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Authentic Cuisine
Renting a Menorca villa is highly recommended for those who want to explore the nooks and crannies of the island and to truly experience its quaint charm. It is worth noting that Menorcan gastronomy is actually a product of different cultural inputs, which has developed over the centuries. This is the reason behind the contrasting and sometimes surprising tastes you will come across when travelling the countryside of the island.
For those who love to cook, with ready access to some of the freshest food resources on the island, choosing to stay in a Menorca villa gives you the freedom learn a thing or two about the local style of preparing dishes. The local fare has touches of Catalan and Islamic cuisine complemented with French inspiration, making it popular with all palates.
Seafood and Fish Dishes
Since this is an island, it is not surprising that seafood and fish dishes are considered the stars in the gastronomy! Among the famous must-try dishes is the famous lobster stew, which is usually served on a base of garlic, onion, tomato and parsley and complemented with bread. Other authentic traditional dishes are the grilled grouper with mayonnaise; escupinyas or clams that are served raw and eaten with lemon; baked sea bream; and the peus de cabrit or goose barnacles.
Other Gastronomic Feasts
If you love rice dishes, then you should sample the popular arros de la terra, which literally means €rice of the land'. There is also an array of soups, such as the oliaigua, which is a staple in many local homes.
The sobrasada is another dish that is worth a try. This is a pork sausage cooked with red pimiento, with hints of Spanish spices. The carn i xua is another traditional sausage, which is made from lean meat with bacon, and is a favourite among locals.
The island has a long tradition of raising cattle, which has led to the development of its dairy-based products. If your Menorca villa is situated near Mahn, make sure to try some of its cheese - recognised to be one of the finest in the world. The cheeses are created from Friesian, Alpine and Menorca cattle with the occasional addition of sheep's milk.
Desserts
Those with a sweet tooth will be happy to know that the islander's love desserts! Among the famous must-try dessert dishes is the amargos, which is made from delicious almonds. The turr cremate is another favourite, and is a local version of toasted nougat. The coca bamba is a cake that is served with hot chocolate.
On this island life flows naturally, at a leisurely pace. Those who opt to stay in a Menorca villa instead of a hotel can truly experience the gentle, relaxing rhythm of local life. You will find the locals accommodating and helpful in recommending popular dishes, including the finest seafood and fish dishes in the Balearics.
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