Food & drink
Ensaimada: what it is and how to take it home
The ensaimada is Mallorca's most famous pastry: a spiral of light, airy dough dusted with icing sugar, named after "saïm", the pork lard that gives it its texture. It has Protected Geographical Indication status and is eaten for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, ideally with hot chocolate. The classic one is plain ("llisa"); there are also versions filled with angel hair (sweet pumpkin), custard, cream or chocolate, and at Carnival people eat "tallades", with sobrasada and pumpkin.
To take one home, buy it on your last day in an octagonal cardboard box: it goes as hand luggage and keeps for several days. Two Palma classics: Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo, open since the 18th century, and Forn Fondo.
The «Ensaïmada de Mallorca» Protected Geographical Indication covers only two kinds: plain and angel hair (sweet pumpkin threads). Custard, cream or chocolate ones can be delicious, but they don't carry the seal. To be sure you're buying the real thing, look for the Consell Regulador label on the box; airport and souvenir-shop versions sometimes don't have it.
Ask the bakery for one made that day and don't put it in the fridge, as it dries out. At home, a few minutes in a low oven brings back some of the texture. If you're travelling with several, go for medium size: big ones are fragile and take up a lot of room in the cabin. In September 2026 Palma held its first ensaimada fair, with free tastings, and it may return. To eat one where it's made, besides Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo, many village bakeries bake them every morning.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an ensaimada last?
A plain one keeps well for a few days in its box, at room temperature and away from heat. Ones filled with custard or cream last less and are best eaten soon. Don't store it in the fridge, as it goes hard.
Which ensaimadas have Protected Geographical Indication?
Only plain ensaimadas and those filled with angel hair (sweet pumpkin), made in Mallorca following the Consell Regulador's rules. You'll recognise them by the PGI label on the packaging. Custard, cream or chocolate versions are not covered.
Updated in October 2026