Spain has rich and diverse gastronomy with a range of varieties, recipes and produce. So varied is the country that the traditional dishes of each region, province or town are an important example of the history and culture of the place from which they originate. Nowadays, it is unimaginable not to associate a place with its most traditional dishes, since they offer fantastic insight into a place. In the case of Galicia, each province has its own characteristics despite the fact that we often talk about Galician food as a whole. For this reason, we suggest you get to know the gastronomy of Ourense by enjoying everything that makes it different. Although these variations are sometimes subtle, empanadas are not the same everywhere you go, nor is the pote gallego, or the lacón with turnip greens, or the way of preparing octopus (one of the star dishes of the region).
In the city of Ourense you will find countless restaurants where you can try traditional cuisine, although one area that is a must-visit is Os Viños, where each bar has its star dishes and tapas and tradition dictates that you must do the wine and tapa route. Don’t forget that you are in the Ribeiro area, which means you must try the wine from the many wineries with denomination of origin. And, if you have time, why not go on a eno-gastronomic tour of the province.
- Lacón with turnip greens
- Pote or caldo gallego
- Galician empanadas
- Galician beef
- Arnoia peppers
- Allariz macaroons
- Others: Cea bread and chestnuts
- Where to sleep in Ourense
Lacón with turnip greens
Some food is associated with festivities and in Ourense lacón with turnip greens has close connections with Entroido (carnival). Sitting down at the table to eat this hearty dish alongside friends is about much more than just eating. If you order it in a restaurant, you will see what we are talking about when we say hearty, because it contains lacón (shoulder of pork), turnip greens, potatoes, chorizo and even sometimes chickpeas. Incidentally, Galician lacón, which is obtained from the front legs of the pig, has its own Protected Geographical Indication. Both for gastronomy in Ourense and the rest of Galicia it is an essential dish.
Pote or caldo gallego
So popular is pote gallego that it is impossible not to visit Galicia in winter without ordering one. Don’t be fooled into thinking it is a light soup to heat you up, however. Pote gallego contains lacón, turnip greens or cabbage, potatoes, chorizo, blood sausage, animal fat and pork (ribs, bacon), although recipes vary depending on who makes it… It is an economical dish that is perfect as a starter for any meal.
Galician empanadas
Another important example of Ourense’s traditional food are Galician empanadas, a delicacy that has been exported to the rest of the country. The dough is similar to that used for bread while the filling often contains different ingredients, such as delicious scallops, lamprey, which is very popular in Ourense, tuna, cod, beef and ground chorizo. Any of these fillings make a great dish that can be eaten as a starter or at any time of the day.
Galician beef
If you are a meat lover who likes to indulge in quality produce when travelling, look out for the Galician Beef Protected Geographical Indication, which has been in existence since 1989, recognising native breeds born, raised and slaughtered in Galicia. The way you eat it is a matter of taste, including delicious T-bone steak, sirloin, entrecôte, barbecued steak and more.
Arnoia peppers
Although they are not as famous as Padrón peppers outside of Galicia, Arnoia peppers are another delicacy that you must try when visiting Ourense province. The peppers are a light green colour and a good size and you won’t get any spicy surprises. The most common way to prepare them is fried, served with a sprinkle of salt, although you will also find them stuffed at some restaurants. If you like to try new things, look for somewhere that serves Arnoia pepper ice cream.
Allariz macaroons
A popular sweet treat in Ourense’s gastronomy are almendrados, or macaroons, whose main ingredient are almonds and were most likely first made by Poor Clare nuns. Although its recipe only contains ground almonds, egg whites and sugar, it goes perfectly with coffee or as a snack to carry in your bag.
Others: Cea bread and chestnuts
Other great things to buy or eat when in Ourense are artisan wheat bread from Cea and delicious sweet chestnuts known as marrón glacé. The latter are without a doubt a great gift that all your friends will appreciate.
Where to sleep in Ourense
The experience you get from a destination can change a lot depending on your accommodation. For this reason we recommend staying at the Barceló Ourense, a centrally-located, modern four-star hotel from where you can move about the city on foot. We could not like its facilities any more, since they feature a range of amenities that will make your stay truly comfortable. The rooms, for example, are B-Rooms, which means they boast very high-quality mattresses, pillow menus, rain showers, tea and coffee kits and much more. What’s more, the breakfast is very healthy and you can also enjoy a drink and snack in the lobby-bar before heading out. Undoubtedly, few choices are as wise as staying at this establishment.
