If you ever visited Porto you surely heard about the famous Francesinha! Known as Porto’s most typical dish, this sandwich is worth a meal and all Tripeiros love it. But be careful: never ask to a group of Tripeiros where you can have the best Francesinha in town! You’ll for sure start a big argument among friends! Everyone has its own opinion in what makes a great Francesinha and consequently their favorite place to eat.
The ingredients for a Francesinha are quite simples: bread, cheese, lots of meat and sauce. What makes a really good Francesinha is the quality of these ingredients and, most importantly, the sauce recipe – the basis is always tomato sauce and beer, but it can also have meat and different alcoholic beverages like port wine, whiskey, etc. Each restaurant have their own version of it so our advice is to try Francesinhas in different places before choosing your favorite one!
It is said that the Francesinha was invented in the 60’s by a Portuguese immigrant returned from France, when he tried to make his own version of the famous French sandwich “croque-mounsier” but adding sauce and more meat to it. That would be the origins of the name of this dish – Francesinha means “little French”. To have a Francesinha like a Tripeiro you must order it with a “fino” – a cold draft beer. Even better if you have it while watching a Porto soccer match ;)
If you want to learn more about the Portuguese food and culture, book a tour with us! You will learn all about Porto’s way of life! Get in touch if you are ready to become a Tripeiro!
