A Galician Gem in the Heart of Santiago: Raxo
In Galicia, gastronomy is not just a part of the culture—it's a way of life. In every corner of this green, history-rich land, traditional flavors are passed down from generation to generation, and raxo is one of those dishes that awakens memories, emotions, and a hearty appetite. At Los Amigos, a restaurant located in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, we’ve made raxo one of our most cherished specialties, alongside our Lebanese cuisine and homemade burgers. Because we believe that good food brings different worlds together and raxo is, without a doubt, one of our bridges to Galicia.
What Exactly is Raxo? Galician History and Tradition
Raxo is one of those dishes you might find in any Galician grandmother’s kitchen. It consists of marinated pork loin, typically seasoned with garlic, salt, parsley, and sometimes paprika, then left to rest for hours to absorb all the flavors. After marinating, it’s fried in olive oil until tender on the inside and slightly golden on the outside.
Although it’s not exactly known when this dish first began to be prepared, raxo has become a staple of Galician cuisine over the past century, especially in regions like A Coruña, Lugo, and of course, Santiago de Compostela. It’s a common feature in taverns, bars, and local festivals, and the perfect companion to a generous serving of fries and a cold beer.
Ingredients of Raxo: Simplicity That Wins You Over
One of raxo's greatest virtues is its simplicity—something very characteristic of traditional Galician cuisine. It doesn’t require complicated ingredients or sophisticated techniques: what matters is the quality of the product and the care with which it’s prepared. The basic ingredients are:
- Pork loin
- Fresh garlic
- Coarse salt
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sweet or spicy paprika
- Extra virgin olive oil
Some cooks also add a splash of white wine to the marinade or serve it with padrón peppers, melted cheese, or even a fried egg, proving that raxo can be just as versatile as it is flavorful.
Raxo or Zorza? Here's the Difference
It’s very common for visitors and tourists to confuse raxo with zorza, another Galician dish also made from marinated pork. However, while they may seem similar, there are key differences:
- Raxo is made with clean cuts of pork loin and has a milder marinade.
- Zorza, on the other hand, is usually made from pork trimmings traditionally used to make chorizo, and it features a more intense marinade with plenty of paprika—hence its distinctive reddish color.
In short: if you're looking for something tender with a more balanced flavor, raxo is your choice. If you prefer something bolder and spicier, then zorza is for you.
Irresistible Combinations: From Classic Raxo to Surprising Fusions
While traditional raxo is always a safe and satisfying choice, at Los Amigos we enjoy playing with flavors and giving classics a twist. That’s why, in addition to the beloved original, we also prepare it topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, or even include it in our handcrafted burgers—creating a delicious fusion between Galicia and other culinary traditions.
And since we’re also passionate about Lebanese cuisine, we’re not ruling out future versions of raxo with Middle Eastern spices or served in pita bread. Why not? Tradition and creativity can go hand in hand.
Raxo in Santiago de Compostela: Where to Enjoy It
If you’re in Santiago de Compostela and want to try a good raxo, you’ll find plenty of options—from classic bars in the old town to modern taverns that reinvent Galician cuisine. However, if you’re looking for a place to enjoy truly authentic raxo, made with fresh ingredients and that homemade touch that makes it unforgettable, we’ll be waiting for you at Los Amigos.
Our restaurant brings together the best of three worlds: Galician tradition, the urban flavor of our burgers, and the exotic richness of Lebanese cuisine. And yes, we admit it—we’re a little obsessed with raxo, which is why we prepare it with special care.
More Than Just a Galician Dish: Raxo as a Culinary Experience at Los Amigos
For us, raxo isn’t just another dish on the menu. It’s a way to connect with Galicia—a tribute to a land that lives and breathes through its cuisine. Every time we serve a plate of raxo, we want our guests to feel that warmth of home, that blend of tradition and simplicity that makes it so special.
And while at Los Amigos you can also enjoy creamy hummus or a juicy burger on artisan bread, we believe raxo holds a special place in our kitchen. Because when it’s made with quality ingredients, time, and passion, raxo doesn’t just nourish—it wins hearts.
Ready to try it?
Come to Los Amigos in Santiago de Compostela and discover why this Galician classic continues to be a favorite generation after generation.
We’ll be waiting for you—with hot raxo and a warm smile!