Savour Madeira: A culinary journey through the flavors of the island

Food is at the heart of life in Madeira.

Seafood takes center stage due to Madeira's coastal location. Freshly caught fish, such as espada (black scabbard-fish) and bacalhau (salted cod), are staples on local menus. These are often prepared in various ways, from grilling to stewing, and are typically accompanied by flavorful sauces and condiments. The local cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes, including the famous "Espada com banana" or "Espada com maracujá" (swordfish with banana or passion fruit) and lapas (limpets).

Another distinctive feature of Madeiran cuisine is the use of tropical fruits and vegetables that thrive in the island's temperate climate. Bananas, passion fruit, avocados and sugar cane are the main ingredients that enhance the flavours traditional dishes.

However, despite its geographical position in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese love their meat and eat a lot of pork, chicken and especially beef, which can be served as a steak or in typical dishes such as:

• "Picado" - diced beef cooked with onion, mushrooms, Madeira wine and garlic. 
• "Espetada" - features skewered and marinated chunks of beef that are placed on a laurel stick (louro) and grilled over an open flame.

• "Prego sandwich " - There are many variations of prego sandwiches, but my fave is Prego especial made with warm, crunchy bolo do caco coated in garlic butter, topped with a juicy tender beef steak followed by some lettuce, tomato, cheese, ham and a fried egg. A real treat!

At Christmas time, the most traditional dishes are:

• "Sandes Carne de Vinha d'Alhos"- pork meat diced and left to marinate in garlic and wine for 24 hours, then cooked and stuffed in bread.
• “Bacalhau com natas" - codfish baked in the oven with cream and potatoes.

Accompanying the meal, you'll find "Bolo do caco", a round flatbread often served with garlic butter, adding a deliciously touch to the dining experience.

Sweets are also uniquely flavored and the most traditional are "Queijadas" - small round balls of dough filled with requeijão queijo (similar to cottage cheese), “Soufflé de maracujá” and "Bolo de mel" (honey cake), a dense, moist cake made with sugarcane honey and mixed spices.

The island's famous Madeira wine is used in cooking and enjoyed as a drink. Sharing a meal is a cherished tradition that brings people together. Gathering around a table isn't just about the food, it's also about the warmth of the relationships. 

Friends and family join in as dishes are passed around. Laughter, stories and the cheerful chime of glasses create a warm atmosphere that makes each meal a cherished celebration of both food and togetherness.