Few storefronts can top trump the beautiful facade of La Pajarita. Nestled on Carrer Sant Nicolau, in one the prettiest corners of the city, the distinctive rich red paint can’t be missed, nor can the candy cane canopy that envelops the windows. This is a shop with excellent kerb appeal. La Pajarita undoubtedly lures in customers with the beautifully traditional window displays, a pitch perfect balance which combines old and new.
If La Pajarita is new to you then let me explain the backstory. Essentially a ‘colmado’, or a deli to non locals, it offers up more than just delicious food, it serves up a helping of rich family history, steeped in tradition. Founded in 1872, it’s a testament to the family who opened La Pajarita all those years ago, that it’s still standing, and still very much a cultural gem in Palma’s old town. Fun fact: La Pajarita was the first place not only in Palma, but on the island to stock and sell coffee, bananas and Moët Chandon. Pioneers when it came to discovering what clients may need and enjoy, the shop has retained its charm, but also moved with the times.
Should you pop by looking to pick up some gifts ahead of Christmas, or some cold cuts for the weekend, which the well heeled folks in Palma favour, the team are hard at work prepping traditional ‘fiambres’ ready for the festive period. I’ll be swinging by myself to stock up on ‘fuet’ and a bottle of Canonita, the delicious aperitif made from oranges grown in Soller, and it’s the perfect thing to serve to guests should you wish to impress and share some local know how.
La Pajarita is, however, much more than just the store. Teaming up with the guys at Rata Corner, they now proudly showcase the best of Mallorquín cuisine through their work with ‘Live for the Arts’ in association with Melia hotels. Most recently the team headed up by Pep Mulet, headed to the Big Apple where guests at an event sampled flavours of the island such as, ‘sobrassada’ and ‘cocas’. In 2023, they provided the catering at Mallorca Live for VIPs, again, proudly showcasing Mallorquín food – ensuring that their heritage is not only maintained, but cherished. Owner Pep Mulet explains, ‘owning a centennial little shop is pretty much a dream. You get to spread your family heritage and pour it into the community around you. The vehicle used to make it happen is delicacy, love and patience. Pretty amazing tools to work with! On the other hand such a long run in business takes a lot from you, it is a pure and beautiful act of faith’.
In an era where people often favour perceived ‘convenience’ and fast food restaurants prevail, I can only hope that we start to reject this trend in favour of something slower, something that boasts more charm. I can’t think of many things more charming than strolling around the narrow streets of Palma, and finding yourself in a spot where six generations have weaved love and passion into their produce. Whether you’re looking for cheese, wines, or don’t know what you’re after, but you know that you love good food, La Pajarita is the kind of place that should be nurtured, so that future generations can continue to enjoy the heaving shelves, laden with goodies, where every calorie and cent is well spent.
Text by Cat Powell
Instagram @lapajarita1872
C/ Sant Nicolau, 4, Palma
