On the beautiful island of Ibiza, we not only find beaches with crystal-clear waters and vibrant nightlife, but also a rich culinary tradition that reflects the authentic essence of this jewel of the Mediterranean.
Our gastronomy is a gastronomic journey that combines Mediterranean flavours with unique local influences... And in this article we will explore its secrets.
Do you dare?
Discovering the history of Ibizan cuisine
The cuisine here has its roots in the history of the island, which has been inhabited by different cultures over the centuries.
Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and Catalans left their mark here, influencing our gastronomy uniquely, just like the ingredients that could be obtained from the sea and land.
This rich history is reflected in the traditional dishes served in Ibiza today, both in restaurants and in homes.
Fresh and local ingredients
One of the pillars of traditional Ibizan cuisine is the use of fresh and local ingredients: we all have someone we know who knows someone who sells fish, or who slaughters, or who has a garden... The exchange of products is something extremely common among neighbours and friends.
In addition, the island has several professional producers such as Peix Nostrum and Carn&Coop, allowing chefs to create delicious dishes with authentic flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil, aromatic herbs from our fields, fresh fish and meats, as well as seasonal vegetables, are essential elements in most dispensaries.
And we can't forget the nuts! You'd be surprised how many of our recipes they are commonly used in.
Emblematic dishes of Ibiza
Peix Bullit
Bulit de peix is one of the most emblematic dishes of Ibiza. It is a fish stew cooked with potatoes, fennel and aioli. This dish captures the essence of the Mediterranean Sea and is a delight for lovers of fresh fish.
Sofrit pages
Sofrit pagès is a traditional Ibizan stew that combines pork, chicken and sobrasada with potatoes and aromatic herbs. It is a hearty and comforting dish that reflects the Catalan influence on the island's cuisine.
Sweet Ibizan delicacies
The sweets of our land are a delight that you should not miss. Among the most notable are:
Flaó
Flaó is a traditional cheese and aromatic herb cake that is baked until it obtains a soft texture and unique flavour. It is a dessert that reflects the island's Moorish heritage, and extremely popular with visitors and residents.
Bunyols
Buñuelos are small fried delicacies, which in our case are only the dough, without fillings. Although it is not an exclusively Ibizan sweet, it is very important in our gastronomy, especially in town festivals.
Orelletas
Orelletas are very peculiar buns with a powerful anise flavour, ideal to accompany a coffee or tea after a meal. They are usually an important part of any local festival as well.
Ensaimadas
Ensaimadas are an Ibizan tradition that has become a symbol of the island. These fluffy buns are served sprinkled with icing sugar and are ideal for breakfast or snack, although it's always nice to leave room for dessert.
And the main reason for discussions with our Mallorcan neighbours.
The importance of paella
Paella also has a special place in Ibizan cuisine.
Although this dish is originally from neighbouring Valencia, it has been adopted and adapted in Ibiza, which is why discussions often arise with our friends from across the sea.
The seafood paella is especially popular here, with fresh prawns, cuttlefish, red crab and mussels, and a good base of fish broth and minced meat.
Spirits: Ibizan wine and herbs
You can't explore traditional Ibizan cuisine without trying local wine and even more importantly: Ibizan herbs.
The island's wine is known for its unique flavour, thanks to grapes grown in Ibiza's sunny climate.
Ibizan herbs, on the other hand, are an aromatic liquor that is usually taken as an apéritif or digestive and in this case can only be found in Ibiza, as it is made by macerating herbs from our fields with anise for 3 months.
If you want to try them, don't miss our partners Ibizuks, Familia Marí Mayans, Aniseta Aniseta and Fluxà; They are all producers with years of experience and very recognized.
Both drinks are sweet and delicious, masking their strength well... Drink with caution!
Where to try traditional cuisine in Ibiza?
During these winter months, you have the opportunity to try the traditional cuisine of Ibiza from the hand of some of our partners.
They remain open during the coldest months of the year:
If you want to discover more restaurants and gastronomy, don't miss our blog posts.
Join us in this exciting season!
