What to eat in Porto, Portugal - a Francesinha!

By Tania | Nov 22, 2019
Europe > Portugal > Porto

Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal which left a deep 'cityprint' on my heart. Although best known for its port wine production, and breath snatching scenery, it has so many other endearing attributes too.

Narrowly winding cobble-stoned alleys, the wide enchanting Douro river, riverside entertainers and cafes, fascinating markets selling fresh produce to locals and tourists alike. A historical city easily navigated on foot - where every turn you take leads to another exciting and magical discovery.

And when the hunger pangs kick in, you settle at a sidewalk table at a backstreet gastronomical gem, and order Porto's version of sandwich - the francesinha.

A Porto sandwich - the Francesinha

A Porto sandwich - the Francesinha

The francesinha is not for the faint hearted. A combination of bread, ham, fresh sausage and steak (or roasted meat), all compressed into a sandwich form and smothered in melted cheese with a fried egg to top it all off. Add to this a hot thick tomato and beer sauce and chips and you have one mean plate of food.

There is really no logical way to approach this door-stopper - you just bravely dig into this masterpiece while waiters with jugs of the sauce move around, offering a top up when the bread combo has soaked up the initial gravy.

Typical Porto lunch - a francesinha

Typical Porto lunch - a francesinha

To many this may sound like a heartattack on a plate. But this is one time where you need to throw caution to the wind and live dangerously. The francesinha hits all the right flavour notes and is probably the ultimate comfort food.

Forget about calories and cholesterol and all things dark - this is one delicacy (which is definitely not delicate) - which you simply have to eat at least once during your lifetime.

I guarantee you'll walk away (slowly) with a satisfied smile on your face.

Francesinha Food Itinerary Porto Portugal Europe

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Written by Tania
Hi, I'm Tania and I'm from South Africa. Travel is one of my passions and I would love to share some of my tips on this forum. I write my own travel blog and also have a facebook page specifically created to share all things travel related. Please feel free to follow me on any platform and to contact me on the below forums. Happy travels Tania

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See also

Accommodations

Tours and activities

3 Wine Houses & 10 Wines + Tapas Private Tour

Taste local & regional tapas food from Porto and the North of Portugal, learn how table wine and Port Wine are made and stored, visit a Port Wine Cellar.

Porto Authentic Walking Tour + Port Wine Tasting

3h private tour around the main highlights of Porto + Port Wine Cellar + Port Wine tasting