Portugal has always been on my bucket list. My knowledge of the country and its cuisine were very limited before I landed in Lisbon. Iād learnt a few tales in school of the adventures of the likes of Vasco De Gamma and their discoveries and that was pretty much all I could relate to Portugal. The trip taught me a lot more than I could have imagined. I tried a range of dishes that were both unique and delicious. Hereās a few tips on how to eat in the Algarve!
The first thing I will point out is that the Algarve is a long stretch of coastline with very different towns lining it. I found that Albufiera was unique in that one was able to experience a calm romantic holiday with the prospect of partying all night being an option too. Albufeira is very much a town that is rich in night life-with most bars opening in the late afternoon and staying open to the early morning hours. What this type of environment attracts is cheap alcohol, wonderful cocktails but rather disappointing food options. I guess most people would say that you know what you are getting when you go to such a party centred holiday destination. Long forgotten is the quality and quickly ushered in is the need to sell more. This meant that there were countless restaurants halfheartedly trying to sell the āAlgarve Dreamā with ālocal cuisinesā and āAlgarve specialsā. What they were actually selling, fell short of any of these titles. Food in these restaurants came quickly, covered in grease and accompanied by utensils that came in a packet. For someone who enjoys things which demonstrate a little more effort I struggled on the first day when wondering around in search of food.
We decided to break up our search with a few cocktails atĀ Bar Snoopy.Ā I was fist drawn by the turquoise coloured cushions siting atop the crates-come chairs. The bar staff are what you would imagine in any beach bar in California or LA-long golden dreadlocks, tattoos and sun kissed skin- I wasĀ veryĀ surprised! The cocktails were pretty and bright but very strong too! I soon found myself skipping in search of a restaurant.
Our first restaurant turned out to be the best in the area.Ā Cabana FrescaĀ had a view of the Sea and a long line of people waiting. I took both as an incentive to want to dine there too. After waiting for around fifteen minutes we were shown to our table. Cabana Fresca is an odd looking restaurant with its large plush leather chairs dotted around small tables covered in white linen. The chairs say office whilst the table cloths and setting say cic beach restaurant- itās all very confusing! With the Portugese flag hung in each corner in sight and the four large screens showcasing the Euros, I had no idea what to expect. Our starter put me at ease when a simple sardine and tuna pate arrived with freshly baked rolls. A dish so simple and yet I found myself thinking about it for days to come. Imagine extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, pink pepper corns and smooth tuna pate. It was small, light and refreshing. It may not look like much but I used it as a indicator of the meal to come-which was nothing short of exquisite.
For my main I decided to have what the person sitting next to me was having. The menu said āprosciutto wrapped sea bass stuffed with sun-dried tomatoesā. I couldnāt imagine how all those flavours would pair together.Whether this would be an attempt at the common prosciutto wrapped chicken gone wrong. However I was brave and decided to give it a go-a choice I will never regret! The fish broke apart effortlessly and coupled with the smokey prosciutto my senses were slightly confused yet excited. It was fresh yet comforting and I wasnāt really sure why. I can only recommend it to you all!
Ā Iāll now fast forward to a few nights later when we ate here again. I choseĀ cataplana, a traditional Algarvian dish which is very similar to paella. It had an assortment of fish from mussels to langustine. It was an extremely big portion for one person but all the dress loosening and seat readjusting was worth it!
Our next culinary adventure took place atĀ āĀ At first I wasnāt sold. Only a stone throw away fromĀ Cabana Fresca andĀ filled with pleasure seeking retirees I was more than dubious. One look at the specials board however quickly changed my mind. Nothing else on the menu seemed authentic so I let my eyes wander over the āfull english breakfastsā and āhamburgersā to the simple grilled sardines. I had been told that I couldn;t leave Portugal without having grilled sardines with freshly made bread rolls. I was quick to oblige but decided to order a side of chips too! I cannot emphasise how truly suculent the sardines were. Grilled with only sea salt and arriving with a few wedges of lemon it was so simple yet a culinary delight-please go out and have some now!
Last but by all means not least myĀ favourite thing to eat in the Albufeira was the Algarve dessert. I have never to this date eaten anything like it.Ā Its made from a thick layer of fig preserve, carob and almond blitzed together and a fine dusting of icing sugar. Itās extremely sweet and satisfying and again does not look like much but really does taste incredible. Its very gooey and soft and wonderful-writing about it now has me craving a piece!
My favourite drink to date is theĀ Green WineĀ of the Algarve region. Its light and crisp and frankly not like any wine I have ever tasted. Sometimes the colour can be a bit off-putting as it can be somewhat transparent with no golden hue to it. I feel as though any bottle of Vinho Verde is one to have, buy and fly home with!
Coastal Adventures: Eating & Drinking in theĀ Algarve
Portugal has always been on my bucket list. My knowledge of the country and its cuisine were very limited before I landed in Lisbon.
Coastal Adventures: Eating & Drinking in theĀ Algarve Portugal has always been on my bucket list. My knowledge of the country and its cuisine were very limited before I landed in Lisbon.
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