While in Porto everything has been spectacular. The scenery is awe inspiring, from the way the narrow cobble stone streets weave their way through city centers and Atlantic Overlooks and the plethora of beautiful architecture in both the buildings and the multitude of bridges that span the Douro River. The culture is vibrant with the musicians and bands that play on almost all the corners and squares in the evening. But what I’ve enjoyed discovering most here, has been the food. A mix of elements from the rich supply of seafood, the surrounding Spanish influence, and the unique Portuguese twist has birthed some of the best food I’ve had in a while. Below is two of my most favorite discoveries that I believe no trip to Portugal would be complete without.
The first picture above is Pastel de Nata, or more accurately Pasteis de Nata as there are several. It’s a staple at any cafe or bakery that you’ll visit while in the country, and they are a must. While pleasantly simple from the outside, just a basic custard tart with the occasional smearing of jam depending on the establishment, the way it is executed makes each experience heavenly. It was originally developed in a Portuguese monastery when they had to find a use for a surplus of egg yolks, which I learned along with the recipe from a wonderful baking workshop. In fact, the ones in the picture above are actually the ones I made at the lesson, and they weren’t too bad if I do say so myself.
The second picture is the amazing francesinha. While I do not have as in depth of an experience as with the Pastel, this next level grilled cheese with spiced beef and ham in a bowl of tomato soup is a key part of Portuguese cuisine. Every location makes theirs a little bit different, but they are all amazing.
If you ever find yourself in Porto. The best recommendation I can give is while you are taking in all of the amazing aspects of the area, remember to keep your nose on the lookout for any of the amazing food the permeates the city.