I ate my way through the Camino Frances

and yes I also walked to Santiago de Compostela

It’s been a month since I came back from the life changing trip to Spain, and yes the Camino is still spilling out of my ears.  I will talk about it non-stop to anyone who will ask, and listen. I have the iconic Camino shell sticker at the back of my car and the other day at the local shops as I was walking to the car with bags of groceries, a lady already seated in her car, windows down, stopped me to chat about the sticker she saw on the car parked right behind her.

She said, “is that your car with the Camino sticker?”

I replied beaming, “YES!”

She asked, “did you do the Camino? I was about write Buen Camino on a post it note and leave it on your car.”

“Indeed I did!” I replied, “just a month ago, the Camino Frances!”

“I did too - the Camino Portuguese in 2018!”

And then we both excitedly chorused, “BUEN CAMINO!”

The trip of a lifetime, it has been such a humbling experience.  Many “firsts” were had and most of all met the most incredible kindred pilgrims in my lifetime.  While I did join a group when I started My Camino, I travelled solo and this has taught me that self-growth knows no age, and inner grit is deep within all of us.  The breathtaking scenery across the Castilla y Leon and Galicia region are now embedded in me. From flatlands (mesetas) to the hillside, the farms and the vineyards, the quaint towns and historical cities, the food, the people, the culture and the spiritual intangible force that brought me to Santiago.  There are no words to describe this experience, and no matter how many videos and documentaries you watch, books and online blogs you read about the Camino, your journey will be as unique as you are.

Here's a digital diary of the food along the Camino Frances

Lots of tortilla (Spanish omelette made of potatoes and eggs). They are in every cafe, offered for desayuno (breakfast) to hungry pilgrims. Hot breakfast is elusive along the Camino. So it’s a treat when they’re on offer.

Fresh Naranja! Orange juice here is freshly squeezed and every café has the machine, no matter how small the town. Oranges from Valencia folks!

Empanadas are flat pastries with various fillings, cut to serve. Not the half moon shaped and crimped variety I’m used to. A variety of fillings are on offer - from tuna to pork to beef, and some vegetarian.

Melide is one of the oldest towns along the Camino de Santigo, and they are popular for Pulpo a la Gallega (octopus), a traditional dish from the region of Galicia. Galician octopus is served with sliced cooked potatoes, smoked paprika and olive oil

Arzua, known as the “land of cheese” and had the most delicious churros here, better than the popular Madrid shop.

Had the chance to taste, for the first time, Percebes also called goose barnacles at the unassuming Michelin restaurant Lume in the heart of Mercado de Abastos in Santiago de Compostela. And my fave dish from the journey - the humble Bacalao de Gallego from Casa Ma Luz in Airexe! (see video from link below).

Seafood here is top notch! OMG! Super fresh and cheaper than Sydney LOL!  I’ve eaten whole trout simply fried, fried sardines overlooking Marina de Fisterra zambarinos (scallops), simple fried trout! And the anchovies! I bought a few tins back home and they are just so delicious the girls finished them so fast!

Zamborinos from O Acivro Restaurante in A Rua

Sardines and mussels from Mama Celia along the banks of seaside town of Fisterra

Trujas al ajilla (trout in garlic sauce) from Casa Mendez Restaurante in the beautiful town of Villafranca El Bierzo. A classic humble space on the banks of the Valcarce River with a Michelin status.

The Camino Frances journey to Santiago is a backdrop of diverse landscapes, charming villages and unforgettable encounters. As the terrains transform from the fertile plains of Castile Y Leon to the lush greenery and rolling hills of Galicia, so did the food. From hearty meats to seafood-centric dishes, it was a nourishing culinary journey. The food on the Camino is beyond sustenance for the pilgrims. It is a source of comfort, energy and inspiration.

As a Filipino, the food of Spain is familiar and yet new. The food and the wine of Spain blew me away.

I’ve put together more photos in this video - food highlights of the Camino. In other news I need to take more landscape shots. LOL. Also, where are the emojis here?!

Watch out for the series of posts which will be coming up next where I’ll share my Camino journey, from preparation to all the finer details of my experience as a pilgrim on the path of St James.