Characterized by its round, elongated shape, this sweet Portuguese treat combines buttery pastry and a creamy, cinnamon-spiced egg yolk filling. The name of the pastry is linked to campinos - traditional cattle herders who use long wooden sticks (pampilhos) to encourage cattle to move.
Although it is found in other Portuguese regions, pampilho is traditionally associated with Santarém. It is typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet mid-day snack.
MOST ICONIC Pampilho
Translated as the bread of God, this traditional Portuguese dessert is a combination of a soft brioche and a topping made with desiccated coconut and eggs. The dough is usually flavored with lemon zest, rum, or vanilla, and the buns are baked until the topping turns golden and crispy.
These sweet rolls are eaten throughout the year and are commonly enjoyed for breakfast, but they are also associated with All Saints Day and the old Portuguese custom known as pão-por-deus—in which children knock on doors reciting poetry and asking for sweets and candy.
A staple in almost every Portuguese bakery, bolo de arroz is a light and airy rice cake characterized by its mild sweetness and a refreshing lemon flavor. Similar in shape to cupcakes or muffins, the cakes are usually made with a combination of rice and wheat flour, butter, milk, and eggs.
A sprinkle of sugar before baking gives them a golden, caramelized crust. They can be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast or a light afternoon snack which perfectly pairs with milk, coffee, or tea.
MOST ICONIC Bolo de arroz
Sopas de cavalo cansado, which translates to "tired horse soup," is a traditional dish that is more of a hearty, rustic snack or breakfast than a conventional soup. It has deep roots in Portuguese rural life, particularly among farmers and laborers who needed a substantial and energizing meal to start their day.
The main ingredients include stale or day-old bread, typically from a rustic, country-style loaf, red wine to soak the bread, sugar or honey for sweetness, and occasionally cinnamon and egg yolk for added flavor and aroma. It is a nostalgic and comforting meal, perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity and history of traditional rural cuisine.
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