Food
The food of Galicia is completely different to what the Irish are used to and is one of the many highlights of the Camino. Although Galicia is a small area, ‘la comida‘ (the food) is very diverse. So depending on the stage of the Camino you are at, there will be different specialities to savour and enjoy.
Breakfast
Considering the long walk ahead each day, breakfast is ‘muy muy importante!’ It is served buffet style, with scrambled eggs, sausages, cheese, ham, fruit, yogurt, coffee, tea, etc, so similar to any good hotel in Ireland.
Lunch
Each day a packaged lunch will contain a freshly made sandwich, a piece of fruit, a bottle of water and a snack.
Dinner
Dinner is a very special time each evening. Everyone is relaxed, people talk about their experience that day and there is a sense of achievement after their long walk. And it is here that, night after night, friendships are made and camaraderie is high.
The dinner menu is always a three course menu with starter, main and dessert, plus of course water and wine or sangria. Although Rioja is probably the best known Spanish wine internationally, Galicia produce some fabulous wines including Albarino and Ribeiro (white) and Mencia (red). On one night we will surprise people with the Queimada ceremony, an impressive ancestral Galician ritual made with burning Aguardiente (similar to Italian grappa). Another night we will serve Tapas – a selection of traditional dishes for sharing on the table – which people always love.
Here is a sample menu:
Starter
Paella (A seafood and rice dish)
Caldo Gallego (Typical vegetable soup from Galicia)
Caldo de Cocido (A typical Galician stew style dish)
Empanada Gallega (Meat or fish pie with pastry)
Mixed Salad
Pasta Salad
Russian Salad
Spaghetti Bolognese
Main
Grilled hake (A coastal province, fish is outstanding in Galicia)
Pulpo a la Gallega (Octopus with paprika, olive oil and salt)
Parrillada de Carnes (Selection of grilled meat)
Roast chicken
Eggs with chorizo and chips
Caldeirada (Fish stew with paprika and boiled potatoes)
Calamares a la Romana (Squid with chips and salad)
Dessert
Rice pudding
Cream caramel
Cheese with quince
Tarta de Santiago (The most popular dessert on the Camino, Almond tart)
Crema Catalana (crème brûlée)
Alternatives are available for people with any dietary requirements.
