The “fritura malagueña” is, above all, the most recognized dish of the Costa del Sol’s cuisine. This varied platter of fried fish is currently a popular attraction for tourists and visitors, and a common choice in Málaga households.
The fishing tradition of the Bay of Málaga has ensured the preservation of a dish that traces its roots back to the 13th century, in the cuisine of al-Andalus. An anonymous manuscript that was translated and published in 1966 by the Arabist Ambrosio Huici Miranda.
It is a simple dish based on what the fisherman brings from the sea that day. Although small or medium-sized fish are usually represented, the dish can also feature larger pieces of fish, such as chopped squid, in its variations.
However, any proper fritura malagueña must include the classic boquerones victorianos (fried anchovies), salmonetes (red mullet), bacaladillas (small fried cod), chanquetes (small fry fish), or fried calamares (squid). Other variations, as there are no fixed ingredients, may include jureles (jacks), pintarroja (dogfish), or cazón en adobo (marinated dogfish), among other seafood delicacies.