Among the wide array of Balearic products to savor on your vacation, the ensaimada stands out above the rest. It still surprises me that many visitors are unaware of its existence. Let’s consult Wikipedia for its definition: The Mallorcan ensaimada (from the Mallorcan word ensaïmada) is a sweet, fermented, and baked pastry made with strong flour, water, sugar, eggs, sourdough starter, and lard (which comes from the Arabic word saïm, hence the name). It’s a confectionery product with a long tradition on the island.
It’s generally eaten for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Although any time is a good time to treat yourself, it’s a real pleasure. There are countless bakeries in Mallorca. I recommend the traditional bakeries in the villages of Mallorca, and always order one day in advance.
Two establishments in Palma stand out: Ca’n Joan De S’aigo, a classic in the Balearic capital, where you can enjoy other treats and especially the ice cream, which is my weakness. The meringue milk ice cream is incredible. This is a great place if you want to try them on-site.
For a travel gift, I recommend the Reina María Cristina bakery. Remember to always order a day in advance, otherwise they’ll sell you the day’s batch, which isn’t the same. If you like cream-filled ice cream: the crème brûlée is much better for those with a sweet tooth like me.
These are the bakeries I recommend, but the selection is endless. Generally, the quality is excellent. Even if you’ve forgotten, you can always try the airport shops, which, although more expensive, are also very good.
