10 foods that you must try in Galicia if you do the Camino de Santiago
Did you know that the Camino de Santiago is not only walked, it is also tasted? In this article we are going to tell you what are those Galician dishes that you can not miss if you do the French Way from Sarria or the Portuguese along the coast from Baiona. But be careful: reading this with hunger can be dangerous. At the end, we tell you how you can live this experience with us at Viajeros Canallas... and savour it all.
Why is food so important on the Camino de Santiago?
Because it is part of the soul of the Camino. Galicia not only embraces you with its green landscapes and villages with soul, it also seduces you with its flavours. Eating well here is easy, and doing so after a long stage is... magical. Truly, there are dishes that taste better when you are tired, excited and surrounded by good people.
These are the 10 foods you must try in Galicia if you make the Camino de Santiago
1. Galician octopus (Pulpo á feira)
The king of Galicia. It is served on wooden plates, sliced, with coarse salt, paprika and olive oil. If you do the French Way, you have to try it in Melide. They have been preparing it there for generations.
2. Galician Empanada
There are all kinds: tuna, meat, cod with sultanas... It is ideal to carry in your backpack and eat it in a break. It is the pilgrim's food par excellence. There is no stage without an empanada in a bar.
3. Lacón with turnip tops
This one is hearty. It is best eaten in winter, but in Galicia there is no season for good lacón. The turnip grelo (a vegetable from the turnip family) gives it a bitter touch that contrasts with the meat. Brutal.
4. Santiago Cake
The typical one, the one with the cross on top with icing sugar. It is made of almonds, and if it is homemade, it is a sin not to try it. You can find it in many bakeries and cafés in small towns. With a cup of coffee, it tastes great.
5. Galician broth
To go on a pilgrimage in the cold and arrive at a bar that serves Galician broth... is priceless. It has turnip greens, potatoes, chorizo, white beans and sometimes bacon. It comforts body and soul.
6. Padrón peppers
"Some itch and some don't." And it's true. That's the fun of it. In summer they are easier to find. Fried and with coarse salt, they are the perfect accompaniment to a beer after the stage.
7. Galician seafood
It's not for every day, but if you end up in Santiago or make the route along the coast from Baiona, you have to celebrate. Crab, mussels, barnacles, clams... Galicia is the sea, and its seafood is some of the best in the world.
8. Galician churrasco
Perfect for sharing in a group. It comes with chips, peppers and Galician bread. There are many rural houses and inns along the Camino where they prepare it with firewood.
9. Tetilla cheese and other Galician cheeses
Tetilla cheese is soft, creamy and melts in the mouth. But there is also San Simón da Costa, Arzúa-Ulloa... All with their own personality. On a board, with honey or jam, they are a delight.
10. Churros with Chocolate
For an energising breakfast, there's nothing better than freshly made churros with hot chocolate. Perfect to start the day before going for a walk.
And where do you eat these delicacies on the Camino?
In the small towns, in the family dining houses, in those bars where the locals come in. At Viajeros Canallas we know the best places to eat well and with authentic flavour. All you have to worry about is walking, we'll take care of the rest.
Why is doing the Camino also gastronomic tourism?
Because what you eat is also part of the journey. Because the Camino is not only spiritual, it is also sensory. And because after walking 22.5 km on average in each stage, you deserve a good tribute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there vegetarian or vegan options in Galicia?
Yes, more and more. Although Galician cuisine is traditionally carnivorous and seafood, there are options of vegetable pies, meatless broths and many fruit, salad and adaptable dishes.
Where can I eat Galician octopus on the French Way?
Melide is the classic spot. But you can also find it in Arzúa, Portomarín and other villages, and in Santiago, of course!
Is food on the Camino expensive?
Not at all. There are pilgrim's menus from 10€, and of good quality. And many bars offer free tapas with your drink.
Do I have to book places to eat in advance?
Only in big cities or for well-known restaurants. If you travel with Viajeros Canallas, we organise everything for you.
If your mouth is already watering, imagine tasting this after an incredible stage. At Viajeros Canallas we have been organising trips to the Camino de Santiago for 9 years and we know the authentic places, the real ones, where the food becomes part of the journey.
