Why Porto is Europe’s next Foodie Capital

“The team behind ‘A Loja dos Pastéis de Chaves‘ have truly succeeded in reviving this old baking tradition from the north of Portugal here in Porto … Hugo & Patrícia of ‘Bolhão Wine House‘ have single-handedly managed to restore their own charming market space here at Bolhão Market … Joana & Sofia have been on a year-long trip around Portugal, sourcing only the best of local produce before opening ‘Taberna do Largo‘ in downtown Porto, as much a delicatessen as now a popular bar with the locals & visitors alike …”

I remember being mesmerised. Spellbound, even. Infused with the sound, smell, sights & taste of this very particular place on Earth before I even knew what was happening. Every time I close my eyes and think back of my very first encounter with Porto, memories of my Taste Porto Food Tour and all the passion & enthusiasm of lovely André Apolinário come to mind. In fact, coming to think of it, I first ate Porto before I even visited it. Properly, that is. We arrived very late on the night before our Taste Porto Food Tour, travelling from Ericeira & our surf camp experience by the ‘Blue Beach’, Praia Azul all the way up north to Porto. We did not take time for breakfast the following morning, thinking we’d be on a food tour shortly anyway. We arrived on a notion that Porto was known for its port wine cellars, the surely pretty, nearby Douro valley – and for being the location of our upcoming Optimus Primavera Sound Music Festival. In short: We anticipated nothing that Porto was to change our minds, and hearts, forever by what what was about to follow – a culinary love affair of a kind.

“So why should Porto be on the hot list for foodies worldwide? Because the future of European gastronomy is in Portugal. And Porto will be its champion.”

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