Enter Portugal

The local enthusiasm for cooking using tripas (tripe), is so established that the rest of Portugal refer to the residents of Porto as tripeiros (tripe eaters). The fact that so many dishes make use of often neglected parts of animals - pigs ears, trotters and tripe, or course - seems to stem from historical necessity.

Photo Credits: Alma Mollemans

In the 15th century Henry the Navigator commandeered Porto's finest cuts of meat to feed his sailors and soldiers during their voyages into northern and western Africa, leaving Porto's residents to improvise with the cuts left.

The dishes that the locals created, such as Tripas à moda do Porto, have remained popular and became enthusiastically adopted by other regions of Portugal.

The most famous dish to originate in Porto, and the one most enthusiastically adopted by the rest of Portugal is of course Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá.

Preserving fish by drying and salting is an long-established technique and the Portuguese found codfish to be ideal to treat in this way, the process making the codfish tastier. There are literally hundreds of bacalhau recipes, with each region of Portugal having its own traditional dish.

In the 19th century, Gomes de Sá created a version using flaked codfish, potato, garlic, onions and milk, topped with sliced boiled eggs, olives and parsley. This is possibly the most popular of all bacalhau recipes, and a must for any visiting fish lovers.

Caldo Verde, is another dish that originates in this region and has become popular throughout Portugal. This vegetable soup uses the local couve galega (a variety of kale, known as collared greens in the US), with potato and chouriço. This is served with corn bread and makes an excellent lunch.

Cafeina

A bar-cafe and restaurant with sophisticated feel (dark, rich colours, jazz music and soft lighting) catering to a young clientele. Excellent wine menu.
www.cafeina.pt

Foz Velha

Home to one of Porto's leading chefs, Marco Gomes creates dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients that combine traditional Portuguese cooking with a modern twist.
www.fozvelha.com

Barão de Fladgate

Located within Taylor's Port-wine lodge, Barão de Fladgate is set within beautiful gardens with some of the best views over Porto you can find. Excellent food, exceptional wine list.
www.tresseculos.pt

Portucale

Perched on the 13th floor of a tower block, Portucale's reputation as one of Porto's most well-loved restaurants goes back to the 60's. A retro aesthetic with stunning views over the city and great food.
www.miradouro-portucale.com

Pedro Lemos

Chef Pedro Lemos's interpretations of traditional dishes are exceptionally highly-regarded (be sure to book in advance). One of Porto's best restaurants.
www.pedrolemos.net

O Paparico

A little out of the way, but well worth the cab fare to this elegant and intimate restaurant. Attentive staff serving impeccably cooked food.
www.opaparico.com

O Comercial

Located within the historical Palácio da Bolsa, a neoclassical palace with fantastic Moorish revival azulejos, O Comercial provides exceptional food in a beautiful environment.
www.ocomercial.com

Real Indiana

Possibly the best Indian restaurant in Porto, Real Indiana Cais de Gaia also specialises in vegetarian dishes. Great views over the river.
www.realindiana.pt