Papas arrugadas con mojo has been officially recognised as the most iconic and quintessential dish of the Canary Islands. According to a recent study by the Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS), the beloved Canarian dish received 73.1% of the votes, making it a clear favourite among Canarian cuisine.
Papas arrugadas, small wrinkled potatoes typically served with green or red mojo sauce, significantly beat other traditional dishes in the study. In second place was the hearty Canarian stew with 13.2% of the votes, while sancocho canario, a dish featuring salted fish, came in third with 7.6%.
The dish, which can be enjoyed as both a main course or a side dish, holds deep cultural significance for the Canary Islanders. Its simple preparation, boiling the potatoes in heavily salted water, and distinctive sauces, mojo verde (green) and mojo rojo (red), have made it a staple on local tables and a symbol of the island's rich culinary heritage.
While Canarian stew remains a popular choice for its comforting, hearty ingredients, and sancocho canario continues to delight with its unique flavours, papas arrugadas has proven to be the undisputed representative of Canarian gastronomy.
The study also shed light on the evolving dining habits of the Canary Islanders, who cherish traditional flavours while embracing the growing culture of tapas and new culinary experiences at local restaurants and guachinches.
This recognition cements papas arrugadas as not just a local favourite but an emblem of the Canary Islands' unique food culture.
