Guimarães, a city rich in history, is recognized as the birthplace of Portugal. Its historic center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a living testament to a glorious past. Exploring its streets and squares, one can feel the medieval atmosphere that still endures today.
The stone buildings, the imposing manor houses, and the architectural details tell the story of a people and a nation. The city maintains a deep connection to its origins, celebrating its identity authentically. It is a municipality that offers an immersive cultural and historical experience, where every corner seems to narrate an important chapter in the founding of Portugal.
Guimarães is also a dynamic cultural hub, which has managed to preserve its traditions while projecting itself into the future. The vitality of its people and the richness of its heritage make it a destination of great interest for those seeking to understand the roots of Portugal.
Authentic flavors that tell the story of our land
This conventual sweet is a hallmark of Guimarães, whose recipe dates back to medieval times. It is made from egg yolks, ground almonds, sugar, and traditionally, pork fat (hence the name "toucinho"), which gives it a rich texture and an intense, characteristic flavor. Its preparation is linked to the convents of the region, being a legacy of Portugal's rich monastic confectionery and a true expression of the local gastronomic heritage.
The Tortas de Guimarães are another sweet with conventual origins, which has become a symbol of Vimaranense confectionery. These are small crescent-shaped pastries, with a thin and crispy dough that envelops a sweet and creamy filling. The filling is typically made with chila (a pumpkin-based sweet), almonds, and eggs, resulting in a balanced combination of textures and flavors that reflects the tradition and mastery of local pastry making.
One of the most emblematic dishes of the Minho region, rojões are small pieces of pork (usually from the leg and ribs) fried in their own fat, seasoned with green wine, garlic, and bay leaf. They are traditionally accompanied by boiled or fried potatoes, floured tripe, roasted farinheira sausage, and sometimes chestnuts. This robust and flavorful dish represents traditional Minho cuisine, rich and comforting, and is a pillar of festive gastronomy in Guimarães and its surroundings.
Papas de Sarrabulho are a unique dish deeply rooted in Minho tradition. They consist of a thick stew, made with pig's blood, cumin, bread or cornmeal, and various meats (chicken, beef, pork, chorizo). Their preparation requires time and care, resulting in an intense flavor and a particular texture. They are commonly served as an accompaniment to Rojões à Moda do Minho, creating a complete and authentic gastronomic experience, especially appreciated in the colder months.
Roasted kid is a festive and family dish, a regular presence on Guimarães tables during special celebrations. The kid is seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and local white or red wine, and then slowly roasted in the oven until tender inside and with crispy skin. It is usually served with potatoes roasted in the kid's own sauce and rice with giblets or turnip greens. This dish symbolizes the rich and generous cuisine of the municipality, which values local products and careful preparation.
Although cod is an omnipresent ingredient in Portuguese cuisine, the "à Minhota" version is distinctive of the Guimarães region. Cod steaks are fried and then drizzled with a generous sauce of hot olive oil, garlic, and thinly sliced fried onion, sometimes with sweet paprika. It is traditionally served with thinly sliced fried potatoes. This dish highlights the simplicity and richness of flavors of Minho cuisine, emphasizing the quality of the ingredients.
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