Ibiza, the paradise island of the Balearic Islands, is not only famous for its fine sandy beaches and its festive evenings. It also has a rich culinary tradition that will delight the taste buds of the most demanding gourmets. The island's gastronomy is a clever blend of Mediterranean, Phoenician, Roman and Arabic influences, resulting in a variety of tasty and unique dishes, based on fresh local produce from farms, orchards and the sea. Each region of the island has many places where you can eat well, at prices to suit all budgets.

Discover the flavors of Ibiza by tasting typical dishes from the four corners of the island:

• Bullit de peix (fish stew)

Bullit de can is a traditional dish made with fresh fish, potatoes and aioli, served with a spicy rouille sauce. Also called fisherman's stew, it is served with rice cooked in the broth obtained after cooking fish and vegetables. Bullit de peix is ​​also prepared in different ways depending on the region. The most common is to use fish such as megrim, turbot, grouper, monkfish or scorpionfish. However, it is possible to use any type of fish according to your tastes and homes. An essential recipe to try when going to Ibiza.

• Sofrit pages (country stew)

Sofrit pagès is a rustic dish made from pork or lamb, vegetables and spices, simmered slowly in a terracotta pot. A traditional stew that mixes different types of meat like chicken, lamb and, of course, Ibiza sausages (sobrasada and butifarra). This country stew was usually eaten during workdays to provide the energy needed for the day due to the intense work of the time.

• Calamar a la Bruta (crude squid):

Calamar a la Bruta is a simple but delicious traditional island dish where the sea and the countryside come together, based on squid stuffed with sobrasada (Mallorcan sausage) and cooked in a pan.

• Borrida de Rajada

Borrida de Rajada is a traditional dish made with skate, potatoes, eggs, parsley, garlic, fried bread, toasted almonds, saffron and olive oil. Certainly one of the most unique dishes of typical Ibiza cuisine. Due to its peculiarity, it is not so easy to find in the most common restaurants. However, we do not really know the origin of this Mediterranean recipe which is also very famous in other European countries, especially in the southern regions near the Mediterranean where fish dishes and soups are generally the best.

• Arroz de matanzas (killer rice)

Arroz de matanzas is a hearty and tasty dish made with rice, pork, sobrasada and spices, often served when the cold arrives and during village festivals. A warm comforting recipe to taste during the winter season in Ibiza.

· Cuinat (collejas stew)

Cuinat is a traditional dish prepared at Easter using collejas, a wild vegetable that grows on the island, cooked with potatoes and spices. Only the leaves of the collejas are used to prepare the recipe, so it is necessary to separate them from the stem before starting the preparation. A dish from Ibiza that will delight the taste buds of more than one person.

· Ibiza sobrassada sausage (Sobrassada)

To stay with the traditional Balearic cuisine, you will find sobrasada sausages, which vary a little depending on the islands. The first historical reference is dated to the year 1403 from Sicily. It is therefore from the incorporation of pimentón, and more precisely from the 13th century, that soubressade becomes extremely popular in the islands and the rest of the Aragonese territories.

With country bread with virgin olive oil, it's a delicacy not to be missed.

• Greixonera de brossat (fresh cheese pudding)

Greixonera de brossat is a rustic dessert made with cream cheese, eggs and biscuits, baked and flavored with cinnamon. It is one of the most representative desserts of typical Ibiza cuisine made with the remains of the ensaimada (The ensaimada is a sweet brioche, fermented and baked in the oven, made with flour, water, sugar, eggs, sourdough and lard) from the day before. Tourists often compare this dessert with pudding because of its resemblance.

• Flaó (cheesecake)

A traditional dessert made with cream cheese, eggs and sugar, often flavored with lemon or orange. Flao was prepared at Easter and its origins date back to the 13th century with the arrival of Catalan troops on the island putting an end to a long period of Muslim presence. What distinguishes Ibiza “flaó” from other similar products found in the Mediterranean arc is the presence of peppermint from Ibiza in the garnish, which gives it that unique touch appreciated by locals and tourists alike. .

· Orelletes (anise donuts)

Crispy donuts flavored with anise, perfect for a snack or a light dessert. Orelletes are a cookie-shaped treat that are so called because of their shape, as they resemble small ears. This dessert has traditionally been eaten during Holy Week and Mardi Gras for two thousand years. This pastry is mainly consumed in Europe, America and Africa. Since 1938 until today, every first Friday of June, World Donut Day is celebrated. The Chicago Salvation Army started this event in honor of the women who served donuts to soldiers during the First World War. The continuing tradition has persisted especially in the United States with donuts.

The island of Ibiza is full of restaurants and bars where you can taste the local gastronomy. Each of the places on the island offers places where you can eat very well and for all prices. Today, the Balearic island is home to many Mediterranean cuisines. Many restaurants like Monkey Ibiza are inspired by this and offer cuisine mixing heaven and earth to take their customers on a journey.