The essentials of Santanyí’s cuisine

Mallorcan cuisine is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean diet and the local products of this area, which are used to create recipes full of flavor.

Traditional Dishes and the Taste of the Sea

Thus, interesting recipes stand out, such as arròs brut, a brothy rice dish made with garden products and plenty of spices. Also coca de trempó, a dough topped with a mixture of onion, green pepper, and tomato.

Likewise, it is necessary to highlight typical dishes such as frit mallorquí, a fry-up made with potatoes, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and meat; bullit de peix, one of the most traditional recipes where the quality of Mallorcan fish truly shines; or tumbet, a vegetable dish (potato, eggplant, pepper, and zucchini) to which meat or fish can be added if desired.

If you are looking for the freshest fish, a visit to Cala Figuera is a must. Just a few kilometers from the center of Santanyí, this picturesque fishing port maintains its traditional essence. Here, seafood dishes take on a new meaning when enjoyed with views of the traditional boats bringing in the catch of the day.

Local Products: Sobrasada, Salt, and Sweets

If we mention the quality of some products or ingredients that are exquisite in themselves, we cannot fail to mention sobrasada de Mallorca, one of the most famous and delicious sausages in the entire country. It is also interesting to try both botifarra and camallot.

An open secret in Santanyí kitchens is the use of Flor de Sal. Due to the proximity to the Es Trenc and Ses Salines salt flats, many local dishes are finished with this gourmet hand-harvested salt, which enhances the Mediterranean flavors of Ramallet tomato salads or grilled fish.

As for desserts, there is no doubt that the ensaimada is the best-known option, not only nationally but also internationally. It is a fluffy pastry made with egg, sugar, and flour. It is spiral-shaped and can be filled or plain, with “cabello de ángel” (pumpkin jam) being the most common filling option.

The Santanyí Market

One cannot talk about local gastronomy without mentioning the famous Santanyí market. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the streets of the center fill with stalls offering the best from the garden. It is the perfect place to buy ‘zero kilometer’ products and enjoy an essential sensory experience.

Curiosities and Celebrities

A curious aspect we can highlight about the town of Santanyí and its gastronomy is that there are currently two bars run by famous German actors.

The restaurant Sa Cova stands out, located in the Plaza Mayor, where you can enjoy tasty recipes and excellent products courtesy of Uwe Ochsenknecht. In addition, live music concerts are offered according to their schedule to accompany and liven up the evening.

On the other hand, actor and entrepreneur Til Schweiger opened the pizzeria Henry likes Pizza in Santanyí, a dining venue to enjoy this delicious food in a different way.

Gastronomic Events

For food lovers visiting the municipality in autumn, ‘Sa Fira’ de Santanyí is an unmissable event. During these days, local gastronomy takes to the streets with samples of traditional cuisine and tastings of local products.

In short, in the gastronomy of Santanyí, Mallorcan sobrasada and tumbet are specialties that must be tasted, although there are many other essential dishes of Balearic cuisine.