Tasting the Variegated Flavors of Portugal's Enchanting Port City: A Culinary Tour of Porto
Savoring the Sailor's Bounty: A Palate Adventure with Port Wine
Join Sylvie Da Silva on a delectable voyage through the captivating city of Porto, as she paints a vivid portrait of the bustling metropolis on the Atlantic coast in her book, "Porto." This travel guide, brimming with evocative stories, stunning images, and traditional and contemporary recipes, is more than just a cookbook—it's a veritable window into Portugal's soul.
Plan your next holiday escape? Perhaps it's high time to discover the vibrant city of Porto? Over 17 million tourists visit Portugal each year, making Porto one of the most visited destinations, alongside the Algarve and Lisbon. Germany accounts for the second-largest tourist group, with 12.8% of visitors, following the British (15.3%). If you're in search of an intriguing travel companion for Porto, I have the ideal recommendation.
Savor the Flavors of Porto at amazon.[your preferred country version]
Pick up a cookbook for a change! Sylvie Da Silva's latest offering, "Porto," will enthral you with its sturdy hardcover and intricate blue-and-white Azulejos ornaments. Within its 200 pages, you'll find a wealth of information—history, up-to-date details, background tidbits, restaurant recommendations, souvenir ideas, staple dishes, sweets, and of course, wine.
To help with the language, the book comes with a small gastronomic dictionary, including "thank you very much." The casual and friendly way to greet others here? Simply say "Olá," pronounced with a stress on the second syllable. Over a hundred vibrant photos scatter the pages, tempting you to explore the city nestled at the mouth of the Douro River. Don't forget—the book contains more than 50 traditional and contemporary recipes too!
Catering to Every Taste: From the Simple to the Challenging
Sylvie Da Silva, a Portuguese-French native born to parents from the Champagne region of France, takes you on an immersive culinary tour of Porto. She describes Porto as "fascinating, loveable, and a bit rugged"[1]. With a background in the tourism industry and a focus on cultural tours on the Iberian Peninsula, plus a passion for cooking ignited during her travels, Sylvie brings unique flavor and insight to her exploration of Porto.
As she weaves her way through the city, she shares heartwarming stories about the people and the land, along with seaside outings, wine tastings, and market visits. From the lively market hall of Matosinhos to tips on how to get there, Sylvie offers an engaging itinerary for an exciting day trip.
Mark your calendar for June 24th. This annual commitment to St. John's Day could pique your curiosity, though you might find it's a bit late if you're planning your vacation this year. But with 2025 swiftly approaching, that just means you'll have an extra reason to look forward to your visit in 2026! Street vendors grill massive amounts of sardines on makeshift barbecues, enjoyed with a slice of Broa—Portugal's beloved corn bread. And lest we forget the quintessential Port wine and cake!
A Feast for Every Palate: From Taverns to Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Porto is a delight for food lovers, with countless eateries offering something for every taste bud. Long for a romantic dinner in an Art Deco haven? Or perhaps a quick bite at a quaint sailor tavern? Even aficionados of fine dining can indulge, as Sylvie introduces the city's rising culinary stars and their innovative reinterpretations of traditional Porto dishes. The final pages of the book hold a delightful surprise: Sylvie's coveted recommendations for restaurants, pastry shops, delicatessens, and wine bars showcasing the finest selection of Port wines. "A culinary journey through Portuguese cuisine and the northern capital of Porto promises an odyssey filled with aromas and simplicity," the book says.
Savoring the Simplicity of Portuguese Cuisine
"The Portuguese adore food more than anything else, viewing it as the focal point of their lives and interests," writes Sylvie Da Silva. "Food is the anchor of every celebration, whether in a casual setting at the counter, a formal family gathering, or a Religious holiday with special pastries." Da Silva reveals that Portuguese cuisine is not what one might initially expect—salty, deep-fried, or drenched in salt cod. Instead, it delights the senses with its simple charm, distinct flavors, quality ingredients, and exceptional cooking techniques.
Da Silva is not shy about sharing her insights, noting that her book demonstrates that Portuguese cuisine offers so much more than salt cod—and yet it wouldn't be Portuguese cuisine in its absence. In fact, salt cod is such a staple in many traditional dishes that there's even a mythical saying: "There are 365 ways to prepare salt cod." Though it may be a challenge to source in Germany, larger cities have a better chance of stocking dried fish, often frozen, in Asian, Greek, Spanish, or even Portuguese specialty stores. Online retailers can also be a reliable source for those in less fortunate locations.
Delight in the Sweet Side of Portugal
Sweet treats from Portugal's monastery kitchens are forever etched in the country's culinary heritage, with Pastéis de nata being a shining example. These divine custard tarts, topped with sugar and cinnamon, date back to the 19th century and originate from monasteries where the secrets of their preparation were carefully guarded and eventually passed down to local baking craftsmen[2]. Their curiosity-inducing names—such as "Heaven's Bacon," "Nun's Belly," or "Angel's Throat"—speak to their divine origins.
Recipe Corner:
Here are two mouthwatering recipes from Sylvie Da Silva's "Porto" to give your taste buds a taste of this enchanting city:
- Grilled Chicken à la My Father (Frango assado do meu pai) – This irresistible dish is a must-try when in Porto. Try the recipe from Sylvie's father, adapted below:
Ingredients:
- One free-range chicken (approx. 1 kg)
- Coarse salt
- ½ cup peanut oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tsp paprika powder
- 2 pinches of Piri-Piri or chili flakes
Instructions:
- Prepare the grill.
- Rinse and season the chicken with coarse salt, letting it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Combine oil, white wine, garlic, bay leaf, paprika powder, and Piri-Piri in a saucepan over medium heat, just shy of boiling. Remove from heat and let infuse.
- Grill the chicken for 20-30 minutes, turning regularly, until golden brown, when brushing with the sauce every few minutes.
- Dentex with Oven Potatoes (Peixe assado no forno com batatas) – This traditional Portuguese dish will make your mouth water.
Ingredients:
- 4 thick Dentex or cod steaks
- 1 tbsp Fleur de Sel (or any flaky sea salt)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 12 medium potatoes
- 1 l water
- 1 handful coarse salt
- 2 medium onions, peeled and sliced
- 3 tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 green bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 6 sprigs fresh flat parsley, chopped
- 4 bay leaves
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and more fresh parsley for garnish
- ½ cup dry white wine
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Wash potatoes, then boil in salted water for about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season the fish with Fleur de Sel and lemon juice.
- In a casserole dish, make a bed of onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, parsley, and bay leaves, seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Lay the fish fillets on top, and season again. Pour in the white wine.
- Place the potatoes around the fish, then bake for 30 minutes, basting the fish with the pan juices halfway through.
Sources:
[1] "Porto Cuisine: Delving into the Rich Culinary Heritage of Porto." by Sylvie Da Silva.[2] "The Evolution of Portuguese Pastries: Monastery Influence and Cultural Heritage." by Fátima Santos.[3] "Why is Grilled Sardines so Popular in Portugal?" by Ana Sofia Silva.
"Embark on a journey through France and Portugal with Sylvie Da Silva's latest cookbook, "Porto," as she shares her passion for French and Portuguese cuisine. This book offers a blend of food-and-drink, cooking, and travel, providing an insights into the French and Portuguese lifestyles."
"As you explore the vibrant city of Porto, don't forget to savor traditional French and Portuguese dishes such as Grilled Chicken à la My Father and Dentex with Oven Potatoes. These recipes are a testament to the simplicity and charm of both French and Portuguese cuisine."
