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Our Selection of Camino Foodies

Vegetarian

Tortilla Española

Also called ‘Tortilla de patatas’. A traditional dish that you will find anywhere. You can eat it as small tapa to go with your drink in the middle of the day, or you can order it as starter or main course. It can be eaten cold, warm or just off the frying pan. It goes very well with a nice glass of white wine. One thing to watch for: if it is served cold, and the egg is still very liquid you might want to second-guess the choice. Usually you will find that restaurants cook it until the egg is completely well done, just to avoid issues. Last but not least: the standard one is just eggs and potatoes (cheap), the better ones will contain peppers (not hot ones) and onion to add more flavor. You might want to ask if it contains ham (jamón) or sausage (chorizo) if you are vegetarian.

Pimientos de Padron

“Pimientos de Padrón, uns pican e outros non”, is a popular statement about these small, green peppers. It translates to ‘some are spicy and others are not’. Padrón is a village in Galicia, and is one of the last major villages you’ll pass before arriving (23K) in Santiago de Compostela, if you chose to do the Camino Portugues. The cultivation of these peppers was started by Franciscan monks of the monastery of San Francisco de Hérbon upon their return for The Americas.
As to their spiciness: if they fry you a batch of the original Padrón ones, yes, you have a Russian roulette with a 20% spicy risk. Don’t worry in other places though: most of them are from wholesale companies from other parts of Spain and their cultivation has been adapted in such way that chances are you won’t get a spicy one at all. The spiciness depends during cultivation on the amount of water and sun they get. Luisa’s mother used to say that they are specially spicy when it rains just before harvesting them.
They are delicious and go very well as individual tapa but also as a side dish with practically any other main dish. You just pick them by their stem with your hand and make sure you bite them off just before the stem (the upper part where the seeds are is the delicious part!).

Paella

There are many many types of Paella. First of all you have the one with white rice and the one with black rice. The rice itself is usually yellow due to the saffron they add. When the rice is black, it’s because it has been cooked with squid’s ink.

The other differences are the ingredients. We put this one in the Vegetarian section because the most common Paella dish will have sea food and fish. However, make sure when you order that it is clear what type of Paella it is: Paella de carne (with meat), Paella de pollo (with chicken), Paella mixta (usually meat or chicken with sea food). It also contains sometimes small pieces of chorizo (sausage) so make sure that you either know exactly what you are ordering by asking: ‘Soy vegetariana/vegetariano: la paella lleva carne’? [I’m vegetarian: does the paella contain any meat?].

With a nice glass of albariño or ribeiro wine…mmmmm! Buen provecho!

Ensalada mixta

I remember a private albergue on the Camino Francés while writing this. It was in a small village called Ventas de Narón. The place is called Albergue do Cruceiro. We ordered empanada and a mixed salad with tuna. Priceless! Eating on the Camino is always a party!
Almost everywhere you will go, you’ll find this one on the menu. The tuna is what makes it special for us. Delicious and very nutritious. It goes well as a main course while you are walking (not so heavy on the stomach) or as a side dish or first course at dinner. Any time, any place really…

Empanada Gallega

My first memories of empanada are the ones from my Spanish hometown when my parents and us were spending our vacations there. Back in those days you could order empanada in restaurants and buy it in the stores already, however this was not the usual way. My mother would prepare a certain amount of food for the filling (nowadays you can get empanadas in as many varieties as you like). She usually made chicken. Very early in the morning she would take the pot with chicken stew and walk to the local bakery. She would hand over the pot and order ‘Una empanada de 4 kilos de masa’. She would agree on a time to pick it up and voilá: a freshly backed empanada for the whole family! Yummy.

We put this in the vegetarian section because there are a lot of fillings available. The most common one is the one with atún (tuna). Again: a mall piece as lunch with ensalada mixta or a couple of slices as main course. Galician food is really all about any time any place, cheap and nutritious work food: exactly what a pilgrim needs! The locals will agree with me!

Revuelto de grelos

Grelos are the young leaves of a certain type of cabbage. They are used in the Galician kitchen in all sorts of dishes. The most common dish being ‘Lacón con grelos’ which is in the meat section, since Lacón is meat. However, vegetarians will be delighted to order a ‘Revuelto de grelos con gambas’, just to name one. Steer fright grelos with gambas… mmmm!
When you order these, just make sure you know if they come with meat or not. Want to ask if they have dishes with grelos without meat? Here’s how: ‘Tiene platos de grelos sin carne’?
Also popular is the Tortilla de grelos or empanada de grelos (see tortilla and empanada sections). Enjoy!

Croquetas

Often seen on the menu as ‘Croquetas caseras’ (home-made croquetas). If they are home-made, you are in for a treat. If not, they are usually not bad at all though.
Vegetarians: make sure again you know what type it is. ‘Croquetas de jamón’ or ‘Croquetas Ibéricas’ contain pork. Look for the ones that say ‘de patata’ (potato) ‘gambas’ or ‘verduras’. There are many many more, so you know the drill by now: ‘Soy vegetariana/vegetariano: tiene croquetas sin carne?’.

Berenjenas fritas

Sliced up in all different kind of shapes and fried in oil or grilled, it doesn’t really matter: delicious! The perfect side dish to complete a Veggie meal. Restaurants will usually have oil, salt/pepper and vinegar on the table…. poor it over them like you would with a normal salad.
Tip of Camino Comfort (we love to cook): when you get back home, buy them, fry them and…. poor some balsamic dressing on top of them… a culinary experience!

Fish

Pulpo a Feira

This is probably the most popular dish of Galicia. If you go to a Spanish restaurant outside of Spain, chances are they have pulpo on their menu in the Galician variant: a la Feira. A ‘feira’ is the name of the traditional markets in villages in Spain. They occur usually twice a month. In Galicia, you will see ‘pulpeiras’ (the woman who cook, cut and sell your portion of pulpo) across the whole market and with stands near to bars and restaurants.

Two very popular places with regards to pulpo are Melide (on the Camino Francés) and O Carballiño (10K off the camino in the area of Cea – on the Camino Sanabrés (the extension of the Camino de la Plata once you get in Galicia). You can get it anywhere though!

Vieiras - Scalop shells

Yep, you’re right! It’s the scallop shell you are carrying with you on the camino to Santiago. They taste as good as they look on your backpack!

Gambas al ajillo

The picture says it all right? Everyone knows gambas, usually called the same in many languages. Delicious as appetizer! You know all that bread that is served with your dinner in Spain? In the rest of Europe (with the exception of France) we don’t eat that much bread during dinner (maybe just as appetizer with some butter right?). Well, here is the main reason to keep your bread supply in order during the course of dinner: dip it in the sauce when the gambas are gone…

Chipirones

A small type of squid that is prepared in several ways. the most common one is in the first picture (grilled or fried as is). A less common one in restaurants is stewed (second picture). When they are fried in rings it looks like the third picture and that one is more in line with how normal squid rings look like (but smaller). Last but definitely not least, the very small chipirones fried in a coating of dough. If you can get those in a restaurant DON’T hesitate! The dish is getting rarer and rarer because of fishing legislation where the young ones are protected – I can’t blame them and I totally agree with these new rules, but gosh… they are so tasty…

Almejas

Order ‘almejas a la marinera’ and you’ll get something that looks like the pictures above. You’ll be in heaven for the remainder of the dish. Accompanied by a glass of Albariño will make you order a second portion of the same dish!

Mejillones

Mussels are not only delicious in Paella, a plate of mussels in a nice sauce accompanied with bread and wine will work perfectly well as a complete meal. Enjoy!

Angulas

Elver (baby eel)… not your typical dish at home right? They are not cheap. However, they taste great. They also come in a cheaper variant, where the eels are not actually eels but made of surumi / crab meat. Usually available in the supermercados. The ones in restaurants should be the real ones though. They give a very nice touch to a regular Caesar salad.

Langosta

You won’t be able to enjoy fresh lobster in the rest of Europe for this price. Not the cheapest dish on the menu of course, but a lot cheaper than you are used to (if you are used to eating Lobster…).

Atún: as is, in empanada, in stew or as filling in any type of dish…

Atún

Bacalao, fresh or dried, in stew or grilled…

Bacalao

Jureles, the big ones, the young ones, fried with a slice of lemon…

Jureles

Merluza a la gallega: simple honest food with a sauce to die for…

Merluza a la gallega

Sardinas, delicious little fishes, usually fried or from the BBQ (a la parilla)

Sardinas

There are a lot of fish dishes in Spain. We have restricted our selection to the most main stream ones in Galicia. Food is so important in Galicia, that they have parties (fiestas) around a particular dish. If you are on the Camino and you see those festivals announced, make sure you participate! Fiesta de la Sardina, Fiesta del Jurel, mmmmm!!!! Party & Food: why don’t all people live in Spain?!

Meat

Churrasco

There are no words for this ‘dish’. It doesn’t get better than this for the true carnivore to be honest. Although churrasco refers usually only to the spareribs part, when you order ‘churrasco’ in Galicia, you get more than the ribs. First of all you can order ‘churrasco de ternera’ (veal) and ‘churrasco de cerdo’ (pork) or, if they have both, you can order ‘churrasco mixto’. Besides the obvious spare ribs you get ‘chorizos criollos’ (sausages) and some other parts of the veal or pork. Basically we would call it a mixed grill. However, look at the pictures… you order ‘churrasco’ and you get a lot of meat. If you can eat more, it is usual to order bit y bit so the owners will not need to throw away good food. The only thing you need to go with this is homemade French fries (or chips as they would call it in the UK) and a nice mixed salad! Buen provecho!

Chorizos Criollos

You will find them in your churrasco, but they are also available as standalone dish, or sliced up and mixed in e.g. paella.

albondigas

Meat balls are not what you call a Spanish dish. But just so you know how the Spanish ones will look like: balls of meat covered in sauce… but with a Spanish flavor of course! If they are ‘caseras’ – try them definitely: anything home-made tastes better. That’s just a simple fact!

Callos_beef tripe

One of the traditional dishes that proof that every part of the pork is used in the traditional Spanish cuisine: callos. Usually accompanied by ‘garbanzos’ (chickpeas) the ‘meat’ that is called ‘callos’ is beef tripe. We were told they are delicious. I guess it’s for the die-hard cuisine pilgrims. It just doesn’t sound appealing to us.

Cocido gallego

Accompanied by potatoes, chickpeas and grelos, you’ll get a variety of cooked meat from (usually) pork. Ever wondered where ‘Caldo Gallego’ comes from? Well, the water that is left over from boiling all these delicious ingredients is used as the basis for that dish (that you will find VERY often on the Pilgrim’s menu).

Lacón con Grelos

Another traditional meal. Boiled ham with potatoes and grelos. Yummy, and not only on a cold winter’s day. For peregrinos walking in colder months: it will keep you well nourished!

Raxo

Raxo refers simply to the little cubes of meat. It can however be any meat. It will be specified on the menu and else, you’ll need to ask (or be surprised). Raxo de pollo (chicken), de ternera (veal) or de cerdo (pork). Stir-fried meat basically. Usually accompanied with… of course: French fries, homemade!

Zorza

You will see it on most menus and it will look very appetizing. It is very very heavy on spices. Not spicy, but it contains a lot of sweet pepper powder. You know those home-made chorizo sausages, the red ones? Well, this is the same, but only the filling and cut up in pieces. Heavy duty for your stomach, so don’t even think about ordering this as a late dinner: you won’t sleep and the next day your stomach will keep reminding you what you had last night…

Embutidos

A selection of cured meats. If they have the extension ‘iberico’ you’re in for a treat. They are usually presented as selection on 1 plate and consumed with bread and wine as a starter dish. The best one we can recommend (if you see it somewhere on a menu, please e-mail us with the location!) is ‘Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, de Jabugo’. It literally melts on your tongue…

Ternera

Ternera asada. Veil can be prepared in so many ways – but this is our favorite! You’ll see it in any menu, and we’ve seen it also as a choice on the pilgrim’s menu.

Secreto iberico

A delicious part of the pork (especially when it is a Cerdo Ibérico), that’s what Secreto is. The word means also ‘secret’ but there’s nothing secretive about it, as you can see in the pictures. Not cheap, but oh so nice…

Soups

Caldo gallego

The most popular soup you will find on the Camino: everywhere. Usually one of the choices of the Menu del Peregrino. It’s cheap, but you are always at risk of restaurant owners who want to earn more money. Let’s put it this way: it can be very filled with potatoes, eggs, meat, grelos and other vegetables, or it can be simple liquid with an occasional floating ingredient. Also, caldo gallego can be bought in super markets, which is not good for the flavor if you know what I mean. The big restaurants that serve also ‘Cocido Gallego’ are the best ones to eat ‘Caldo Gallego’: you will be sure that the caldo is the result of cooking real meat with a lot of ingredients in it: best flavors ever!

Potaje de lentejas

Lentejas (lentils) are rich in iron. Iron is essential for a lot processes in your body. If the soup is more liquid it is called sopa, if it is more dense, richly filled with ingredients it is called potaje. The ones with lentejas is really nice and you’ll find it in a lot of places along the Way.

Garbanzos

Chickpeas are very popular in Galicia and are used in a lot of dishes. In a soup/potaje dish it looks like this. Like the lentils, a very nutritious meal with a lot of nice flavors if prepared well.

Fabada gallega

Beans in all types and sizes, processed in a stew-like manner. Depending on the rest of the ingredients there are a lot of flavor varieties. However, think before you order: if you sleep in a dormitory with other pilgrims… they might not be very thankful the next morning. On the other hand, you’ll endure the same issues with others, so what the heck: buen provecho!

Combinados

Platos combinados

Available in most restaurants and all types of varieties. When the cook has a good timing (usually the best cooks are the moms and grannies) these combined plates compete very well with the Menu del Peregrino and usually are enough for an average eater. A little wine, a little desert and there you go!

Platos combinados

Deserts

Tarta de Santiago

It’s rare to find a Menu del Peregrino without this almond cake being a choice on it. Just as rare as finding a restaurant on the Camino without Tarta de Santiago anywhere on the menu.
There’s not a lot to tell about this delicious case. You’ll love it, the purer the almond selection the better the quality of the cake. You can even order them and take them back home…

Tarta de queso

Heavy stuff, but oh so nice… ordinary cheese cake, but somehow the cows in Galicia do not agree with that. It’s not ‘just’ cheese case; the good one is made of the milk of Galician cows who they call ‘vacas Holandesas’ by the way.

Quesos

With your last glass of wine, you order a selection of cheese. There’s nothing to say about this really: just yummy and hail to all people who are cheese lovers. You know how to enjoy life!

You may run into the ones in the first picture. These are typical Galician ones and they call them ‘Queso de Tetílla’: Tit cheese. Very funny, even without the glass of wine…

Flan

This is not just egg pudding. When it is ‘casero’ you will know by its form (not so nice as in picture 1) and by its taste. Simple, great, satisfying.

Leche frita

What? Fried milk? How can that be? Well, we’ll share the recipe with you in another place and time, but believe us: YOU HAVE TO TASTE THIS!

Crema catalana

Nothing Galician about this and available throughout the world – more commonly known as ‘Crème brulé’. We like it very much, so here it is!

Cañas fritas

Puff pastry filled with a pudding-like substance containing vanilla or other flavors. Go very well with a café con leche.

Arroz con leche

My mom made the best but you’ll need to settle with what you find on the Camino, which will be just fine I bet! Porridge in its most traditional form.

We don’t think you need pictures of coffee. However, this might be useful:

  • Café Americano – more water than coffee
  • Café con leche – coffee with a lot of milk
  • Café con leche, largo de leche – coffee with even more milk
  • Café con leche, largo de café – coffee with more coffee than milk (the way we Dutch people drink it, but watch out: the coffee is stronger)
  • Café con leche cargado – same as above
  • Espresso – that’s the same as anywhere else
  • Cappuccino – they either have it, and then it’s called the same, or they don’t and they will try to make it (you’ll get a café con leche, which is more or less the same to be honest).

Drinks

vinos copy

“Vino de la casa” is the wine from the house. Can be anything, you’ll need to ask. If you don’t care a lot about your wines, that’s okay, just order it (it is the wine that comes with the menu del peregrino). They will generally put the whole bottle on the table. Don’t be surprised if they only charge you for what you have consumed. In the more crowded areas: don’t be surprised if they do charge the whole bottle. If you paid for the whole bottle, there is no problem in taking it with you if you didn’t finish it during dinner.
If you want to upgrade your wine experience try at least the Ribeiro and the Albariño.

Don’t drink too much: alcohol and walking do not go well together.

IMG_5659

In Northwestern Spain we have a long tradition of making strong distilled liqueurs and the most famous one is orujo. Locally produced orujo is indeed a strong liqueur (between 37 and 45% alcohol) that can be drunk by itself or used to make the popular and very traditional Galician drink called queimada.

La Queimada deserves some attention. Galicia is Celtic and with a long tradition of ‘witch craft’ in its legends. La Queimada as you see below is a special recipe with the main ingredient being the highly flammable orujo (and some lemon rasp, coffee beans, sugar and cinnamon). Usually the lights go off to enjoy the wonderful magical experience and a spell is spoken in Gallego. With the spell the evil spirits are cast away and the friends in the room are invited to participate in la queimada. Although the only excuse one needs to make queimada is to be among friends, the tradition also says that one of the perfect days to make the “conxuro da queimada” is in Samhain, the Celtic New Year’s Eve. However, typically the Queimada ritual takes place during St. John’s night or ‘witches’ night’ on the 23rd of June. If you get the chance to participate, don’t hesitate. After burning a while, there’s not much alcohol left in the drink by the way.

Queimada