🥐 A Guide to Ensaimadas: Where to Find the Best Pastry on the Island

If you are coming to Mallorca and haven't tried an ensaimada, have you really been here at all? This isn't just a pastry; it's a piece of Mallorca’s soul—a spiral of airy, slightly crisp, tender dough dusted with powdered sugar.

Even Mallorquians fight over where to find the best ensaimada! The search for the best ensaimada Mallorca is a serious, lifelong mission for everyone here. Whether you're after a classic breakfast treat or the perfect souvenir to take home, here is my guide to understanding this iconic sweet and where to find the absolute best ones across the island.

🧐 What Exactly is an Ensaimada de Mallorca?

The name ensaimada comes from the Catalan word saïm, which means pork lard. This is the key to this world-famous pastry.

Are Ensaimadas Cooked in Lard in Mallorca?

This is a common question, and the answer is yes—the pastry is made with lard, but it's not "cooked" in it. The dough achieves its uniquely light, flaky texture through a long, slow fermentation process and the essential use of rendered pork fat (lard) instead of butter. This gives the ensaimada de Mallorca its characteristic subtle, savoury depth that perfectly balances the sweetness.

They come in two main forms:

• Individual Size: Perfect for breakfast with a coffee.

• Family Size (Spiral): A huge, platter-sized pastry perfect for sharing.

🍫 The Wonderful World of Ensaimada Varieties

While the plain, powdered-sugar version (lisa) is the classic, the best bakeries love to get creative.

The most popular sweet filling is ensaimada de cabello de ángel (angel hair squash jam). But don't stop there! If you see ensaimada chocolate Mallorca on the menu, grab it—it’s a decadent twist.

For a true local experience, you absolutely must try the savoury variety: the ensaimada de sobrasada Mallorca. This pairs the sweet pastry with a smear of the island’s famous cured pork sausage (sobrasada), which melts slightly when heated—it's surprisingly delicious and a perfect representation of Mallorcan cuisine!

📍 Where to Find the Best Ensaimadas on the Island

The search for the best ensaimada de Mallorca often starts in the capital, but the deepest traditions and most beloved recipes are hidden in the smaller villages. To get the full picture, you need to visit both!

The Palma Classics (City Centre)

The capital city, Palma de Mallorca, is a treasure trove of historic bakeries (forns) that have perfected the traditional ensaimada Mallorca recipe over generations. If you’re staying near the Old Town, these are your must-visit spots for the best ensaimadas:

1. Horno Santo Cristo (The Icon): Perhaps the most famous name on the island, Santo Cristo has been baking since 1910. If you are looking for a guaranteed, excellent example of the traditional ensaimada de Mallorca, this is the place. It’s also one of the most reliable places to purchase a ready-to-travel souvenir box.

2. Forn des Racó (The Reliable Choice): Tucked away near the hustle of the centre, this bakery is an institution. They pride themselves on traditional methods and their long fermentation process. Their ensaimadas are famously light and airy—the perfect spot for your first one.

3. Fornet de la Soca (The Artisan): If you appreciate a historical approach, this bakery focuses on reviving ancient Mallorcan recipes. Their ensaimada is often celebrated by food critics for its authenticity and attention to detail. This is the spot for serious foodies.

Tip for exploring Palma: These bakeries are best visited early in the morning! If you plan a food tour or a city walk, consider booking a guided experience to cover all the best food stops, including tasting different ensaimadas. Browse food tours in Palma on Get Your Guide.

🗺️ The Best Ensaimada Outside Palma (Hidden Village Gems)

To truly find the authentic village bakeries, you'll need to leave the city. If you’ve rented a car, take a drive and treat yourself to these hidden local secrets!

If you haven't booked your rental car yet, you'll need one to reach these village spots! Compare car rental prices across the island using Discovery Cars.

4. Forn de Sant Francesc (Inca): Located in the town of Inca, this bakery gained international fame when it won the award for the "Mejor Ensaimada del Mundo" (Best Ensaimada in the World) in 2017. Their version is considered the gold standard of traditional preparation and is well worth the drive to the centre of the island.

5. Forn i Pastisseria Gelabert (Llubí): Nestled in the small village of Llubí, this forn is another world champion, having won the "Mejor Ensaimada del Mundo" award in 2018. They are renowned for their perfect balance of lightness and flavour in both their plain and filled varieties.

6. Can Salem (Algaida): This traditional bakery in Algaida is a beloved local secret, known for its dedication to artisanal methods and handmade pastries. They offer a wide variety of sweets, including superb ensaimadas that are a favourite among Mallorcan families.

✈️ Taking Your Ensaimada Home: The Airport Hack

One of the top searches we see is: "Can I take an ensaimada home from Mallorca?" Absolutely, yes! It makes the best foodie souvenir.

Most of the major bakeries sell their ensaimadas boxed up in octagonal cardboard containers designed to be carried onto a flight as hand luggage. In fact, many airlines are used to seeing these boxes and often don't count them as a carry-on item (though always check your airline's specific policy to be safe).

Pro Tip: The Airport Bakery If you run out of time to visit a forn in the city, there are bakeries in Palma Airport (PMI) that sell certified, fresh ensaimadas packaged for travel. It saves you the hassle of carrying it around all day!

🎉 In Conclusion: The True Taste of Mallorca

The ensaimada de Mallorca is truly more than just a sweet treat—it is a cultural experience baked into a spiral shape. From the buttery flakiness of the traditional lisa to the surprising savory kick of the ensaimada de sobrasada Mallorca, this pastry is a delicious symbol of the island’s rich history and culinary creativity.

Whether you are seeking out the most famous bakeries in Palma or simply grabbing an individual one with your morning coffee, I encourage you to make the search for your personal best ensaimada Mallorca part of your trip. Don't forget that iconic octagonal box—it's the best souvenir you can take home!

Looking for more Mallorca tips?

Check out these posts you’ll love:

• Best Beaches in Mallorca

• Where to Stay in Mallorca

• Things to Do in Mallorca

• Travel Guide

Happy holidays and ¡nos vemos en la isla! 🌞