Calheta’s Gastronomy: A Journey of Authentic Flavors

The cuisine of Calheta, on the beautiful island of Madeira, is a celebration of authentic flavours, reflecting the diversity of local products and the cultural influences that have shaped the region. Let’s explore some of the typical dishes that will delight your palate when you visit Calheta:

Grilled Octopus
This dish is a true delicacy, with octopus grilled over an open flame and seasoned with garlic, bay leaves, vinegar, and salt. It is served with boiled or roasted potatoes and a refreshing tomato and onion salad.

Espetada Regional
A signature Madeiran dish, it consists of pieces of beef skewered on laurel wood sticks, grilled over an open flame, and drizzled with garlic butter. It is typically served with fried corn, bolo do caco (a type of bread), and mixed salad.

Mixed Fish
A dish that highlights the bounty of the sea, featuring a variety of fresh fish such as swordfish, tuna, grouper, snapper, and mackerel, fried or grilled and served with garlic butter or passion fruit sauce. Accompaniments include boiled or fried potatoes and a mixed salad.

Seafood Grill
Seafood enthusiasts will love this option, which includes grilled shrimp, lobster, spider crab, mussels, and squid, seasoned with salt, garlic, lemon, and parsley. It is served with tomato rice or seafood rice.

Black Scabbardfish Fillet
They fry black scabbardfish in hot oil and top it with a delicious garlic butter sauce or passion fruit sauce. Typically, they serve it with fried banana or fried corn and a mixed salad.

Wheat Soup
A thick and comforting soup made with wheat cooked in water seasoned with salt, garlic, bay leaves, and paprika. It is enriched with smoked or fresh pork, chorizo, and cabbage.

Boiled Corn with Fried Tuna
This dish combines corn boiled in salted water with bay leaves, served with fresh tuna fried in hot oil and seasoned with salt, garlic, and vinegar.