Madeira food guide
Lapas shells
October 22, 2022
October 22, 2022

Madeira Food Guide: 26 Must-Try Tips

Madeira isn't exactly known as a culinary island. Yet, there's plenty for foodies to discover! Because the Portuguese island of Madeira is located further offshore, you'll find not only the familiar flavors of Portugal, but also influences you won't find on the mainland. From seafood to tropical fruits, local rum, and of course, the famous Madeira wine. In this Madeira Food Guide, I've compiled all the culinary destinations I think are worth discovering. A wonderful overview (if I may say so myself) to alternate days of hiking and nature with delicious food. Bon appétit!

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PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆? @eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember. Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤 Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here! 📍 Eetcafé de Reiger Jordaan, Amsterdam City Center Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam. And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A grandma's cookbook. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home. The Sühring brothers don't cook based on trends; they cook based on memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations. @relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care. This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception. Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly? 🍴 Labskaus with caviar 🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar 🍴 Game pâté 🍴 Dry-aged Duck TIP: When you go to Sühring, reserve seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work! Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux In this reels, I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the best free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself at various locations in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can make it, we’ll go again. 📍In this video, I show you where you can fill your bucket. Comment *oester* for the comprehensive guide with all the details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules. Important to know: – Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket) – For personal use only – Do not scoop or scrape the seabed – Go at low tide Handy things to bring: Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes, and garbage bags (for the oysters *and* dirty clothes). And of course: bring an oyster knife, lemon, and champagne too 🍋🥂 Because you’ll want to taste something right away, won’t you! The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing. In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them, without much effort. Comment oyster and I'll send it to you right away! Who do you want to go oyster gathering with soon? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up. 📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it) 📍 Rijksmuseum 📍 Fruit Garden of West 📍 Westerpark 📍 Jozef Israëlskade 📍 WG site 📍 Nelson Mandelapark 📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen 📍Amstelpark By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment. I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck _______________________________________________ 🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸

 | GOING ON A TOUR? Also check out the 8-day road trip itinerary for Madeira here >>

The ultimate Madeira Food Guide with the 26 tastiest addresses and tips

Local dishes to try in Madeira

There's nothing more satisfying than trying dishes you've never had before while traveling! Since your Portuguese might not be so great ;-), I'm going to help you discover local dishes on the menus that you really want to try. I personally thoroughly enjoyed all the octopus on the menus. It's not an unfamiliar dish, but definitely recommended because it's locally caught and arrives on your plate super fresh. Spot these dishes? Be sure to try them!

  • Bolo do Caco: a Mediterranean bread made from sweet potato, fresh from the oven with garlic.
  • Passion fruit desserts: in my opinion, few fruits are more delicious than passion fruit. You'll find it not only in fresh juices, but also in desserts. Delicious with white chocolate, for example, or even as a crème brûlée.
  • Black Scabbard: this unique fish, which looks like a monstrous version of an eel, lives at depths of up to 1000 metres and is a local delicacy in Madeira.
  • Lapas: You might know these shells as "Chinese hats," and they're eaten here in the same way we eat cockles. Sprinkle them with a little lemon and enjoy!
  • Espetada: a traditional preparation of meat cooked on a spit or stick with salt and garlic. Often served on a spit at the table.

© Andre Carvalho – Espetada meat skewer

Farmers Market

If you, like me, love local markets, you definitely won't want to miss Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal. At this farmers' market, you can find the island's most delicious produce. The fruit stalls are especially photogenic and colorful. Order a delicious, super-fresh juice and meander through the stalls. I also enjoyed visiting the fish market and seeing what local fish they sell, such as the "sea monster." Black Scabbard Fish you won't find anywhere else. Around the market are several charming cafes, including a delicious bakery called A Confeitaria, where they sell the most delicious pastries. You'll also find several specialty shops selling cooking utensils and preserves. I bought some lovely cans of fish there, which we enjoyed at home with drinks after our trip!

Madeira food guide

Farmers' Market

Michelin-star dining

Do you want to dine out at the highest level? Restaurant Il Gallo d'Oro has been awarded a whopping two Michelin stars! This culinary restaurant is located in the luxurious Hotel The Cliff Bay. Here, chef Benoît Sinthon combines classic French techniques with the island's finest ingredients, from edible flowers to the finest seafood. This is the place to go for a comprehensive tasting with all the trimmings! Also featured is the restaurant William The Belmond Hotel has been awarded a Michelin star. If you want to turn your trip to Madeira into a culinary journey, there's plenty to discover. Be sure to book well in advance, as seating is limited.

© Il Gallo d'Oro – Portuguese Carabineiro

Sundown picnic from vantastic

Vantastic is a fantastic vegetarian food truck you can find in Funchal. They sell fresh juices and sandwiches, but perhaps even better: they can also provide a complete picnic basket. Perfect for a road trip! Find a nice spot for sunset and enjoy.

 

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Eating out at Faja dos Padres with the cable car

A restaurant that can only be reached by cable car or boat? That's Two Fathers GirdleThe restaurant is part of a unique eco-hotel at the foot of a high cliff. Definitely worth a visit for lunch if you're on holiday in Madeira. The food is local and certainly not fancy, but very tasty and pure. The octopus, tuna, and paella are highly recommended. And if you want to try the local lapas, this is the restaurant to order them!

Madeira food guide

Two Fathers Girdle

Food tour in Funchal 

Interested in learning more about Madeira's food and drink scene? Then join a guide on a food tour. For about 2,5 hours, you'll explore culinary hotspots and learn all about local dishes and ingredients, with various tastings, such as the local drink Poncha. I always enjoy taking a food tour at the beginning of my trip to a new destination. Often, the guide also has tips for the best restaurants, which you can then explore later in the week! For example, you can book a food tour through Discovering Madeira >>

Madeira food guide

Food tour in Funchal

fine dining in Madeira

There's no shortage of good restaurants in Madeira. I've already recommended the two Michelin-starred restaurants, but there's also no shortage of gastrobars and other fine dining establishments. I previously wrote this article about the best restaurants in Madeira, and here's my shortlist for you:

  • Boho Bistro: here Asian and Portuguese cuisine come together.
  • Cold: You don't want to miss this plant-based restaurant by Chef Júlio Pereira!
  • Kampo: one of the best modern restaurants on the island, also from chef Júlio Pereira.
  • Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol: be sure to order the steak with Madeira sauce.
  • Nini Design Centre: studio and restaurant under one roof with a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea.
  • Il Vivaldi: classic and local food near the boulevard.

Estalagem Da Ponta do Sol

visit a winemaker

You've probably heard of Madeira wine. It's one of the oldest food products, still made the same way. It had a somewhat dusty image for a long time, but young chefs have rediscovered it. Madeira wine is a great alternative to a glass of port or sherry, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes. There are about eight different producers on Madeira you can visit: Blandy'sBorgesHenriques and HenriquesJ. Faria e FilhosJustino'sMadeira VintnersPereira d'Oliveira en Vinhos BarbeitoAnother fun activity is taking a wine tour to various wineries so you can really taste the difference. And if you're on the island in August or September, there are plenty of fun activities surrounding the annual wine festival. Madeira Wine Festival.

 | MORE MADEIRA TIPS? 14 reasons why you should go on holiday to Madeira this year >> 

madeira food guide madeira wine

© HMBorges

Have fun exploring these culinary hotspots in Madeira on your next vacation! Curious for more tips? Then also take a look at the Visit Madeira website >>

Madeira food guide

Two Fathers Girdle

Madeira food guide

Farmers Market

Madeira food guide

Fish market at Mercado dos Lavradores

Madeira food guide

Restaurant Nini Design Centre

Madeira food guide

A Confeitaria, Funchal

The local drink Poncha

Madeira food guide

Cans of fish, original as a souvenir!

more Madeira tips

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With love,

Anne 

In collaboration with Visit Madeira 

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