Five Places to Try Mallorcan "Variat"

If we talk about bringing together, on the same plate, a bit of Mallorcan "frito" - whether it's made from butchery or seafood, that doesn't matter - some croquettes, a spoonful of garlic mushrooms, some "pica-pica," a bit of Russian salad, and Roman-style calamari topping it off, or even some meatballs... we're talking about a true Mallorcan "variat."

This tapa, which combines a tasting of different flavors, temperatures, and textures that sometimes don't match, is enjoyed with bread and a drink at any time of the day. It's equally suitable for a late breakfast, an impromptu lunch, or an early afternoon snack.

Five Places to Try Mallorcan "Variat"

It doesn't matter where you order it or what tapas are offered behind the bar. A "variat" will always have a place on the menu of any bar or restaurant that caters to Mallorcans among its diners, and increasingly, visitors and tourists. Here are our top five recommendations to try the authentic queen of Mallorcan tapas:

• -Can Joan Frau is a small restaurant located in the Santa Catalina Market. It specializes in Mallorcan cuisine and has become a meeting point for locals, both long-time residents and those who have gone from being tourists to citizens. Their "variat" is one of the best you can taste in Palma.
• -The Casa Miss bar in Sa Pobla even has a section on its menu dedicated solely to "variats." Guests can choose the components of their dish, or they can let the owners, who have many years of experience in the business, decide for them.
• -In the town of Muro, you'll find Can Moragues bar, one of the best places for "variats." Five generations of Moragues have successfully run it, and although their Mallorcan cuisine is delicious, it stands out precisely for serving the island's signature tapa.
• -In Sineu, you'll come across Sa Plaça, one of the best places to try this dish. We recommend going any day of the week except Wednesday, which is when this town hosts the famous weekly market where live animals can be found.
• -Bar Mingo, located in Ramon Llull Square, is one of the oldest in Manacor. And for this reason, it's also one of the most famous and worth stopping by to enjoy a "variat." Their tapas are Mallorcan and freshly made, offering the best combinations to taste and share.

The History of This Unique Tapa

There's an urban legend that suggests the "variat" as we know it appeared in the mid-1950s when tourists began to consider Mallorca as an acceptable vacation and relaxation destination.

It is said that during the aperitif hour, and in their eagerness to try as many recipes as possible, they requested that everything be served on the same plate, accompanied by one or two slices of bread.

However, chefs like Andreu Genestra and Pau Navarro claim that the "variat" was already there when the tourists arrived, and it was the humble and hearty snack of the workers. Something to be eaten quickly, to return to their respective duties, and was especially popular in the "Part Forana" (countryside). In fact, bars specialized in a particular "variat," depending on the season and the area they were located in.

In addition to this tapa, what other Mallorcan products have you yet to try? Here are some suggestions.

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