Must-Try Foods During Your Visit to Terceira Island, Azores
Prepare to be tantalized as we guide you through the culinary wonders of Terceira Island during your Azorean getaway. This remarkable gem, hidden within the Azores archipelago, is celebrated not only for its verdant landscapes but also for its mouthwatering cuisine and warm-hearted residents. Terceira boasts a culinary tradition steeped in history, serving up a diverse range of dishes that capture the essence of its volcanic origins and deep-rooted connection to the sea. As you navigate the charms of Terceira, allow the island's distinctive flavors and authentic specialties to lead you on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
- Alcatra: A Taste of Terceira Island's Tradition
The most famous dish from Terceira Island is alcatra, a beef rump that is slow-cooked in a clay pot with red wine, onions, garlic, cloves, and black peppercorns until it’s practically falling-apart tender. Sounds amazing, right? Just make sure to savor it with a side of massa sovada, a tasty traditional Portuguese sweet bread.
- Where to eat alcatra in Terceira Island, Azores?
We recommend that you head to “Os Moinhos” restaurant in the village of São Mateus for an authentic alcatra experience. The “Ti Choa restaurant” is another great option to get a true taste of this delicious traditional meal.
- Alcatra with Seafood: A Coastal Twist on a Terceira Island Classic
Terceira’s most famous dish is also available in a pescetarian version. Try both takes, and we will let you decide which one is the best in your opinion! As for us, it's a win-win in our book, as both variations are incredibly delicious!
- Where to eat alcatra (with fish) and seafood in Terceira Island, Azores?
We recommend that you head to “Boca Negra” for the best fish alcatra. Other great options to try while you are there are the famous and delicious fish stew and the diverse seafood offered on the menu, such as the scrumptious local limpets!
- Queijadas da Dona Amélia: A Sweet Treat from Terceira Island, Azores
The most famous (and must-try) dessert of Terceira Island is the mouth-wateringly delicious Queijada da Dona Amélia - a dessert that is quite literally fit for a queen. This hallmark dessert earned its name as a tribute to Queen Amélia, who was famously offered sweets on her first royal visit to the island in 1901.
Originally named “Indianos” or “Bolo das Índias” for the ingredients that originated from the Orient during the spice trades, the cakes were given a royal name change to honor the revered queen. The dense, mildly soft pastries can be made into a full-sized cake or the more commonly sold queijadas and are made with eggs, honey, cinnamon, and cornflour before being dusted with a delicate coat of confectioner’s sugar. Raisins and molasses are typically added for flavor, making the pastry similar to gingerbread in taste.
- Where to eat queijadas da Dona Amélia in Terceira Island?
The “originals” are produced at the local pastry “O Forno” in downtown Angra do Heroísmo.
- Cheese from Queijaria Vaquinha
This tasty buttery cheese is locally produced at Queijaria Vaquinha, an establishment owned by a lovely family who takes a tremendous amount of pride in their business. Aside from tasting this outstanding cheese while visiting Terceira, you’ll also have the chance to discover just what daily life is like on a dairy farm, including the super fun chore of feeding the baby cows!
- Where to eat cheese in Terceira Island?
Head to Queijaria Vaquinha for the ultimate cheese-tasting experience, and click here if you’re interested in joining in on an authentic Azorean dairy farm experience.
- Terceira Island Wine
The village of Biscoitos is the main wine producer of the island, where the grapes grow in small plots of land lined with volcanic stones called “currais”. This beautiful landscape is known for producing some delicious local wine, which you´ll get to taste, of course.
- Where to drink local wine in Terceira Island, Azores?
Feel free to order local wines at restaurants, which are sure to please, but don’t skip a visit to Wine Museum - Casa Brum for an informative glimpse into the wine production history in Terceira Island.
We also recommend… A food experience at Q.B. Food Court - Restaurant
We’ll be sure to save you a seat at the table because if you visit Terceira Island, this is one tasting menu experience you cannot miss. Savor the unique flavors of this island with a Premium Lunch experience, or for dining options, choose our Taste of the Azores menu or our The Best of Terceira Tasting Menu.
Q.B. Restaurant is located inside a picturesque old estate with a beautiful garden, an esplanade, and even a child-friendly area.
Are you already in love with the Azores? Take a look at our stress-free packages that allow you to book your ultimate island adventure. All our packages are carefully curated by our team of local Azorean Experts so that you don’t need to worry about any details – just enjoy your trip!
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