Madeira Press Kit - Associação de Promoção da Madeira

MA MADEIRA MA
DEIRA GASTRONOMY
Madeira's cuisine is typically Mediterranean, with plenty of fish, olive oil and garlic.
The seas surrounding Madeira are extremely productive and full of marine life. Espada, or
scabbard fish, is the island's most traditional dish. Despite its terrifying appearance, this
long, sharp-teethed, wide-eyed fish provides a tasty meal of white, flaky flesh, often served
with sliced banana or a delicious wine and vinegar marinade.
Locally-caught atum (tuna) is usually grilled as a meaty steak served with slices of lemon.
Other popular fish dishes on the island include grouper (garopa), red mullet (salmonete)
and swordfish (espadarte).
The island's most famous meat dish is espetada, comprising several cubes of meat
(normally beef), onions, tomatoes and peppers cooked over an open wood fire.
Another mainstay of the region's gastronomy is fried cornmeal (milho frito), often served
as an accompaniment to main dishes.
The Madeirans grow a wonderful range of tropical fruits, most of which are displayed in
Funchal's daily market. Visitors can buy locally-grown avocados, kiwi fruits, mangoes,
papayas and figs, as well as custard apples, guavas, passion fruit, pitangas, loquat and
tomarillo.
You can do a great "expedition" through the gastronomy during your stay in this Island.
You have several typical specialities that it is possible to you to taste one each day.
As far as aperitifs are concerned we stand out the "Periwinkles Burriés", the gaiado (salted
or dried) and limpets.
As said before, one of the more original and appreciated dishes is the espetada, therefore
many restaurants have iron structures on the centre of the tables where it is hung the
laurel stick with the well-prepared and grilled cubes of meat.
As far as meat dishes are concerned, you will enjoy the carne de vinho e alhos (Pork spiced
with wine and garlic) or the cozido madeirense (a dish with boiled pork, chicken, steak,
vegetables accompanied with sweet potato and rice).