What to Eat in Madeira: A Local Guide to Traditional Food
Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Madeira is a dream destination for food lovers. The island's cuisine is a delightful blend of influences from Portugal, Africa, and the Americas, shaped by centuries of trade and maritime exploration. With its fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and unique local delicacies, Madeira offers a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
If you're unsure where to start, we've gathered the must-try dishes & other delights, handpicked by locals, to guide your culinary adventure.
Your Madeira Food Bucket List
Poncha: Madeira's Traditional Drink
No visit to Madeira is complete without trying Poncha, the island’s signature alcoholic drink. Poncha is a simple yet flavorful mix of aguardente de cana (sugarcane rum), honey, and freshly squeezed lemon, orange or passion fruit juice.
The production of sugarcane aguardente in Madeira has a long tradition and is a cultural pillar of the region. If you're curious, you can visit Engenho da Calheta, just 5 minutes away from Casa Felix, to see where the sugarcane is produced and enjoy a delicious, traditional poncha.
Espetada Regional
Espetada is a classic Madeiran dish consisting of chunks of beef, skewered and grilled over an open flame with salt, bay leaves (louro), and garlic, which infuse the meat with rich flavors.
The Traditional Espetada Regional is cooked on a bay leaf skewer (pau de louro), which adds an aromatic touch to the grilling process.
This dish is typically served with milho frito, a traditional dish made with corn flour that is fried to a deliciously crispy texture.
Bolo do Caco: Madeira's Traditional Bread
If you visit Madeira, one thing you simply cannot miss is Bolo do Caco – a soft, round flatbread made with sweet potatoes. This traditional bread is a staple of Madeiran cuisine and is best enjoyed warm, slathered in garlic butter. In Madeira, Bolo do Caco with garlic butter is the go-to starter for locals, served in almost every restaurant, no matter the type of cuisine.
The origins of Bolo do Caco trace back to Madeira’s early settlers, who adapted their bread-making techniques to the island’s available ingredients —especially sweet potatoes, which are widely cultivated on the island. The name “Caco” comes from the stone slab traditionally used to bake the bread, giving it a unique texture – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
While it’s delicious on its own with garlic butter, Bolo do Caco also serves as the base for one of Madeira’s favorite sandwiches:
⭐ Prego no Bolo do Caco – A mouthwatering steak sandwich featuring a grilled beef fillet, often topped with ham, cheese, lettuce, and egg. This Madeiran classic is a must-try for meat lovers!
⭐ Bolo do Caco with Chorizo – A popular variation where the bread is stuffed with flavorful chorizo.
- Everywhere! Whether you're dining at a high-end restaurant, grabbing a quick bite at a local snack bar, or visiting a traditional tasca, chances are you'll be served this delicious flatbread, either as a starter with garlic butter or as part of a hearty sandwich. No matter where you try it, freshly made Bolo do Caco is always great!
Lapas: The Perfect Match for Bolo do Caco
We can’t talk about Bolo do Caco without mentioning the ultimate pairing – grilled lapas (limpets)! This Madeiran delicacy is a must-try for seafood lovers, offering a fresh, salty taste of the Atlantic.
Lapas are hand-harvested along Madeira’s rocky coastline, where they thrive in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic. These shellfish are then grilled with garlic, butter, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Whether you’re at a seaside restaurant or a small local bar, enjoying grilled lapas with Bolo do Caco and a glass of Poncha is one of the most authentic food experiences Madeira has to offer.
Peixe Espada Preto: Madeira’s Iconic Fish Dish
One of the most traditional and beloved dishes in Madeira is Peixe Espada Preto com Banana – black scabbard fish served with fried banana. While the combination may sound unusual, it perfectly balances the fish’s mild, flaky texture with the sweetness of the banana, creating a truly unique and delicious flavor.
Peixe Espada Preto is found in the deep waters surrounding Madeira, where it is caught by local fishermen using longline techniques. This deep-sea fish has a dark, almost eerie appearance, but don’t let that fool you – it’s one of the most tender and flavorful fish you’ll ever try.
Bolo de Mel de Cana da Madeira: A Sweet Tradition
To finish our list of Madeira's best foods, we present the iconic Bolo de Mel de Cana da Madeira — a traditional honey cake that has been a staple of Madeiran cuisine for centuries. Made with local sugar cane honey, this dense, spiced cake has roots dating back to the island’s sugarcane plantations.
If you prefer cookies to cake, don’t miss the Broas de Mel de Cana. These delicious, bite-sized cookies are made with the same local honey, offering a sweet and satisfying taste that captures the essence of Madeira’s heritage. Perfect for a snack or paired with a glass of Madeira wine
Other Must-Try Madeiran Delicacies
Carne Vinha d'Alhos
A traditional Madeira sandwish with marinated pork, garlic, and aromatic spices (can be also served with Bolo do Caco...Delicious).
Picado
This Madeiran specialty features tender chunks of meat, sautéed with garlic and served with French fries. How to Get Better? You can also taste picado of peixe espada preto or octopus!
Tuna
Made from fresh, locally caught tuna in Madeira’s waters, this traditional dish is grilled to perfection, offering a rich, savory taste that reflects the island’s deep fishing heritage.
Nikita
A refreshing Madeiran drink made with beer, juice and ice cream, Nikita is the ultimate summer beverage.
Passion Fruit Pudding
A smooth and creamy passion fruit puddingvthat captures the tropical sweetness of one of the island’s signature fruits.
Banana da Madeira
A beloved fruit of Madeira, known for its smaller size and rich, sweet taste.
Anona
Known for its sweet, creamy texture and distinctive flavor.
Pitanga
Another Madeira Tropical Fruit, known for its bold flavor, often used to add a zesty twist to drinks