Galician Food: 12 Delicious Dishes You Need to Try in Vigo 

One of my favorite ways to get to know a culture and a new city is through its food. When most people think of Spanish food paella, tapas, and sangria come to mind. However, one of the best parts of Spanish food is its regional cuisines and Galician food is some of the best food you’ll find in Spain. 

Galicia, I’d argue, is the region with some of the best cuisine and soon you’ll see why. 

So, let me take you on a culinary tour of typical Galician food you have to try while you’re in Vigo. Your tastebuds will thank you later. 

Traditional Galician seafood in Vigo

Pulpo á Féria

Pulpo á Féria or octopus, can be chosen as a tapa (apatizer portion) or as an entre. The octopus is boiled then sliced into bite-sized pieces, seasoned with paprika and coarse sea salt, and then drizzled with olive oil. My favorite thing to do is to dip my bread in the oils from the puplo for the perfect bite. Head to Taberna Eligio for some darn good Galician octopus. 

Barnacles

Barnacles which are known as percebes in Spanish are a delicacy here in Vigo. This shellfish has a unique texture unlike anything you’ve tasted before; briny yet sweet,and a hint of ocean essence, these are a must try Galician dish. They’re usually boiled or steamed and then served with a wedge of lemon.

Zamburiñas A La Gallega 

Zamburiñas a la Gallega are Galician scallops and they are divine. While they can be served simply with a bit of sea salt and olive oil, I prefer them with garlic, paprika, and parsley. Then they’re broiled or grilled and served hot.

These can also be served as an appetizer or an entre. I recommend getting them as an appetizer so you can order more things to try! For zamburiñas I recommend heading to Oyster street and ordering from O Portón.

Sardines 

Sardines or sardinas in Spanish are versatile; whether they come fried, grilled, or baked they’re delicious and fresh. These can be ordered as an appetizer, main dish, or as my favorite option a seafood platter. 

Another interesting way to try sardines is by ordering sardinas en escabeche–marinated sardines in a mixture of vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and spices. 

Traditional Galician food

Churrasco 

As an American, I love grilled meat and since BBQ’s aren’t a thing in Spain, eating churrasco is the closest I can get to an American style BBQ hangout. Churrasco is grilled pork and or beef cooked over an open flame. 

The meat is perfectly seasoned with a mixture of salt, pepper, and sometimes garlic or other spices, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine through. 

You can eat this perfectly cooked meat as is or sometimes it’s served with chimichurri sauce (typically made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, finely chopped parsley, and dried or fresh oregano). If you’re in the mood for churrasco, head over to Fai Bistés

Lacón con grelos

Lacón con grelos, (pork shoulder with turnip like roots) is not to be missed while you’re in Vigo. Salty and tender pork shoulder with grelos and potatoes is perfectly cooked so that it melts in your mouth.

One of the best places in Vigo to try this typical Galician food is at O Porco (but come early because seating fills up fast). 

Pimientos de padrón 

Pimientos de padrón are small bite sized green peppers that come from the town Padrón in Galicia. They’re cooked in a pan with a little olive oil until a little crisp and then sprinkled with seasoning salt; simple yet delicious. 

They’re famously known for not being spicy, but every now and then you’ll come across a spicy one. Around Vigo you’ll find plenty of touristy shirts touting the catch phrase “uns pican e outros non”, Galician for “some are spicy and others aren’t”. So, choose wisely especially if you’re not that into spice. 

Empanada de gallega 

All around Spain you can buy empanadas which aren’t my favorite, especially the tuna empanada (sorry, Spain). BUT when I moved to Vigo everyone raved about the empanadas here so of course I had to give them a chance and I’m glad I did. 

The empanada de gallega is the bomb. Its a savory pie, the outside is nice and flaky and the inside can be filled with: codfish, octopus, chorizo, grelos and chorizo, or scallops. For some delicious empanadas in Vigo, I recommend heading over to A Tapa do Barril. 

Queso de tetilla 

Queso de tetilla which translates to “little breast” is a popular Galician food you can’t leave without trying. This cheese is aged between two weeks to two months, resulting in a subtle rich taste and a creamy texture.

It’s typically served on a charcuterie platter. I personally enjoy eating it with membrillo (thick jelly made of the pulp of the quince fruit kind of like jam). 

Galician Desserts

Tarta de abuela 

While you can find tarta de abuela (grandma’s cake) all around Spain, its not technically Galician food, but it makes the list because of the special Galician ingredient that’s added–crema de orujo which is a chocolatey, coffee, and creamy liquor.

Tarta de abuela is comforting and includes layers of biscuits soaked in milk or coffee liquor, separated by layers of creamy chocolate custard or chocolate ganache. It tastes just like something your grandmother would make and it’s a must eat. 

Filloas 

Filloas are Galicia’s take on crêpes. The batter is typically made with flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt. However, sometimes a little splash of brandy is added for an extra punch. Once cooked they can be filled with sweet or savory fillings like: sugar, jam, or nutella, while savory fillings may include cheese, jamón (Spanish jam), or seafood.

Tarta de requesón

Tarta de requesón is a Galician baked cheesecake that you can find served as dessert at most menú del días (set lunch menu). It’s sometimes served as is or with a fresh fruit compote or chocolate on top. Whichever way you prefer to try it, this is a Galician food you don’t want to miss out on. 

Thirsty after all that eating? Why not wash it all down with something to drink at:

• Some of the best craft beer spots around Vigo
• Or maybe head to some of the best spots to grab drinks in Vigo