Desserts in Portugal: 6 Decadent Treats Not to be Missed

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Desserts in Portugal: 6 Decadent Treats Not to be Missed

There is no doubt that sweet treats are central to Portuguese cuisine – the abundance of pastry shops around the country is a clear testament to this. If you’re a traveller with a sweet tooth, we bring good news – here’s a list of Portuguese desserts to savour during your stay in Portugal:

1. Serradura

Serradura translates to mean ‘sawdust’ in English, and this dessert is also known as sawdust pudding. Unappetising as the name sounds, rest assured that this pudding is a lovely treat to be savoured. Crushed biscuits make up the layer of ‘sawdust’ sprinkled on the topmost layer of cream, spooned atop alternating layers of cream and tea biscuits. If you love desserts boasting contrasting textures, this creamy and crunchy treat is sure to hit a sweet spot.

2. Pudim Caseiro

This classic dessert is a household favourite made with ingredients such as eggs, milk, port wine, caramel, sugar and water. It is one of the many pudding desserts found in Portugal, and it is said that each household in the country prepares this dessert in different ways.

3. Toucinho do Ceu

Toucinho do Ceu translates to mean ‘bacon in heaven’ – but rest assured that this dessert does not contain any traces of the savoury cured meat. Infact, toucinho do ceu is a dessert of almond cake. Its unique name can be attributed to the fact that pork lard was traditionally used in the preparation of this dessert. Today, pork lard is not always used in the preparation of this cake, although bakers in certain regions of the country continue to follow this tradition.

4. Cavacas

Cavacas, also known as popover dessert, refers to a cupcake-style pastry topped with a sweet and creamy glaze. These decadent delights are a festive treat often served during holidays and celebrations. You will easily find it at Portuguese bakeries too, so you will not have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy this dessert.

5. Coscoroes

A festive treat commonly consumed during Christmas, coscoroes are fried pieces of dough with a crunchy texture and sweet flavour. The addition of orange and orange zest lend a citrusy note to the dessert, and a sprinkling of cinnamon brings a spicy kick to this treat.

6. Pastel De Nata

Pastel de nata, also known as Portuguese egg tarts, is a well-known Portuguese delicacy. This Portuguese classic was created by Catholic monks in a monastery in Lisbon prior to the 1800s. Fabrica de Pasteis de Belem, a pastry shop that has been operating since 1837, owns the original recipe of pastel de nata. Be sure to drop by this pastry store for a taste of the original Portuguese classic!

 

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Vegetarian Dining in Milan: 6 Spots to Get Your Meatless Fix

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Vegetarian Dining in Milan: 6 Spots to Get Your Meatless Fix

Where do the veggie lovers head to dine, when they traverse in the city of Milan?

1.  Arcobaleno Vegetariano

You know a restaurant dishes out delicious and authentic-tasting vegetarian fare when it is frequented by veggie-loving locals. At Arcobaleno Vegetariano, you will find a range of vegan Italian dishes, all of which are freshly prepared with top-notch ingredients from local suppliers. The availability of gluten-free options means that different dietary needs and preferences are met. The food may not be fanciful, but Arcobaleno Vegetariano wins over a regular crowd with its wholesome, quality fare.

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2. La Vecchia Latteria

Veggie-loving travellers in Duomo will not need to search high and low for meatless dining options – just head over to La Vecchia Latteria. Do not belie the eatery's casual setting and compact size, for it churns out a range of freshly prepared and mouthwatering fare. Dining here may be a bit of a squeeze, but the generous portions served means that diners will leave feeling well satisfied. 

3. Misunchi 

A variety of meatless fare makes Misunchi a lunchtime favourite with the veggie-loving crowd in Milan. You will find a  wide range of options present on the daily menu, ranging from savoury delights like the vegan lasagna, stuffed olives and focaccia, to sweet treats, like its renowned sacher vegan cake. Do note that Misunchi is only open for lunch on weekdays, so be sure to plan your visits accordingly! 

4. Universo Vegano

If you need your veggie fix on the go, make a stopover at Universo Vegano! 

This fast food vegan chain, featuring outlets in Milan and other cities within Italy, churns out a range of appetising quick-eats such as burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads and focaccia. Only fresh ingredients without a single trace of animal derivatives are used in the preparation of food sold at its outlets, so vegan diners can rest assured that they are feasting on wholesome fare.   

5. Vala Banco e Cucina

You will find plenty of traditional Italian favourites on the daily menu at the family-run Vala Banco e Cucina. A good selection of vegan-friendly options, like the carbonara and cheesecake – keeps things interesting for vegan diners. The availability of gluten-free items makes this a suitable dining spot for diners with varying dietary needs and preferences, and an ever-changing daily menu and affordable prices keeps a regular crowd of locals coming back for more. 

6. Home-dining with the Locals

If tucking into a homecooked spread of healthy vegetarian fare floats your boat, take a shot at home-dining with the locals in Milan. Veggie-lovin' Serena will happily whip up a raw vegan dinner, while Alice will readily customise the menu of her traditional Italian dinner experience to make it vegetarian-friendly.

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Eat Like the Locals in Brussels: 6 Food Haunts

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Eat Like the Locals in Brussels: 6 Food Haunts

Go ahead and explore the iconic attractions in Brussels, but stay clear of restaurants located within the vicinity, as these tend to be tourist traps frequented by travellers. It's highly likely that the food items you get there are pricier and mediocre-tasting – which explains the absence of locals at these dining spots. For authentic Belgian fare, like crispy fries, pipin' hot waffles and good ol' beer, venture to these well-loved spots favoured by locals in the city: 

1. Frit Flagey

Fries are a well-known treat in Belgium, so it is impossible not to get your fix of these savoury delights during your sojourns in Brussels. There is one problem: with so many places selling fries in the city, it can be difficult to decide where one should head to to enjoy this iconic dish. 

When in doubt, just follow the locals. If you do, you are likely to end up at Frit Flagey. The fries served here are perfect – crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. A long, snaking queue of locals lining up for a serving of fries at Frit Flagey's is a sure testament to the store's popularity. This means that you will have to bear with the queues, no matter what time of the day you arrive at the store – but when you sample the fries, you will find it well worth the wait. 

​2. Belgaufra

Like fries, waffles are an ubiquitous treat in Brussels. Many locals get their waffle fix from stands located all over the city, but one of the stands that stands out from the rest is Belgaufra, a Belgian chain churning out Liege-style waffles. Two options – sugar glazed and chocolate flavoured – are available, but no matter which flavour you go for, it is likely to delight your palate. Eat as the locals do, and enjoy your Belgaufra waffles on-the-go as a takeout snack!

3. Noordzee

Noordzee, known for its fresh seafood dishes, draws a crowd of locals keen on savouring plates of fresh oysters, cripsy calamari or delectable shrimp croquettes along with wine. There are no seats available here, so diners will have to contend with the jostling crowds and stand-up dining – all minor inconveniences that are forgetten as soon as plates of scrumptious seafood arrive at the table. 

4. Au Vatel Bakery

It is not hard to see why Au Vatel Bakery is a local favourite, for it dishes out some of the best patisseries in the city. Pastries, croissants, cakes or tarts – the sweet treats at this bakery never fail to delight. Prices of the goodies sold here are higher relative to other bakeries, but rest assured that every penny spent will be well worth it. Stop by for a late brunch or mid-afternoon snack, and your sweeth tooth will be well-satisfied. 

5. Mamma Roma

When the cravings for pizzas hit, Mamma Roma is the place of choice for locals in the city. Pizzas here are sold by weight, so diners will have the option of trying a variety of toppings and flavours. The pizzas here have even won over Italian visitors, so you can be sure that you are getting nothing less than authentic, quality fare. 

6. Home-dining Experiences

When it comes to tucking into a spread of authentic Belgian dishes, nothing quite beats the experience of a home-cooked meal. Home-dining experiences offering a Russian, Mediterranean or Belgian brunch, a spread of oriental Moroccan dishes or a breakfast of Belgian waffles will please a variety of palates. 

 

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Must Eat Food in Amsterdam: 5 Tasty Treats

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Must Try Food in Amsterdam: 5 Tasty Treats

Jetting off for a holiday in Amsterdam? Don’t miss out on trying out these Dutch delicacies as you explore the sights in this charming city:

1. Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are an iconic Dutch sweet treat made up of two thin wafers with a layer of syrup in between. This delicacy originated in Gouda during the 18th century, and are now sold at most bakeries and grocery stores in Amsterdam. If you like your stroopwafel freshly made, keep your eyes peeled for street vendors in the city selling this delicacy. Your sweet tooth will definitely be satisfied with this treat!

2. Poffertjes

If you like your pancakes light and bite-sized, you will definitely love poffertjes! These small and fluffy pancakes are made with buckwheat flour and yeast, and are typically served with butter and powdered sugar. Other toppings, such as fruits, nutella, whipped cream and savoury ingredients may also be added to suit your fancy.

Commonly eaten during the colder months, vacation makers in Amsterdam will easily find poffertjes being sold at markets and outdoor food stands during autumn and winter. Those yearning for a taste of this petite treart during periods of the year with warm weather will find them sold at cafes within the city.

3. Vlaamse Frites

The Dutch adore their potatoes as much as they love their pancakes and stroopwafels! Vlaamse Frites, a popular Dutch street food delicacy, is a dish of thick cut potato fries served with generous helpings of mayonnaise. Fries fanatics should keep an eye out for street vendors selling this treat!

4. Hollandse Nieuwe Haring

Also known as ‘new herring’, the Hollandse Nieuwe Haring may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Raw herring, raw onions and pickles are stuffed in a bread roll, creating a traditional dish that will appeal to diners with a taste for fishy flavours. This dish has to be prepared in line to Dutch tradition, where the fish is culled as soon as it is caught, with its pancreas left intact. Enzymes produced in the pancreas, as well as salt are used to preserve the fish before it is served.

Want to eat this dish like a true Dutch? Hold the herring by the tail, tilt your head back and place fish into your mouth! If you find it hard to stomach the herring on its own, have it together with a bread roll.

5. Kaas

Cheese lovers, contain your excitement, for you are just about to enter cheese heaven. You will find an abundance of cheese during your sojourns in Netherlands, for it is the largest exporter of cheese in the world. The Dutch enjoy cheese at any time of the day with bread, as a beer snack, along with wine, or simply on its own! Get your fill of this savoury delight at traditional cheese markets in Amsterdam, or at the cheese factory in Volendam, a town close to Amsterdam.

 

How do the Dutch eat? You will find out by enjoying an authentic, homecooked meal with the locals in Amsterdam. Join Steven for a Mediterranean feast, tuck into a spread of Asian delights with Bart, or wine and dine with Abraham as he shares all about the beautiful city that he resides in.  

 

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