Must-try Dishes
Omelette - Bretxa (hearty breakfast) - A fluffy omelette filled with local cheese and minorcan vegetables, often enjoyed on a sunny terrace. Locals savor it leisurely for breakfast, pairing it with freshly baked bread.
Stuffed Squid - Calamares Farcits (satisfying seafood) - Tender squid filled with a mix of rice, vegetables, and spices, lightly sautéed until just golden. Commonly served in seaside restaurants, it’s a favorite during lunch with a glass of local wine.
Cheese and Sausage Platter - Formatge i Sobrassada (local charcuterie) - A variety of rich cheeses alongside slices of spicy sobrassada sausage, served with crusty bread. This dish is a staple for dinner parties, enjoyed with friends, and sometimes even paired with a fig jam.
Arroz de Pollo - Chicken Rice (traditional comfort) - A hearty rice dish with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a hint of saffron giving it a beautiful color. Locals often gather for this comforting meal during family celebrations or special Sunday lunches.
Binissalem - Binissalem (savory pie) - A filled pastry brimming with meat, vegetables, or fish, baked to a crispy golden crust. You'll find residents enjoying this savory pie during festive occasions, often at lively local fairs.
Flamencos - Flamencos (seasonal delight) - A rich stew made with seasonal vegetables and local fish, simmered with a touch of saffron for added depth. Usually eating it around late summer, this dish celebrates the plentiful harvest from the sea and the land.
Ensaïmada - Ensaïmada (unexpected pastry) - A spiral pastry that may seem sweet but often comes filled with vibrant savory ingredients like local cheese or sobrassada. Perfectly enjoyed any time of day, especially during a late morning brunch. By the way, many mistake it for a dessert, but locals treat it as a versatile bite!
Desserts & Drinks
Hot Chocolate - Xocolata Calenta (rich, thick drink) - A warm and velvety hot chocolate made from high-quality dark chocolate and milk, often served with a side of crispy 'ensaimada'. Popular during chilly evenings, locals enjoy it while lounging at cafés, especially after dinner.
Gin & Tonic - Gin de Menorca (local herbal gin) - This delightful twist on a classic features Menorcan gin infused with local herbs and served over ice with tonic water and a slice of fresh lime. You'll find it particularly refreshing during summer evenings, especially at beachfront bars where the atmosphere simply complements the drink.
Orange Juice - Succo d'Orange (freshly squeezed juice) - Made from the island's sweet, sun-ripened oranges, this juice is often served chilled at local markets. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, you'll see everyone sipping it at outdoor terraces, enjoying the vibrant flavors.
Ensaimada - Ensaimada (flaky pastry) - This spiral-shaped pastry is light and airy, made with a generous amount of lard for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. It's often enjoyed during coffee breaks or special occasions, with some local bakeries releasing limited edition flavors around festivals.
Granita - Granizado (icy dessert) - A flavored frozen treat made from crushed ice and fresh fruits, especially refreshing on hot days. You can try it at beach kiosks, especially in summer, where it's a go-to for locals seeking relief from the heat, often lime or melon-flavored for a zesty kick.
By the way, ordering a "gin tonic" might get you a standard gin and tonic, so be specific about the Menorcan variety for a true taste of the island!