Portugal’s Madeira may be most famous for its beaches and terrain but the island’s local cuisine deserves exploration too. It’s a relatively small island with a bustling market and two Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s also an island with a unique food set that’s defined by its island geography, subtropical climate and Portuguese traditions.
Discover 12 Madeira food favorites that you don’t want to miss during your visit to the scenic Portuguese island.
1. Lapas (Limpets)
Lapas (i.e. limpets) are aquatic snails with weblike shells that live in ocean waters near both Madeira and the Azores. Trying them is a must when exploring Madeiran cuisine. They’re usually grilled and served in their beautiful silvery shells and served with butter and garlic on top.
2. Espada com Banana (Black Scabbard Fish With Banana)
While Madeiran people have been fishing and eating black scabbard fish for centuries, we’re not sure who had the creative idea to bread these eel-like fish, fry them and put a banana on top. This culinary creation is wonderful – a balance of sweet and savory local elements that create harmony on a plate.
3. Espetada Madeirense (Beef Skewer)
While it’s possible to eat skewers called espetada made with all sorts of protein on mainland Portugal, it’s more special to eat espetada Madeirense while visiting Madeira. Featuring big chunks of marinated meat cooked on bay wood skewers, this version is nothing short of a showstopper.
4. Bolo de Caco (Signature Madeira Bread)
Baked with sweet potatoes in addition to wheat flour, bolo de caco is leavened bread that’s traditionally baked over coal on caco slabs. The round, caramelized, thick, frisbee-like bread looks like English muffins but tastes better when slathered with butter.
5. Prego no Bolo de Caco
Madeira’s Prego no Bolo de Caco sandwich features thinly sliced beef layered inside bolo de caco, the island’s iconic bread. Added ingredients like ham, cheese, fried eggs and veggies transform the sandwich into a meal.
Discover more global sandwiches.
6. Milho Frito (Fried Maize)
Similar to fried polenta in Italy, milho frito are deep fried corn meal cubes. In Madeira, they’re often eaten as a side dish with espetada and other main dishes.
7. Sopa de Trigo (Wheat Soup)
Sopa de trigo is a hearty dish that literally translates to wheat soup. Prepared with local ingredients like potatoes, pumpkin, beans and wheat berries, it’s a thick soup that’s ideal for the island’s cool winter nights.
Discover more global soups.
8. Frutas Tropicais (Tropical Fruit)
Despite their tropical status, local Madeira fruits like mangos, passion fruit and pineapples are familiar. Others like tamarillo (tree tomatoes), tabaibo (prickly pear) and anona (custard apple) are more exotic. They’re all great.
9. Pudim de Maracujá (Passion Fruit Pudding)
Unlike most Portuguese sweets, Pudim de Maracujá doesn’t include eggs. While the dessert’s dominant flavor comes from passion fruit, the pudding gets its richness from cream and condensed milk.
Discover more Portuguese desserts.
10. Bolo de Mel (Honey Cake)
Bolo de mel is honey cake that dates back to the 15th century when Portugal was a major player in the spice trade. The sweet cake is made with molasses as well as spices like cinnamon and clove. It’s popular all year in Madeira but especially during the holiday season.
Discover more Christmas desserts.
11. Vinho Madeira (Madeira Wine)
Madeira’s fortified wine is far from a hidden gem. Obsessive oenophiles collect bottles of Madeira similar to the way that kids collect baseball cards. Vintage bottles are special.
12. Poncha (Sugar Cane Cocktail)
Poncha delivers a punch with ingredients that include aguardente de cana (sugar cane brandy), honey and fresh juice. It’s easy to find in Madeira but be aware that it’s a potent potable despite its fruity flavor and easy drinkability.
Read Next: Must-Eat Portuguese Foods
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About the Authors
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.