Food Fridays - Porto

Porto may be a small, walkable city, but be sure to bring a large, healthy appetite. The food ranges from some local specialties (the obvious port wine comes to mind) to some great Portuguese staples to a surprisingly thriving and tasty brunch culture. There is definitely no shortage of things to try here!

The Francesinha is the sandwich to have while in Porto. Every place does it slightly different, but no matter where you go, it’s gonna be big. This one has bologna, fresh sausage, crunchy red sausage, sirloin beef steak, ham, cheese, all stuffed between two pieces of bread, topped with an egg and smothered in a special Francesinha sauce. And did I mention the pile of fries it sits on top of?

Caldo verde is a local soup of potato, thinly chopped kale, and sliced sausage. Perfect for those rainy cool days.

We admit we’ve been skipping dessert this go around in Portugal because the main courses have been so filling. But in an attempt to rectify this situation, here is a warm apple crumble.

Our first meal in Porto was a bit more traditional. Beef steak, egg, salad and a whole lot of fries.

Port is sweet, thick, and quite strong and well worth a try, especially since it is made here. Vineyards are in the nearby Douro Valley, and barrels are shipped down to Via da Nova Gaia to mature in the wine caves.

We fell in love with sangria. Red wine, a dash of sweetness in the form of sugar or soda, a splash of something hard, and plenty of bite-sized apples, oranges, and lemons. Throw in a stick of cinnamon for some added spice.

Porto is home to a lot of hip and trendy brunch places. Light breakfasts, hearty breakfasts. Vegan or meaty, there is something for everyone. Pictured here are some homemade pancakes topped with mango, banana, orange, grapes, and grated chocolate. Also, a very filling tuna salad. Seriously, I have never gotten this full on a salad before.

We found a place specializing in Iberian meats and we had to try one of their charcuterie boards. Iberian ham, chorizo, salchichon, and Black Morcilla.

And while we were at it, we tried a hot Iberian meat platter of pork chops, sirloin, and secreto.

A tasty pot of clams in garlic, olive oil and herbs, served with bread to mop up the delicious sauce. The sauce was so good, we left the bowl spotless.

Trying the national cod fish once more! Salty, flaky, and delicious.

We love finding places with a small menu, where the dishes of the day are hand-written daily. This is Bacalhau u Natas (a creamy cod casserole with thinly sliced potatoes). 5 euro. The best deal on the trip.

So, here’s a new option we’ve never had with cuttlefish before. With or without ink.

Time for a little snack. A basket of fried sardines. The original fish sticks.

Another little snack by the sea. Octopus salad.

I had this last time in Portugal, but never learned the name of it. This time, I was determined to find it again. This is Bolo de Bolacha. If you see it, get it.