Porto, a city, often also a country, you really understand it only through the knowledge of the people, their lifestyle and, undoubtedly, their culinary tradition.
Porto, located in Portugal in the north, it is a highly developed city on an industrial level, but it is also rich in its history which has its roots in the times of the Roman Empire. Located on several hills, it has a lot to offer the tourist between art and traditions.
It is from the traditions that his true personality emerges made of vigor, taste, conviviality and satisfaction.
If we leave out the wine that made it famous, Porto can be perfectly summed up in a meal consisting of a popular single dish followed by an enveloping dessert and accompanied by a summer drink. All in good company, of course.
So, if you are in Porto try - in order - one french in a tavern in the center, a pastéis de born maybe purchased directly.
The francesinha is a typical maxi sandwich of the city, consisting of two slices of bread stuffed with all or some of the following ingredients: cheese, ham, meat, chourizo (hot sauce), eggs, sausage, melted cheese to cover and tomato sauce. Absolutely not to be missed because it is unique in its kind: rich, nutritious, varied, young, convivial, simple and surprising at the same time, thanks to the unusual combination of flavors. A suggestion for dinner: yuko, and the first character of Porto emerges all here.
Porto is definitely for the sweet tooth with its Pasteis De Nata (or more simply natas), sweets made with puff pastry skillfully baked in the oven, filled with caramelized egg cream on the surface and possibly enriched with cinnamon before tasting them. A real treat. Try it, preferably, at Doce Maia Gourmet. If you return in the day you can also ask for some takeaway and take some home. If very fresh, you will be able to enjoy them the next day!
If Porto were a drink it would be one caipirinha served in one of the beach clubs, obviously imported from Brazil and made Portuguese. Go to the nearby town of Matosinhos, possibly at sunset, when the sun is reflected in the ocean and enjoy the moment and the place. An enchanting promenade, which for the locals is proudly comparable to that of Rio de Janeiro, a deep white sand beach, the waves crashing on the shoreline and the music, constant presence at the aperitif, during dinner and beyond.
