Melide and the Octopus. A Must-Try Experience
The Gastronomic Camino de Santiago. Octopus in Melide and its History
If Melide is known for one thing, it is for being one of the points on the Camino de Santiago where you can enjoy exceptional pulpo á feira, or Galician-style octopus, sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
A stop in Melide is a must for anyone who loves this dish, and if you haven’t tried it yet, you’ll wonder how you’ve lived so long without tasting this delicacy.
Melide was historically a town of fairs and markets. From this tradition of fairs comes the octopus as the main dish, and hence its name, pulpo á feira. It is a fairground cuisine dish from inland Galicia, not from the coast, hence the saying:
“The best octopus in Galicia is eaten inland.”
Its fame originally came from the tradition of attending livestock fairs and enjoying this dish. Nowadays, thanks to the fact that the French Camino de Santiago route passes through this town, Melide’s reputation has grown, making it an essential stop for every pilgrim and every lover of this delicacy.
Its secret lies in having top-quality ingredients and the unique way it is cooked, a style found only in Galicia.
The process before it reaches the palate includes freezing it to “relax the muscle,” boiling it, and letting it rest in the water.
Once ready, it is cut into pieces on wooden plates, seasoned with coarse salt, and finally topped with paprika.
It is served with the famous Galician cachelos, boiled potatoes with salt and bay leaves.
Add to this a good Galician bread, perfect for soaking up every bit from the plate.
And to finish, traditional “wooden toothpicks” are provided to enjoy this traditional dish as tradition dictates.
Eating octopus in Melide is not a mandatory requirement for pilgrims, but from a gastronomic perspective, it is an unmissable stop for anyone wanting to enjoy a unique dish. You’ll surely want to repeat the experience.
¡Bon Appétit!
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