The chiringuitos along Benalmádena's beaches are the place to eat the dish that defines this stretch of coast: espeto de sardinas — fresh sardines skewered onto a stick, salted, and grilled over an open driftwood fire in a half-buried fishing boat. A plate of six costs only a few euros and is one of the best cheap meals in Spain.
Most chiringuitos also do fried fish (pescaíto frito), grilled prawns, paella, and cold beer or jugs of tinto de verano. Quality varies; the busier the chiringuito with Spanish families, the better the food tends to be. Aim for lunch on a Sunday for the full effect.