GUACHINCHES

Tenerife, is well known for its year-round mild climate, beautiful beaches, and natural surroundings. when we talk about traveling, we also talk about eating. The culinary culture of this beautiful island is influenced by different traditions and cultures, South American influences for example, and the products that the local land derives from them. Even from a culinary point of view, Tenerife and the rest of the Canary Islands have their own specialty that differentiates them from mainland Spain. The place to discover this culinary experience, you can find it in a guachinche!

What is a Guachinche?

Guachinches are a strong icon of the local culture of Tenerife. These rustic, usually family-run places recall pop-up restaurants style, usually set up in garages, courtyards or spaces adjacent to the owner's home. What makes Guachinche restaurants special is the authentic loud local atmosphere, the simple homemade food and the local wine they serve.
Guachinches are typically found in the northern part of Tenerife, particularly in regions like La Orotava, Tacoronte, and El Sauzal, all very close to Nine coliving!
If you stayed or are you planning to stay at Nine, You will definitely Join a dinner or a lunch in one of this authentic places.

The Origins

The origin of guachinches is closely linked to the wine tradition of Tenerife. The story begins at the beginning of the 20th century, when small wine producers in rural areas of Tenerife had to come up with a clever way to sell surplus wine directly to customers. What is the best idea to do that then, if not just cooking some food? They began to create informal eateries in their homes or vineyards, offering a simple menu of homemade dishes that paired well with their wine. These establishments became known as guachinches, from the word ‘bochinche’, meaning noisy and informal gathering.

Another very interesting theory holds that the name of these typical restaurants derives from the English phrase I'm Watching you, mimicked and readapted with a Spanish tone in Guachinche.

WINES

The wine served in guachinches is typically produced by the owners themselves and is often a young wine from the last harvest. Tenerife wines are distinguished by the island's volcanic soil and microclimates, which impart their own flavors to the vineyards. Red wines are the most common; white and rosé wines can also be found of course, depending on the location on the island. Be prepared for a smokey, volcanic experience!

What makes you a Guachinche

To preserve the authenticity of guachinches and prevent them from turning into a real restaurants, the local government introduced regulations. Today, In order to be called guachinche or open a new one, the guachinche must adhere to different rules such as:

-Limited Operational Period: They are only allowed to operate for a few months each year(mostly 4 months), typically during the wine harvest season.

-Wine Produced on Premises: The wine served must be produced by the owner of the guachinche, maintaining the tradition of wine being the primary product.

-Maximum of three dishes on the menu.

- Owner must be an agricolturist.

During the historical and evolutionary course of the Guachinches, they adapted and created a more complex menu, becoming something very similar to a restaurant. Therefore, many places that display the word guachinche or are called guachinche, are not actually officially guachinche by law.

There are many unofficial guachinche restaurants, however, that reflect the local atmosphere and tradition and very highly acclaimed by locals. so do not worry, we'll give you a few of our favourites and also a list of official Guachinches.

What to Eat

As well as the spectacular and unique places where guachinche are usually located, The cuisine is usually characterized by simple dishes full of intense flavors, if you're wondering how to recognize a true traditional guachinche, if you find these dishes on the menu, you're definitely in the right place :

Papas Arrugadas con Mojo - Wrinkled potatoes served with mojo sauce (red mojo rojo or green mojo).
Carne Fiesta - Marinated and fried pork, often served with papas arrugadas or chips.
Escaldón de Gofio - Thick paste made from gofio (toasted corn or wheat flour) mixed with broth, often served with pieces of meat or fish.
Garbanzas - Stew of chickpeas cooked with chorizo, pork and spices.
Churros de Pescado - fried fish morsels, often served with garlic mayo and Jam.
Pulpo - Octopus, generally served stewed or seasoned with paprika, olive oil and Vinegar.

TOP 3

(unofficial)

We asked ourselves, what are the favorite Guachinches For us ?
Although the list could be endless, we have collected our top 3:

1. Guachinche El Cubano

located in the valley of La Oratava, This guachinche wins the favorite award.
This restaurant is situated inside a banana plantations, a garden used as a dining room, with breathtaking views of the volcano and the valley.
Food and wine obviously abound.

2. El Rincon de Edu

This guachinche is located in the seaside town, san Juan la rambla, 15 minutes by car from Nine. the food and wine are delicious, the atmosphere really cozy and lively. This guachinche is among the top of some of the hosts from Nine.

3. Casa Lito

Located in the village next to la Orotava, Santa Ursula. Here a beautiful Guachinche in the midst of their vineyards among the hills, offers house red wine and meat grill specialties, with an open grill kitchen that can offer a short of cooking show.

Top 3 Official

Thanks to the local people in our team, we can share with you the name of three authentic guachinche:

- El Divorcio (La Orotava)

the restaurant is literally inside the garden of the owner's house, home cooking and very abundant

- El Timplillo (La Orotava)

Located inside a finca, with a spectacular views.

- El Capitan (Santa Ursula)

located on the first floor of a family house, It is a family business with good service, attended directly by its owner, family members and employees.

So all that remains is to try them one by one, and discover new Guachinches together! arm yourself with iron stomachs and prepare for plenty(and don't forget to bring cash with you, some Guachinches do not accept cards).