Santiago de Compostela a taste of tradition through its cuisine

There are a number of places in Santiago de Compostela where you can spend an evening in the most authentic Galician style: against a background of live music, you can take part in the ritual preparation of the typical local brew known as queimada. The aguardiente (a kind of brandy) is set alight in an earthenware bowl while a spell is recited to ward off evil spirits.

For a more detailed insight into the local cuisine, sign up for a guided tour of traditional shops (along typical streets such as Orfas and Caldeirería), where you’ll be invited to taste the local produce and learn Atlantic recipes. Other things to do: a full-day outing from Santiago to discover the flavours of the Rías Baixas, or if you're visiting in June and July, you can attend the city's tapas competition.

Santiago Tart
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It’s easy to get chatting to people at the local market. You’ll find fresh products such as octopus, which you can even ask to be cooked for you on the spot, or you can buy the local wine or the famous Santiago Tart to take home as gifts.