filipa.figueira21Madeira, known as the pearl of the Atlantic is an island full of traditions and attracts people throughout the year due to its good weather and beautiful landscapes! Rich in flora and exotic fruits, there are plenty of reasons to visit the island!
The gastronomy is rich and varied. Local people eat a lot of fish, bolo do caco as a starter and drink different types of liquors and Poncha.
Here are the main typical dishes and drinks you should try while in Madeira island.
Lapas (limpets)
Lapas are typically served fried on a grill, tempered with a mix of sauce butter, pepper and garlic.
Where to eat? We ate lapas in Barra Azul in formosa beach.
Bolo do caco
Bolo do caco is eaten as a starter everywhere. Its name is due to the surface where it is made called caco. It is tempered with garlic butter and herbs.
Where to eat? You can find bolo do caco everywhere around the island.
Espetada madeirense
Espetada is one of the most consumed dishes on the island! Traditionally made with tender beef, bay leaf, salt, garlic and is then placed on the laurel stick to be roasted. It is originally from Estreito de Camâra de Lobos.
Where to eat? Santo Antonio restaurant in Câmara de Lobos
Tuna steak with fried corn
This is my second time on Madeira island (the first time I visited the island in 2017 with two friends from college for 5 days) and it was my first time eating tuna steak with fried corn.
Where to eat? Restaurant Regional Flavours in Funchal.
Picadinho
Picado or Picadinho is delicious! It is a nice meal to share. It is served surrounded by fries.
Where to eat? We ate picadinho in Barra Azul in formosa beach.
Tropical fruits
If you go to lavradores market you will find lots of typical fruits from different types of passionfruit to banana pineapple.
Cozido madeirense
Typically made with different types of meat, sweet potato and cuscus.
Prego em bolo do caco
Thank you for reading! I hope you liked it and that you learned something new! That’s my goal!
Travel Resources:
Other travel stories:
