Delicious clams à Bulhão Pato, a traditional Portuguese dish, are served at Chá Chá Chá in Olhão. These succulent bivalves are a common sight in Algarvian cuisine and are celebrated as a classic delicacy throughout Portugal.
Discovering the Flavor of the Eastern Algarve: A Culinary Journey
Nestled in the heart of Eastern Algarve, Portugal, lies a region that boasts a rich culinary heritage, from the production of rare delicacies to the art of traditional cooking. One such treasure is the Flor de Sal, a shimmering sea salt skimmed from the surface of saltwater pans in the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Flor de Sal is harvested by hand using traditional wooden rakes, allowing the delicate crust of salt crystals to be collected without disturbing the salt beneath. This unrefined, unadulterated salt is left unwashed, preserving its subtle marine flavor and higher content of trace minerals like magnesium and calcium. The process of producing this unique salt is a testament to the region's commitment to preserving its culinary traditions and maintaining the purity of its produce.
The Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected and biodiverse wetland, provides the ideal conditions for Flor de Sal production. The salt pans fill with water after a full moon and a new moon, when the tides are highest. During hot, dry, and calm days, the salt crystals rise to the surface, forming the delicate crust that is carefully harvested by skilled workers. This traditional craft has earned Flor de Sal a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, emphasizing its geographic and traditional specificity.
Beyond the salt, the Eastern Algarve offers a smorgasbord of gastronomic delights. Olhão, a town in the Algarve, is known for its fishing fleet and bustling market, which supplies Chá Chá Chá, a restaurant owned by journalist-turned-restaurateur Kevin Gould. The menu at Chá Chá Chá changes daily based on the fresh fish and seafood brought to the market each morning.
In the kitchen of À Terra, located within the Vila Monte Farm House hotel, Chef Adérito de Almeida prepares meals that reflect the flavors of the Algarve. Fresh fish, lamb, oysters, small sardines, and a cataplana are among the dishes served, each showcasing the region's bounty. A three-course dinner without wine at À Terra costs approximately £40 per person.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Noélia Jerónimo's restaurant in Cabanas de Tavira offers excellent seafood rice dishes, such as arroz de limão com corvina e amêijoas, for approximately £31 per person.
The Algarve is also home to some of the best almonds in the world, which are used in various cakes and pastries. Almonds, introduced to the region by the Moors, grow wild in the Algarve and are exceptionally sweet during late summer.
Visitors can also explore Ilha de Armona, one of five barrier islands in the Ria Formosa, which offers beautiful beaches and several restaurants serving seafood. Companhia das Culturas, a hotel and restaurant run by Eglantina 'Tina' Monteiro, is a popular destination on the island. Doubles at Companhia das Culturas cost approximately £80 a night.
Jet2 offers flights from Stansted to Faro for approximately £110 return, making it easy for food enthusiasts to embark on a culinary journey through the Eastern Algarve. With its rich history, diverse landscapes, and delicious cuisine, the Eastern Algarve is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Portugal.
For more information about the Algarve, visit visitalgarve.pt.
[1] Flor de Sal: The Art of Hand-Harvested Sea Salt in Eastern Algarve, Portugal. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.flordesal.pt/en/ [2] The Salt Pans of Ria Formosa: A Natural Wonder in Eastern Algarve. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.portugalnaturetrails.com/blog/the-salt-pans-of-ria-formosa-a-natural-wonder-in-eastern-algarve
- The Flor de Sal, a delicacy from the Ria Formosa Natural Park, is a testament to Eastern Algarve's commitment to preserving its culinary traditions.
- A culinary journey through the Eastern Algarve can lead to discovering unique foods, like the seafood rice dishes at Noélia Jerónimo's restaurant, offering a taste of Portugal's lifestyle and food-and-drink culture.
- Those seeking budget-friendly options can still savor the flavors of the Algarve, as seafood rice dishes, such as arroz de limão com corvina e amêijoas, are available for around £31 per person.
- For food enthusiasts, traveling to the Eastern Algarve can be an exciting adventure, with Jet2 offering flights from Stansted to Faro for approximately £110 return.
