Tenerife’s El Chupete: A Traditional Guachinche Preserving Island Culinary Heritage
El Chupete in La Matanza de Acentejo preserves Tenerife’s cultural heritage by operating as a traditional, seasonal guachinche that serves authentic local cuisine until its own wine supply is exhausted.
In Tenerife, the survival of "guachinches" is a powerful act of cultural resistance against the rise of standardized dining. As highlighted by the content creators @guachinchesmodernos, El Chupete in La Matanza de Acentejo is a perfect example of this tradition. Like all authentic guachinches, its operation is seasonal, dictated entirely by the availability of the family’s own wine.
Located at 77 Camino Nuevo, El Chupete operates as a family-run business that only stays open until its supply of bulk wine runs out—a practice that dates back to the original purpose of these venues: selling off the surplus from the annual harvest. The menu focuses on simple, traditional island recipes, with fried rabbit being the clear favorite among regulars. Other staples include goat meat, sardines, chickpeas, and cheese from La Palma.
The restaurant’s hours vary throughout the week. It is open Tuesday through Thursday for dinner (6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.). On Fridays and Saturdays, it serves both lunch (12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and dinner (7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.). On Sundays, it is open only for lunch, and it remains closed on Mondays. True to its roots, the menu skips fancy desserts, offering simple options like ice cream or eggs with potatoes, prioritizing function over flair.
With a 4.3-star rating online, El Chupete has become a go-to spot for those looking to escape the tourist trail. With its modest indoor dining room and covered terrace, the venue is a testament to the appeal of simple, authentic local food served in a traditional setting.