15 Must-Try Dishes in Málaga

For travel enthusiasts, exploring new flavors is a key part of the adventure. A cruise to Málaga, Spain offers a delightful array of fresh and exciting culinary experiences. From sardines grilled over an open flame to churros dunked in warm chocolate, this stunning coastal city has an abundance of delicious options to savor.

1. Gambas al Pil-Pil

When prawns are quickly fried with fresh chilies, garlic, paprika, and a splash of white wine, they embody the essence of Spanish cuisine. The pil-pil sauce, a traditional Basque creation, derives its name from the sound of the oil as it cooks. Besides prawns, this sauce also complements snapper, barramundi, and various other seafood.

2. Meat in Sauce

Known as "meat in sauce," this dish from Andalusia consists of pork simmered in a rich sauce made from tomatoes, peppers, garlic, olive oil, wine, and several other key ingredients. You'll often find carne en salsa featured on tapas menus in Málaga or served as a delicious main course.

3. Chilled Tomato Soup

If you're looking for a refreshing dish to enjoy in Málaga during the summer, consider a bowl of chilled tomato soup. This simple, no-cook soup is made by blending together tomatoes, green peppers, olive oil, garlic, bread, and water. It's a delightful option for lunch or an excellent starter for dinner on warm evenings.

4. White Gazpacho

For another refreshing summer soup, consider trying ajo blanco, also referred to as white gazpacho. This dish features a blend of peeled almonds, garlic, flavorful bread, olive oil, salt, and vinegar. Once everything is thoroughly blended, it's served in a small bowl or glass and often accompanied by fresh grapes or slices of melon.

5. Alorena Olives

If you're a fan of olives, you must experience aceituna Alorena. This beloved condiment is made by crushing locally-sourced olives with the pits still intact, then soaking them in a brine of salted water infused with red pepper, garlic, fennel, and thyme. When searching for food-related items to buy in Málaga, these olives are available at local grocery stores and markets.

6. Spanish Rice Dish

Don't leave Málaga without experiencing a traditional Spanish delicacy: paella. This beloved dish has been savored by Spaniards for centuries and consists of chicken or seafood cooked in a unique pan along with rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, paprika, and saffron. Paella can be enjoyed as a tapa with a slice of bread or shared among friends and family at dinner.

7. Meatballs in Almond Sauce

Meatballs are a timeless Spanish dish, and in Málaga, they are often prepared with a delicious almond sauce. A blend of garlic, saffron, parsley, olive oil, white wine, and chicken stock creates this ultimate comfort food. One bite, and you'll crave it forever.

8. Anchovies

Boquerones, similar to anchovies but larger, are a beloved fish enjoyed for dinner and as tapas in Málaga. They are often marinated in vinegar, olive oil, and salt before being pan-fried. Alternatively, this dish can also be served fresh and chilled.

9. Grilled Sardines (Espetos)

If you're on the hunt for the finest dishes in Málaga, head to the beach! At many public beaches, you'll find espetos, or sardines, skewered and grilled over an open flame. Enhance your dining experience with a refreshing glass of beer or wine. Not a fan of sardines? No worries! Squid and octopus prepared in the same style are also delicious options.

10. Málaga Salad

If you enjoy American potato salad, known as Russian salad in Spain, you must try ensalada Malagueña while in Málaga. This delightful side dish is a mix of cod, potatoes, leeks, oranges, and green olives, drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Pair this salad with fried fish for a delicious lunch or dinner.

11. Chopped Salad (Pipirrana)

For a refreshing chopped salad, look no further than pipirrana. This popular dish throughout the Andalusian region includes finely chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and olives, often complemented with seafood like tuna or mussels. Dressed with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper, it's a delightful dish you’re sure to adore!

12. Fresh Figs (Higos)

If you're exploring Málaga's street markets in August or September, be sure to seek out fresh local figs, or higos. These purple fruits are bursting with a honey-like sweetness and berry flavor, making for the perfect summertime snack. Although fresh figs have a brief season in Málaga, dried figs are available at groceries and markets year-round. When purchasing food to bring back to your cruise ship, ensure it's prepackaged and sealed.

13. Fried Almonds (Almendras Fritas)

In Málaga, growers harvest approximately 4,000 tons of almonds each year. For a delicious snack, seek out vendors offering salted, fried almonds on the bustling street corners downtown, and enjoy them alongside some cheese and a glass of quality local wine.

During your European cruise to Málaga, Spain, be sure to sample some of the local dishes. With a wide array of delectable choices, you'll easily find something delicious to enjoy while exploring things to do in Málaga. Any item from this list is sure to please your palate.

14. Málaga Cake (Tarta Malagueña)

For a sweet indulgence, don't miss out on trying a slice of tarta Malagueña. This delightful cake showcases two key ingredients from Málaga: almonds and sweet wine, combined with apricot jam and a hint of cinnamon. With its rich sweetness, a small slice makes for the perfect dessert treat. This is a must-try delight!

15. Churros with Hot Chocolate

If you've ever been to a county fair in the U.S., you might have tasted churros, a beloved dessert believed to have originated in Spain and Portugal. These deep-fried dough sticks are coated in cinnamon-sugar and served with warm chocolate for dipping. While they're a popular summer treat in America, in Málaga, churros are enjoyed throughout the year. Locals often have them for breakfast or as a dessert, and you'll find them at various coffee shops and cafés across the city.

When traveling abroad, seize the chance to explore new cultures through their cuisine. In Málaga, you'll discover a variety of new flavors that can please even the fussiest eaters—from grilled fish cooked over an open flame to delectable desserts.