sunbathing at the beach? There are different types of fish and meat, but the most typical one in Malaga is eating fresh sardines, grilled on an open wooden fire. The tradition started by fishermen has been carried on for more than 130 years and it’s still considered to be something very hip.
Where can I find Espetos?
The best place to head to if you want to find fresh fish is certainly Pedregalejo. Located just 10 minutes from Malaga by bus, it is the perfect spot to have a cheap but delicious meal and to lay on the beach.
2. Tapas in Malaga: Gazpachuelo Malagueño
Maintaining the focus on fisherman dishes, Gazpachuelo is really something different and unusual. This traditional soup has a very basic recipe since it used to be associated with the lower classes and the ingredients they could afford. Potatoes, white fish, and prawns do most of the work, but the secret is in the broth made with egg yolk, olive oil, mayonnaise, and of course garlic. However, as the years passed, many other variations were created to a point that today there are thousands of them. In every different town around Malaga, you can find a new way of serving this dish
Eat it like a true Malagueño
Would you like to savor this dish like a true local? Then you should try to eat it as the natives do. Don’t waste its unique creamy taste and dive some bread in the broth. We promise you will enjoy every single moment of degustation.
3. Tapas in Malaga: Ensalada Malagueña
Everybody knows the importance of salads in Mediterranean cuisine. No doubt you’ll be craving something fresh and cold when the weather in Malaga starts heating up. This typical salad brings you a taste of summer, combining the bittersweetness of the orange, potato nutrition, and the fancy flavor of a pod. On your plate, you can also see finely chopped onions and the so characteristic green olives to accompany the tuna (or in some places, the roasted cod fish). If you have already been to other parts of Andalusia, you might have found a similar version called “remojón”, although it’s not the same.
Looking for vegan options?
It’s really hard to find some food that doesn’t consist of fish or meat, but in case you are vegan, you can find a recipe for you here.
Other things you should try while ordering tapas in Malaga
1. Olives
If you love olives – this is your place! Malaga provides a huge variety of olives. From the “verde fresca” to the “curada”, there’s so much to discover about their different tastes and colors that you will never be tired of them. You can even find them filled with different vegetables like pickles, peppers, and so on. This little treat is eaten almost with everything in Costa del Sol and it’s definitely a must when you are waiting for your meal at a restaurant. Every time you go for tapas, you’ll be provided with a bowl of olives once you sit at the table.
The “Aloreña” – A Malaga’s exclusive
Of all types of olives served in the city, there is one that you particularly have to try. It’s called “aloreña” and it can only be found in Malaga’s province. It can be eaten alone but you will also find it in a lot of dishes, including the ensalada malagueña we previously mentioned. This green-colored olive was even awarded a protected designation of origin, which eternalizes it as a Malagueño product.
2. Turrón
Had enough of the salty stuff? Time for something sweet, maybe? We have the best dessert for you. Made with toasted nuts, honey, sugar, and eggs, indeed this could be the perfect ending to your lunch or dinner. Its origin belongs to the Moorish occupation of Spain and since then it became one of the people’s favorites until now. In fact, it can be really addictive once you try it. So make sure you have a taste of one of the most delicious sweets in the country.
3. Malaga sweet wine
Here is a bonus tip to complete your tasty tour through Malaga’s food. Enjoy your tapas while drinking the famous Malaga sweet wine. Why sweet wine? It all comes from the city’s history again. As you probably know, Malaga used to be a Moorish city. Since the Muslims are not allowed to drink alcohol, they were smart enough to start making sweet wine. In this way, nobody could recognize its taste and they were able to drink it anyway. It is said that this sweet wine has medical benefits, so they would drink it daily.
In conclusion, surely you would be happy to share your food (typical in Spanish) while meeting new people. Join our TAPAS TOUR tonight, tomorrow, or whenever you would like to, and have a taste of tapas in Malaga.
