ENEnsaimada – Mallorca’s Iconic Sweet Pastry
Every island has a signature treat — and for Mallorca, it’s the ensaïmada. With its spiral shape, airy texture, and soft sweetness, it’s been the star of every Mallorcan breakfast table for generations. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or filled with rich indulgences like pumpkin jam or chocolate, the ensaïmada is more than a pastry — it’s a piece of cultural heritage.
🧈 What Is an Ensaïmada?
The name comes from saïm, the Mallorcan word for pork lard — the key ingredient that gives this pastry its signature flakiness. It’s made from a soft dough of flour, water, sugar, eggs, and lard, coiled into a spiral and slow-fermented before baking.
Once baked, it’s lightly golden, incredibly airy inside, and always dusted with a cloud of powdered sugar.
📜 A Sweet Slice of History
Ensaïmades date back to at least the 17th century, with records of them being made for local celebrations and religious festivals. They’ve been enjoyed by generations — and yes, they even come with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.
You’ll see locals bringing huge flat boxes of them to friends, families, and even onto planes — it’s the ultimate edible souvenir.
🧁 Popular Variations
- Classic (plain) – The original and most common
- Cabell d’àngel – Filled with sweet pumpkin jam
- Chocolate – Decadent and loved by kids (and grown-ups!)
- Sobrasada & honey – Sweet-meets-savory, and totally addictive
- Cream-filled – Chilled and served like a dreamy dessert
🥐 Where to Try One in Palma
You don’t need to go far to find a good one — but here are some of my personal picks:
☕ Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo – The oldest café in Palma. Try their ensaïmada with hot chocolate.
🥖 Fornet de la Soca – Traditional, slow-fermented versions made with heritage grains.
🧺 Forn des Teatre – Famous for its huge, cloud-like classic ensaïmada.
🥐 Panadería S’Estació – Great local option near the train station for early morning cravings.
🎁 Taking One Home
Planning to bring one back? You’re not alone. Ensaïmades are often boxed in octagonal or flat circular boxes for travel. Just make sure to:
- Buy from a certified bakery
- Avoid cream-filled ones for flying
- Declare at customs if flying internationally
💡 Final Thoughts
The ensaïmada is humble in ingredients but rich in tradition. It’s shared over morning coffee, served at weddings, gifted to loved ones, and always enjoyed with a smile.
So whether you go for the pumpkin jam or the chocolate-filled version, one thing is certain — you haven’t truly tasted Mallorca until you’ve had an ensaïmada.
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