Everybody loves tapas. There is only one dish that is even more popular with the locals on the island: variat mallorqui. The selection of traditional tapas is served on one plate. And this mishmash, an often wild mixture of different ingredients, unfolds a taste that is as surprising as it is addictive. Whether after a hard days’ work or an extended bicycle ride, variat is the Mallorcan comfort food. Paired with a cold beer, it’s hard to beat. 

Once a typical offer at most bars, today variat is an unmistakable sign that a place caters mainly to locals. Usually the Mallorcan signature dish consists of albóndigas, ensaladilla rusa, frito mallorquin, pica-pica, and maybe croquetas or calamares. Sometimes you can choose the number of ingredients or even create your individual plate. Often, the bars have their own distinctive variety.

When in Palma, watch out for places like Bar Bosch, Bar Cristal or Bar Monaco. Bodega La Rambla is all about variat mallorqui. If you are looking for a cozy place with an individual choice, you’ll love Bodega Morey. In Santa Margalida, the local bars and shops even organize a public variat battle on March 22. A great way to get to know a best-of tapas on one plate. 

Read more about the best tapas bars in Palma, right here.