Our Galician food experience was fantastic. There was never a dull moment around the food that we tried there. Galicia is not about Paella, a worldwide known dish from Spain. It is more about seafood, Octopus, stew, and Pimiento de Padrón, so here is the list of 10 typical foods to try in Galicia, Spain.

1. Pulpo a la gallega (Octopus)

Of 10 typical foods to try in Galicia, Spain, the number one is Octopus. It is boiled to a perfect point, cut into pieces, and then served with potatoes on a wooden plate. Paprika, salt, and olive oil accentuate the taste.

2. Mariscada

If you want to experience a variety of seafood options on a plate, then mariscada is the best deal.

The one we ate had half-shell scallops, crabs, razor clams, prawns, mussels, lettuce, clamps, lime pieces, and some red salsa.

3. Pimiento de Padrón

These are the fried sweet peppers, and rock salt is sprinkled on them. These peppers come from the Padrón region in the province of A Coruña, thus the name.

As Galician expression says, “uns pican e outros non” which is true because sometimes you can find some spicy ones from the lot.

4. Merluza a la gallega

Merluza or Hake fish prepared in Gallego style is something that you must try. The fish is served with potatoes, onions, garlic cloves, and peas. The flavors of this dish come from olive oil, sweet paprika, garlic, laurel leaves, salt, and pepper.

5. Half shell scallops and Mussel

Do not miss eating scallops and mussels (Mexillon de Galicia).

Did you know that Galicia has mussel farms? These farms use the “rafts” methodology to grow mussels. Next time, if you are in Vigo, you can take a boat trip to see these farms and combine it with a mussel-tasting experience.

For desserts

6. Tarta de Santiago

It is a simple and typical dessert from Galicia. As the name suggests, this cake originates from Santiago de Compostela.

The texture is soft (not spongy at all) and less sweet. One of the main ingredients of this cake is almonds. Icing sugar is sprinkled over it to make the iconic mark of the Santiago cross.

There may be no Santiago cross on the cake like the one we ate.

7. Galician Filloas

I got this opportunity to learn how to make Filloas. We were staying at our friend’s in A Coruña. His mother taught me how to make filloas which are “Crepes” from Galicia. These are much thinner than crepes. People in Galicia prepare them typically during carnival time.

The best way to eat them is to spread sugar on them, roll it, and enjoy. You can spread honey, marmalade, and cream as per your preference. We tried them with sugar and honey.

8. Strawberry with cream

We had strawberries with homemade cream in a restaurant where we tried mariscada. The cream was fresh and the combination was delicious.

It is not a typical dessert from Galicia, but it is worth mentioning as we relished it a lot during our trip, so I would keep it on the list of 10 typical foods to try in Galicia, Spain.

9. Queso con dulce de membrillo

This salty and combination combination of cheese(queso) with membrillo (firm, sweet and sticky paste made from the fruit quince) is unbelievable.

10. Bica, el bizcocho que sabe a Galicia

After we reached our friend’s place, we ate Bica for breakfast. It was homemade and delicious. We had Bica with dulce de vino Andaluz (sweet wine from Andalusia in Spain).

Few tips while trying food in Galicia, Spain

• Try some Galician food, especially dishes that have potatoes. People from Galicia say that they have the best potatoes in the world and that’s true.
• Seafood accompanied by white wine in Galicia is heaven.
• Do not miss the bread anywhere you eat.
• End your meal with chupitos (shots) and café.