The bread that is legendary, the soups that heal the soul, and the sweets that touch the sky: this is how people eat in this town in Málaga: 'Here, gastronomy is the very soul of the place'

The Gastronomic Villages Network of Spain is now a reality, and among its more than a dozen villages included in its first selection, there is one located in the province of Málaga. We are talking about Alhaurín el Grande, included along with two other Andalusian villages such as Baena (Córdoba) and Aracena (Huelva). The deep-rooted gastronomic identity has been the main reason for adding this village from Málaga to its network, notable for both its dishes and products, as well as a series of restaurants, bars, and taverns that you must keep on your radar if you decide to visit.

"There are villages that are not only seen, they are smelled. Alhaurín el Grande is one of them," say the Gastronomic Villages Network of Spain, where they make it clear that the gastronomy of the municipality is "the very soul of the place." Many dishes and products stand out, but the foremost among them is the Alhaurín el Grande country bread, a true delight: "Alhaurín country bread, the bread that conquered Málaga —dark, rustic, with a dense dough and an aroma of ancient wheat— is a living legend. It is kneaded with patience, baked with wood, and sought from the capital of Málaga as a treasure."

But there is more, they also highlight their cachorreñas soups, which even have their own festival: "On cold winter mornings, the grandmothers of Alhaurín revive the ritual of cachorreñas soups: a thick broth of bread, garlic, egg, and cod —or sardines in summer— that nourishes both body and spirit." Another soup they highlight is the poncima soups "with its broth of herbs" or the mojetes, "where cod is mixed with tomato, onion, and the acidic touch of orange," or the migas, where "they are accompanied with grapes or pomegranate."

A past edition of the Cachorreña Festival. / Alhaurín el Grande

They make a special mention of Alhaurín pastry, with which they say to touch "heaven in a bite." They first mention the oil buns, "spongy and light", then move on to egg donuts, "crispy and vain"; or the oil cakes, which "melt in the mouth…". Special emphasis is placed on the sweet potato and honey French toasts, "a marvel where old bread is reborn soaked in sweetness", the fig bread," a Moorish delicacy that sums up the essence of this land: dried figs, almonds, and spices, pressed with care", and the polcas, "puff pastry turnovers hiding surprises of angel hair or cream".

Products from the gardens of Alhaurín el Grande. / Alhaurín el Grande Town Hall

These are the ten restaurants they recommend

• Bar Restaurante La Higuera: Ctra. Coín, 27, 29120 Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga
• Bodega Ancar: C. Guerrero Gajete, 7, 29100 Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga
• El Fogón de Morales: C. Gerald Brenan, 111, 29120 Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga
• El Rincón del Perete: C. Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, 8, 29120 Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga
• Las Ánforas: C. Poeta Luis Cernuda, 24, 26, 29120 Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga
• Marisquería Casa Paco: C. Gerald Brenan, 70, 29120 Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga
• Mucho Más Restaurante: C. Gerald Brenan, 68, 29120 Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga
• Santiago´s Kitchen: C. Calvario, 38, 29120 Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga
• Tapería Casa La Abuela: C. Prta de la Villa, 6, 29120 Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga
• Vóguem: C. Gerald Brenan, 75, 29120 Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga

The Network also offers a selection of some of the many restaurants in Alhaurín el Grande, although they have also prepared downloadable documents with options for restaurants as well as places for breakfast or snacks in the village. They also offer selections of products and producers, the most important festivals of the municipality, and some of the monuments or locations that you should not miss.