In Porto, you’ll be able to’t assist however run into beautiful views of the Douro River, steep hills that take a look at your legs, and numerous eating places that declare to serve the perfect francesinha on the town. However what precisely is that this iconic sandwich, and why is it so essential to Porto?
To grasp, you first want to understand Portugal’s ardour for meals, which is very evident in Porto. From bacalhau in each doable permutation to pastéis de nata, there’s no scarcity of iconic eats right here. But the one meals that stands out as the town’s signature is the francesinha. Translated loosely, francesinha means “little French lady” or “little Frenchie,” however in contrast to the identify, this dish is something however delicate. Loaded with numerous meats, layered with melted cheese, and drenched in a wealthy, punchy, tomato-based sauce, this meals goes past a typical sandwich.
So the place did the francesinha come from, and why the peculiar identify? Extra essential, the place do you have to attempt one in Porto? Let’s dig in.
Pictures by Joana Soares, besides the place indicated
A French Sandwich Will get a Portuguese Twist
Like plenty of culinary creations, this francesinha was born out of inspiration and adaptation from one other dish. Its story begins within the Nineteen Fifties when a Portuguese man named Daniel David da Silva returned to Porto after spending a number of years in France. Impressed by the croque-monsieur—the French ham and cheese sandwich, sometimes made with Gruyère, Parmesan, and béchamel sauce—he reimagined it for the native palate, incorporating extra Portuguese smoked meats.
The sauce on high, which packs some warmth, is alleged to come back from Silva’s admiration of French ladies, whom he discovered bolder and “spicier” than the Portuguese. (Therefore the identify of this dish, though some declare “francesinha” is just a nod to its French ancestry. Both method, it caught, and it’s been sparking debates ever since.)
The francesinha debuted in 1952 at a restaurant referred to as A Regaleira, the place Silva labored. That restaurant was pressured to shut in 2018, however then reopened a couple of doorways down in 2021, and nonetheless serves its well-known francesinha. The legacy of this Portuguese sandwich lives on, there and in numerous different eating places in Porto.
How you can eat a francesinha the appropriate method!
The Francesinha Is Not Your Common Sandwich
What is definitely in a francesinha? You begin with a thick slice of toasted white bread, the muse. Then roast beef or steak goes down, adopted by sliced smoky sausages, some Portuguese ham, and one other slice of bread to seal the deal. It’s then smothered in cheese (often flamengo) and despatched to the oven to soften. Lastly, the nice and cozy sauce is poured generously on high so it soaks into the bread, and there you have got it: the normal francesinha.
Though the francesinha technically qualifies as a sandwich, that is no gentle snack. It’s a full fundamental meal that calls for an excellent urge for food, and that’s why some individuals can eat solely half at a time.
Some adventurous vacationers, impressed by YouTube movies, would possibly try to sort out it with their palms, taking the sandwich concept far too actually. Locals, nevertheless, know higher. The correct method to eat a francesinha is with a knife and fork. Come hungry, order both a full or a half, pair it with crispy fries, and wash all of it down with an ice-cold beer (or Coke).
Over time, this dish has developed to incorporate many variations. At present, it’s widespread to search out francesinhas served with a fried egg on high. You’ll additionally discover seafood, rooster, and vegetarian francesinhas, made with tofu or seitan. However regardless of how a lot it adapts to fashionable tastes, the magic lies within the sauce.
Picture by Laura Siciliano-Rosen
The Francesinha Sauce: The Crown Jewel
Silva’s genius wasn’t a lot in including extra layers of meat and cheese to a croque-monsieur; it was in creating the particular sauce. That tomatoey sauce with a kick is the francesinha’s soul: laced with booze, just a little tangy, just a little spicy. It’s irresistible. The sauce is what makes this dish distinctive, and never simply one other sandwich. And each chef in Porto guards their recipe like a state secret.
Some sauces run candy, others are spicier. Usually, it contains onions, garlic, tomato, beer, brandy, Port wine, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, bay leaves, and chile. The little variations give every sauce its personal character and definitely its personal diehard followers.
The place to Discover the Greatest Francesinhas in Porto
The hunt for the perfect francesinha is a culinary odyssey. Each spot has its personal spin, and style, in fact, is completely subjective. Like New Yorkers and their pizza, Porto locals like to argue about who has the perfect francesinha. What follows isn’t a definitive listing however a nod to nice locations steeped in historical past, custom, and the sort of reputation that fills tables night time after night time.
A Regaleira
A Regaleira is the place all of it started, the birthplace of Porto’s beloved francesinha. After closing in 2018, it’s again in new digs a couple of doorways away, serving the enduring sandwich that’s been on its menu (formally) since 1952. The unique francesinha is obtainable right here with pork leg, ham, and sausage on the delicate, gentle roll referred to as bijou; there’s one other in style model that features steak and makes use of sq., crustless white bread (which is what you’ll generally spot round city). Smothered in a spicy sauce and topped with contemporary sausage and linguiça, it’s an actual indulgence. Add a fried egg and crispy fries, and wash it down with a chilly Regaleira beer—a light-weight, dry IPA brewed particularly to accompany the francesinha. Right here’s a real style of Porto’s culinary historical past. Rua do Bonjardim, 83, map
Café Santiago
Situated downtown Porto, Café Santiago has been an establishment since 1959. That is the place locals and guests alike flock to expertise the francesinha in its most conventional kind. No variations, no gimmicks, simply the basic: ham, sausage, steak, cheese, bread, and their family-secret sauce. The one draw back? It’s in style, anticipate a wait throughout peak hours. Rua de Passos Guide 226, map
Lado B
Proper subsequent door to Café Santiago, Lado B boldly claims it serves “the perfect francesinha on the planet.” The menu caters to all tastes, providing conventional choices alongside fashionable twists, like a vegetarian model with tofu, soy sausage, and eggplant. You may as well attempt its carne assada variation, which swaps out the steak for slow-roasted pork loin (paired with a number of sausages, ham, mortadella, and extra). In case your urge for food isn’t fairly as much as the total sandwich, there’s a meia francesinha (half portion) right here too, nonetheless a lot indulgent. Rua de Passos Guide 190, map
Bufete Fase
Tucked away on the always-busy Rua Santa Catarina, Bufete Fase is an unassuming gem. Open since 1984, this small, no-frills spot doesn’t depend on promoting or social media to draw enterprise. Its francesinha speaks for itself. Identified for its spicy sauce and signature topping of sausage slices, it’s a purist’s dream. It doesn’t do any variations, so you’re getting the normal expertise right here. Half parts aren’t formally on the menu, however don’t be shy about asking; they could shock you. Rua Santa Catarina 1147, map
Yuko Tavern
A little bit farther from Porto’s fundamental vacationer drag, Yuko Tavern provides a style of custom with a aspect of nostalgia. This cozy, 1987-opened spot is steeped in old-school attraction, from the eating room’s decor to the plates on which they serve. The “francesinha da casa” is the standout, layering ham, paio (a cured pork sausage), contemporary sausage, linguiça, steak, and cheese, all topped with an elective fried egg. For individuals who need one thing lighter (comparatively talking), Yuko additionally provides a half portion. This can be a good spot to attempt a vegetarian francesinha too: There’s a model with seitan that stays true to the spirit of the dish. Rua de Costa Cabral 2331, map
Concerning the writer: Joana Soares is a digital content material creator from Porto, Portugal, who loves three issues: good meals, nice tales, and planning journeys she might or might not really take. Comply with her work and adventures on LinkedIn: Joana Soares.
