Traditional Food of Portugal – Part 2 The North and Porto

North Portugal

Roasts or Assados are popular in the north of Portugal. They are succulent, moist and delicious! The servings are enormous and in most restaurants include plenty of food to be shared by two people.

Two of the most popular roasts are suckling pig (leitão assado) and roast lamb (cabrito assado). Both are usually served with new potatoes, rice and a vegetable.

Caldeirada is a stew consisting of a variety of fish and shellfish with potatoes, tomato and onion. It is very similar to Cataplana which is served in the Algarve.

Broa is a bread is made with white or yellow corn and rye.

Porto

Tripas a modo do Porto is tripe cooked with dried beans, vegetables, pigs’ trotters and offal served with rice.

This lunch plate in Porto was a delicious meal of roast lamb with rice, fresh squash and a salad.

Francesinhas is a favorite of the locals. It is thick white bread topped with pork steak, sliced ham, sausage , a fried egg and cheese. It is served surrounded by french fries with a beer flavored sauce. The sauce is typically poured over everything including the fries. Strolling past sidewalk cafes at lunch time you will see this dish being served on many tables. I tried Francesinhas on my second trip to Porto in the spring of 2015. I have to admit, I was not a fan.

Ovos Moles can be found throughout Portugal but are especially popular in Porto. The desert consists mainly of egg yolk and sugar, the two most popular ingredients in Portuguese sweets.

Port wine is served throughout Porto and all over Portugal. A visit to the Port cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto, for some tastings is must while in this area.