If you are travelling to Southern Spain and want to experience the real taste of this land, there’s nothing quite like delving into the authentic dishes of every region. Although, of course, each one boasts its particular products, culinary habits, and traditional recipes, the similarities in Andalusian cuisine are common. One of the aspects that has always captivated us about this land at Coeo is the magnificent flavours of Andalusia. And that’s why today we invite you to discover what to eat in Malaga for a true gastronomic experience. Will you join us on this culinary adventure?

What to eat in Malaga, most traditional dishes

Porra Antequerana

Whether you’re wondering about what to eat in Malaga to get the real taste of their locals, you have to try the porra antequerana. This is a cold, creamy tomato soup similar to gazpacho but thicker and not drinkable. That is, a similar dish to the classic Andalusian salmorejo.  This dish for hot days (almost 300 a year) is often made with bread, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. It’s typically served with garnishes like hard-boiled eggs, and ham on top. The main difference with the salmorejo consists of adding tuna as topping.

Ensalada Malagueña

Continuing with fresh starters, we cannot overlook the Malagueño salad, an ancient recipe widely enjoyed throughout Andalusia. This delight is made with ingredients such as oranges, boiled potatoes, salted cod (previously desalted), black olives, and onions. The dressing consists of the typical salad dressing in Spain: salt, olive oil, and vinegar. It’s a tasty dish that embodies the vibrant flavours of Andalusian cuisine, making it a delightful way to start any meal.

Concha Fina

Are you an oyster fan and also a lover of discovering new flavours? If so, you are in luck! Because Malaga has a rich tradition of enjoying concha fina. This type of shellfish is a true delight for the palate. With its soft texture and taste of the sea, it is quite common to try these delicacies as an appetiser before the main meal in many restaurants. Although concha fina can be prepared in several ways, Malaga prefers to serve them raw, with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of black pepper. Of course, its flavour differs from that of oysters, but it’s an adventure worth exploring!

Pescaíto Frito

Thinking about what to eat in Malaga? Here’s a must-try: the incredibly savoury and irresistible pescaíto frito. A staple of Malaga cuisine, this dish consists of an assortment of small fish such as anchovies, sardines, and squid, as well as portions of other fish like turbot, hake, or cazón en adobo (marinated dogfish), all coated in flour and deep-fried until crispy. It’s often served with lemon wedges, although the fish is usually so good that it needs no dressing at all.

Espetos

Espetos are skewers of fresh fish, most typically sardines, seasoned with salt and grilled over an open flame on the beach, normally on a boat full of sand. We could affirm that they are the most popular and iconic dish of Malaga. Imagine a sunny day by the Mediterranean Sea, having a gourmet break from sunbathing and treating yourself to a just cooked espeto de sardinas with a Victoria, the genuine Malaga beer… Paradise!

Plato de los Montes

If you are fond of meat, you will find it hard to find a better place in this region to experience the authentic taste of ancient traditional recipes based on meat than the mountains in Malaga. The Plato de los Montes is just a savoury example. This dish translates to «mountain dish» and typically includes hearty fare like game meats (such as rabbit or venison), locally grown vegetables, and various legumes. It’s a representation of the rustic cuisine found in the inland areas of Malaga province. And a different gastronomic experience that will surprise foodies willing to discover new flavours.

Tortas Locas

What to eat in Malaga for those with a sweet tooth? Less than a century ago, sweet treats in much of Andalusia and Spain were a luxury accessible to just a few people. The Tortas Locas emerged to democratise sweets, allowing everyone to indulge. In Malaga, they became one of the most emblematic and representative desserts. The Tortas Locas are a type of cake that may vary in preparation, but are typically made with puff pastry, pastry cream, a yolk covering, an irresistible glaze, and a candied cherry on top. At Coeo, we’ll guide you to where you can find the best, also known as Loquitas.

Vino Malaga Virgen

You’ll probably know by now what to eat in Malaga, but what about drinking? Malaga is known for its sweet wines, which are typically made from the Pedro Ximénez or Moscatel grapes. These wines in general, and Málaga Virgen in particular, boasts an indulging sweetness balanced with refreshing acidity, making it a delight to the palate. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with desserts, Malaga Virgen captivates wine enthusiasts with its timeless charm and irresistible allure.

Are you staying at any of our Coeo accommodations in the heart of Málaga? If so, you have the opportunity to join a tapas tour where the porra antequerana, the pescaíto frito and many more delicacies await you. Enjoy a true gastronomic experience!

· coeo ·

Looking for a gourmet adventure? Discover the flavours of Malaga with Coeo!