Torremolinos is about to delight foodies with the 16th year of the Ruta de la Tapa (16th Tapa Route), a major annual gastronomic event celebrating Andalusian culinary tradition with a Costa del Sol twist.
From November 14 to 23, everyone will have the opportunity to sample a wide array of original and traditional tapas across the town.
The selection and participants
For the accessible price of three euros, the peckish can enjoy one tapa and a drink at any of the more than thirty participating restaurants and bars. Those establishments are spread across four key areas of Torremolinos: La Carihuela-Bajondillo, El Calvario, Centro-Bajondillo, and Playamar-Los Álamos. The extensive list of participants includes venues like MC Jamón Carihuela, El Armario, Pizzería La Favorita, Taberna Andaluza Rufino, and Le Grand Café Torremolinos, offering a journey through both classic and innovative cuisine.
A festival of flavours
The eleven-day route promises a variety of creative and surprising flavours and textures. The participating venues will offer both traditional tapas that honour the classics of popular gastronomy and innovative signature dishes. Some of the uniquely named creations include:
- ‘Pocaccina al Pistacchio’
- ‘Bomba Ibérica’
- ‘Ecos de los Montes’
- ‘Carne mechada al mojo picón’
- ‘Pollo al Alfa’
- ‘Hojarasca de aji de gallina’
- ‘Tarta de queso al wiskey’
Tapasporte, prizes, and gifts
To guide their gastronomic adventure, the judges (the public) can pick up a Tapasporte (Tapa Passport), which is available in both Spanish and English. These passports can be collected at the participating establishments, the Torremolinos Town Hall (Ayuntamiento), and Tourist Offices.
Those out for a tasting are encouraged to get their Tapasporte stamped with each tapa they try and use it to rate their favourite tapas. Once completed, the Tapasporte serves as an entry into a raffle for numerous gifts donated by the participating bars and restaurants.
The event will conclude with an awards ceremony recognising excellence in the following categories:
- Favourite Tapa
- Most Creative Tapa
- Best Service
The Ruta de la Tapa is a can’t-miss event, showing off Torremolinos’ reputation as a top gastronomic destination on the Costa del Sol.