When travelling, it is always important to seek out local specialities and, in particular, treats because we all deserve tasty food and little rewards during a vacation. While Spain has endless delicious things to sample, if you are booking a villa in Mallorca then we particularly recommend grabbing an ensaïmada. One of the most famous pastries in all of Spain, it is celebrated for both its delicious flavour and its delightful texture. Eaten for breakfast with a coffee or enjoyed as a treat or pick-me-up throughout the day and between meals, often with a hot chocolate, it is a local classic that we’re sure you’re going to fall in love with!
Supposedly deriving from the bulemas bread of Sephardic Jewish cuisine, the first known written references to the ensaïmada of Mallorca goes back to the 17th century. Said to have been created during the Inquisition, they are thought to have been made using lard in place of olive oil in order to avoid the attentions of the authorities. Originally only prepared for festivities and celebrations, the ensaïmada can now be found readily in bakeries all throughout Mallorca. Variations on the pastry have also become popular in the former Spanish colonies of the Philippines and Puerto Rico.
Varieties have also been born across Mallorca itself and the Balearic Islands over time and include: the Llisa, or plain variety that has no extra ingredients; the Cabell d'àngel ("angel's hair"), which has a sweet filling of the stringy orange strands from the inside of pumpkins that have been cooked with sugar; the Tallades ("sliced"), which is traditionally served on Carnival days before Lent and is bittersweet as it is covered with sobrassada and pumpkin; the Crema (literally "cream"), which is filled with a cream made with eggs; filled varieties with sweet cream, chocolate, or turrón paste inside; and a variety covered in apricot.
So, if you are a foodie planning a vacation in Mallorca, make sure to head to the nearest bakery and treat yourself to some of these delicious pastries!
