The Famous Francesinha of Porto: The Legendary Sandwich
Have you heard of a Francesinha? If you have been to Porto, the answer is probably yes. This famous local dish appears on menus all over the city and the country. Ask anyone what you should eat on a trip to Porto or to northern Portugal, and they will most likely tell you to try the famous Francesinha of Porto.
So, what exactly is this mysterious mountain of bread, meat and cheese? Is it worth dedicating an entire meal to it?
It is debatable. First, if you are not in the mood for meat, do not bother. And if you are not a fan of heavy, rich meals, perhaps you should try a bite of another delicious dish instead. But if you really want the full experience and a little challenge, order one for yourself. It will be a meal to remember.
What is a Francesinha?
To put it simply, a Porto Francesinha is an enormous sandwich. It is made up of several layers: bread, cheese, ham, fresh sausage, smoke-cured pork sausage, beef steak, more bread, and finally a fried egg (although the specific fillings may vary). All of it is covered with melted cheese and a rich, savoury sauce. And, just in case, chips are piled around the sandwich to round off this masterpiece.
The secret is in the sauce
The sauce is the most important element of a Francesinha, and what really makes it unique. Its main ingredients include beer, broth, tomato, onion, garlic and various spices. There are also some secret ingredients that vary from place to place; you can try it with a touch of Port wine or even whisky. All of this is thickened with cornstarch to create a dense, soupy brew that soaks into the sandwich and is the perfect dip for chips.
Whose idea was the famous Porto Francesinha?
You can blame Daniel da Silva for dreaming up this sandwich. In the 1950s, he moved to Portugal after living in France and Belgium. He wanted to adapt the French touch to local tastes, so he added a ton of extra meat and the legendary beer-based sauce. He called it "Francesinha" to reflect this French inspiration; the name literally means "Frenchwoman" or "little French girl". A few decades later, it is now considered one of the most traditional dishes of Portugal.
Where to eat a Porto Francesinha?
Café Santiago is one of the best places to try a Francesinha, one of Portugal's most famous dishes.
You will not regret this choice. Café Santiago is a local institution and, although they serve other things, the Porto Francesinha is the star. It is truly huge, with all the classic ingredients, but no extra bells and whistles. Sit at the shiny metal bar and order a Super Bock beer to go with it; people say it helps you digest the enormous amount of food. A cold beer is the ideal accompaniment to this feast.
If you are looking for a Porto Francesinha, there is no shortage of options. Almost every restaurant and café catering to tourists serves one. Other places with a good reputation are Lado B and Churrasqueira Lameiras, but you will see everyone has a different opinion on who is the true Francesinha king.
New twists on the Francesinha
Although the original recipe leaves nothing to be desired, many creative chefs have decided to put their own spin on this classic dish. Some places prepare the Porto Francesinha with roast pork, seafood, chicken or mushrooms. Others even offer a vegetarian version, which is hard to imagine, but probably delicious in its own right. Some restaurants are known for serving extra-large Francesinhas, such as Restaurante Cunha, while others give the option of ordering half a portion.
The fillings vary from place to place, as does the assembly of the sandwich itself. But, of course, the biggest variable is the special sauce. Every café and every cook has its own secret recipe. Some are spicier than others, or lighter on tomato. The colour of the sauce can vary from bright orange to deeper red. What do they all have in common? An intense, unique flavour you will not find anywhere else.
And you, have you tried a Porto Francesinha? What do you think of this iconic Portuguese dish? But if you have not tried it yet, it is without doubt one of the reasons why you should visit Porto.
