Madeira Food & Drink: Top 5 Must-Try Local Delights

Madeira, an island known for its dramatic scenery and, too its unique volcanic landscapes, also has a pretty distinct food scene. So, if you’re thinking of taking a trip there, knowing what tasty eats to expect is that one ingredient that might just take your holiday from wonderful to simply sensational. We are going to peek at five awesome foods and drinks you really must try. From freshly baked bread to some seriously strong beverages, Madeira certainly isn’t shy about flavors. Embark on your foodie expedition.

1. Bolo do Caco: The Island’s Favorite Bread

Okay, first, there’s Bolo do Caco. It sounds like something pretty special, is that right? What it turns out to be is a flatbread that folks on Madeira are mad about. It’s actually baked on a hot stone – “caco” is the local name for the stone slab, basically giving the bread its rustic name. Usually, it’s served warm with garlic butter and it’s arguably an ideal start to any meal on the island, more or less. You can spot it at virtually every corner of the island, from little cafes to more fancy restaurants, or so it would seem. This humble bread delivers such a big flavor and very good texture, a really soft inside coupled with a crusty outside, actually. And it’s that garlic butter that does the trick making it simply irresistible, you know? Taste the garlic goodness.

2. Espetada: Meat on a Skewer, Madeira Style

Then you have got Espetada, that’s next. That is that thing in which beef cubes get rubbed in garlic and salt before grilling them on a laurel skewer. Now, how good does that sound, right? It’s a super common dish that locals totally love, or so I’ve heard. Historically, islanders cooked big chunks of beef over wood fires using laurel branches from the mountains to add some fragrance to the meat, it would seem. A traditional way you often see it served is that the skewer hangs vertically from a hook directly onto your table, really adding some theatrical fun to your eating experience. Plus, you usually have a whole bunch of yummy sides to enjoy it with – things like fried cornmeal (milho frito) or even some simple boiled potatoes. Each bite gives you such a juicy blast and some smoky flavors, and I mean what’s not to love about that, very? Savor smoky goodness.

3. Lapas: Grilled Limpets with Garlic Butter

Fancy trying some seafood? So, look out for Lapas. Limpets, that cling to coastal rocks, turn into a local treat when you throw some garlic butter in there too – garlic butter makes many dishes even better, am I right? After harvesting, these are usually thrown on a hot metal plate and slathered in that heavenly garlic butter and a spritz of lemon right at the finish, alright? You are going to find they’re often served right in the pan they’re cooked in so things stay piping hot. Eating them pretty much means prising them from their shells and enjoying the chewy texture, in a way, combined with that lovely garlic flavor that explodes in your mouth. Now this can be quite divisive – people tend to really love them or not care much for them, but either way, it’s still worth giving them a try if you would like to discover authentic Madeira flavors, right? Taste the coastal delight.

4. Black Scabbard Fish with Banana: A Controversial Pairing?

Black Scabbard Fish with Banana is what they serve, this is one of those pairings that you’ll raise your eyebrows at, a little bit. Yes, banana, a bit? It turns out the folks there do this quite a lot. The scabbard fish that’s sourced locally tends to be, let’s be honest, quite strange to look at, but they swear it tastes yummy! The texture? It is rather flaky, also pretty mild. Pair that up with a sweet fried banana, which tends to be the go-to addition. Restaurants all over Madeira each make a go at serving their very take on this combo, yet, so be brave, and just sample this weird combo when you are out there, as I was just saying, I’m sure you might like it! Experience this flavor explosion.

5. Poncha: The Traditional Drink of Madeira

Time for drinks! No chat about what to eat in Madeira would be completely valid if you were not covering Poncha, apparently. It is the island’s super popular, or so it’s said, traditional drink. It’s all done using a mix of sugar cane rum, honey, some sugar and lemon juice, isn’t it? Add other fruit juices if the base one isn’t doing enough! Sounds amazing, truly. Each bar has its special way of blending it, in fact, a method perfected and usually super-guarded. They stir it with a special tool also locally made especially just for Poncha! As it’s pretty potent, you might want to sip it and not gulp it! Historically, folk assume Poncha originally served to help fisherman avoid any chills while out at sea – though everyone likes a good glass or two right now, as a matter of fact! So that’s it, enjoy responsibly! Savor island flavors.