Wondering What to Eat in Malaga? Try These Local Specialties!
The south of Spain draws in foodies every year from all over the globe who come to try some of the most famous and typical dishes of the region. Andalusia is the home of the tapa, as well as some of Spain’s most-recognized foods. So, if you’re in the south and have an appetite for everything delicious, you’re in luck! We are sharing with you some of our recommendations of what to eat in Malaga to experience the best culinary traditions and flavors. These local specialties will have your mouth watering in no time!
Ajoblanco
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Ajoblanco is gazpacho’s cousin that is most often served in Malaga and Granada, a refreshing cold soup to beat the summer heat. Garlic, almonds, and crusty bread are crushed together and then mixed with water, olive oil and a bit of vinegar to form a soup that is light enough that it can be drunk from a glass. Grapes and melon pair really well with ajoblanco, since the sweetness balances out the garlic and vinegar. If you can’t get enough ajoblanco, visit the village of Almáchar in Malaga on September 2. This is the day of the annual ajoblanco celebration, which brings in thousands of visitors every year. If you’re wondering what to eat in Malaga on a hot summer day, this is it!
Porra antequerana
Another cold soup, porra antequerana is cool, thick, and creamy, perfect for the summer. Crusty bread and tomatoes are ground together with vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Unlike gazpacho, which is quite light and has a liquid consistency, porra antequerana is thick and eaten as a tapa, or small portion. Its name comes from the village of Antequera, where it originates from. Topped off with bits of hard-boiled egg and Spanish ham, you’re in for a real Andalusian treat.
Espetos de sardinas
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Espetos, or skewers, are often loaded with fresh sardines straight from the sea and grilled over an open fire right on the beach in Malaga. This is a delight for your senses as you take in the smells of the sea, mixed with the burning firewood and slowly-roasting sardines. The perfection of cooking sardines this way is that they just need a pinch of sea salt to bring out their rich flavor. This is what to eat in Malaga in the summer if you want to eat like a local. If you think you don’t like sardines, it’s just because you’ve never tried espetos de sardinas!
See more: Discover 5 of the Best Things to Do in Malaga
Albóndigas en salsa de almendras
Albóndigas, or small meatballs made from ground pork and beef, can be found all over Spain, but in Malaga they are served with a delicious almond sauce that makes this dish truly malagueño. Most tapas bars will serve this local specialty, as they are easy to prepare all year round. The secret is in the almond sauce, which will leave you wanting more. Hearty and comforting, these meatballs will take you straight to a Spanish abuela‘s kitchen!
Gambas al Pil Pil
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If spice it what you seek, look no further than gambas al pil pil. Cloves of garlic, paprika, and dried chili powder are heated up in olive oil until sizzling, when fresh, juicy shrimp are thrown in and cooked to perfection. A tapas bar staple, this seafood dish is a must. The spices and garlic bring out the natural sweetness of the shrimp to create flavors that just can’t be beat. This is what to eat in Malaga if you just can’t get enough fresh seafood!
Coffee, Malaga style
Spaniards take coffee seriously, and in Malaga the locals have their own traditions and customs when it comes to caffeine. Depending on the amount of coffee you want in proportion to milk, there are different ways to order your coffee. Legend says that it all began in Café Central, one of Malaga’s most iconic cafés. Order a “nube” and you will get mostly milk cut with a bit of coffee. A “sombra” or a “corto” will increase the coffee, but it will still be milky. A “mitad” or a “solo corto” will be half coffee and half milk, and the coffee content increases all the way up to a “solo.” The solo is pure coffee with no milk added, just strong, Spanish brew. Depending on your taste and caffeine craving, there’s a coffee for everyone.
There’s so much to eat and explore in Malaga, so why not join Food Lover Tour for a food tour? We can show you all the best spots to try Malaga’s most popular dishes and food traditions. Join us for a culinary journey through the heart of the city, and find out what to eat in Malaga!
