Tea, Chocolate-Dipped Doughnuts & More
The people of Granada are rediscovering their Islamic roots in laid-back lounges that serve mint tea, traditional Arab pastries, and tapas. The best of these is Al-Andalús, Calle Calderería Vieja 34 (tel. 95-822-46-41), where patrons even pass a traditional water pipe. Our favorite time to visit is late afternoon and early evening, when, against a backdrop of blue tiles and wooden furniture, you can order their fresh salad made with oranges and lemon or a bowl of gazpacho. More filling selections include honey-coated Moroccan lamb and pinchitos monunos (pieces of pork on a skewer with vegetables). The salon is open daily from 11:30am to 2am.
López Mezquita Café Pastelería, Calle de los Reyes Católicos 3941 (tel. 95-822-12-05), is in the center of the city. With its rustic decor, the cafe has a warm, inviting ambience. You can enjoy various cheeses from the province of Granada, along with spicy chorizo sausage pies. Pastry specialties, costing from 2€ ($2.60), include pastela monunos, which can be filled with many different ingredients -- meat, chicken, prunes, dried grapes, nuts, and more. Our favorite is cuajado de carnaval, a mousselike concoction made with seasonal fruit. The turnovers filled with fish or chicken are another tasty specialty. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 9am to 11pm.
At around 6pm many locals indulge in chocolate con churros (doughnut sticks dipped in hot chocolate). Although this may be an acquired taste for some, chocoholics will love it. Many little cafes around the cathedral serve this treat, but you can also enjoy it at virtually any cafe within the city limits.
