Welcome to Porto, the next stop in our Discover Portugal series.
Portugal derives its name from Porto, which sits along the Douro River. The second largest city in the country, Porto boasts historic cathedrals, stunning bridges, and is at the heart of the Portuguese food scene.
The Douro River Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. From the vineyards that grow on the hills overlooking the river, Porto produces its famous port wine.
Porto is famous for its signature sandwich, called Francesinha, or Little French Woman. Developed by Daniel David de Silva, and modeled after the French Croque Monsieur, this sandwich is made up of layers of four different meats and melty cheese, and is then smothered in a tomato beer sauce before being topped by a fried egg.
Porto's old town is known as the Ribeira District. This vibrant part of the city is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is home to centuries old architecture, including the stunning Church of Saint Ildefonso, which is covered in azulejo tiles.
Porto is also known by its nickname: Invicta, or "undefeated." This moniker dates back to the 19th century when, during a civil war, Porto survived a siege that lasted for over a year while never being conquered.
This renowned dish from Porto captures the city's maritime history and culinary tradition. Created in the 19th century by José Luís Gomes de Sá, this dish revolves around salted cod (or bacalhau), a staple in Portuguese cuisine.
Its preparation involves soaking and flaking the cod, sautéing golden-brown potatoes, caramelizing onions, and layering these elements in a casserole with black olives and hard-boiled eggs.
Our Bacalhau á Gomes de Sá that we make here at the marketplace is a best seller, and was featured in the New York Times.
If you'd like to try making it for yourself, we recommend following this recipe from Food & Wine.
