What to Eat in the Azores - 10 Delicious Traditional Dishes and Local Products
- Aina & Dani
- Mar 31
- 6 min read
If you're planning a trip to the Azores, you're probably wondering what to eat in the Azores to experience the best of its local cuisine. This Portuguese archipelago, famous for its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, also boasts an incredible food scene thanks to its rich history and culinary traditions.
So, if you're someone who loves exploring food while traveling, stick around and discover some of the most delicious traditional dishes and local products from the Azores that you won’t want to miss.
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What to Eat in the Azores - Content:
Let’s dive into the delicious world of Azorean cuisine!
Traditional Dishes from the Azores
The cuisine of the Azores is deeply connected to its volcanic landscape and fishing traditions. Fresh ingredients like seafood, high-quality local meat, and traditional cooking techniques have been passed down through generations, resulting in unique dishes such as the famous Cozido das Furnas.
But that’s not all—the Azores are home to some of the best pineapples we’ve ever tasted, as well as delicious regional desserts like Fofas da Povoação, a specialty from the town of Povoação on São Miguel Island, and Queijadas da Vila, a traditional sweet from Vila Franca do Campo, also on São Miguel.
Here are 10 must-try dishes and local products that you shouldn’t miss when visiting this Portuguese archipelago.
1. Cozido das Furnas – Volcanic Stew
One of the most iconic dishes of São Miguel, Cozido das Furnas is a true representation of the island’s deep-rooted traditions. This stew is cooked in a completely unique way—ingredients such as pork, beef, chicken, chorizo, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and rice are placed in a clay pot and buried underground in the volcanic soil of Furnas, where geothermal heat slowly cooks the dish.
The result is a flavorful and tender meal that you absolutely must try when visiting São Miguel. However, keep in mind that this dish is usually made to order, so we recommend making a reservation at least 24 hours in advance.
If you’re in Furnas area and want to taste this specialty, we suggest:
Caldeiras & Vulcões – You can make a reservation online.
Tony’s – Reservations must be made by phone.
2. Polvo Guisado à Moda dos Açores – Azorean-Style Stewed Octopus
This traditional Azorean octopus stew is especially popular during Christmas. The octopus is slow-cooked with local red wine, bell peppers, and regional spices, resulting in an incredibly rich and flavorful dish. It is typically served with potatoes or rice and is a must-try for seafood lovers.
You can find this dish across almost all the islands, but it is particularly famous in São Miguel and Terceira. If you’re in São Miguel, we highly recommend trying it at José do Rego restaurant.
3. Chicharros Fritos com Molho de Vilão – Fried Mackerel with "Villain" Sauce
A simple yet delicious local specialty, chicharros fritos com molho de vilão is a common dish in São Miguel, though you can find it throughout the islands. Chicharro (Atlantic horse mackerel) is a widely available fish in Azorean waters. In this dish, it is fried until crispy and served with molho de vilão, a flavorful sauce made with local peppers, garlic, and olive oil.
This sauce adds a slightly spicy and tangy kick to the dish, making it a must-try. If you're visiting São Miguel, we recommend trying it at:
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4. Alcatra da Terceira – Terceira Island Slow-Cooked Beef
Originally from Terceira Island, Alcatra da Terceira is a traditional dish that can be enjoyed throughout the Azores. It consists of beef marinated in red wine, garlic, herbs, and spices, then slow-cooked in a clay pot. This slow-cooking method results in tender meat with an intense, rich flavor.
If you’re a fan of stews and slow-cooked meats, you’ll love this dish! And if you have the chance to try it in Terceira, its place of origin, we highly recommend Restaurante Caneta.
5. Bife à Regional – Azorean-Style Steak
One of the most famous beef dishes in São Miguel, Bife à Regional is also available across the Azores. The steak is made from local Azorean cattle, seasoned with garlic and local peppers, and then grilled or pan-fried. It’s incredibly flavorful and is usually served with fries or rice.
This dish is very easy to find in Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande, but if you want to try one of the best versions, we highly recommend Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, our favorite restaurant from our São Miguel Guide.
6. Queijada da Vila – Traditional Custard Pastry
One of the most iconic desserts from São Miguel, Queijada da Vila is a sweet treat that you can find all over the Azores. This pastry originated in São Miguel’s convents and is made from Azorean milk, eggs, and sugar. It has a smooth, mildly sweet flavor, making it the perfect companion to coffee or tea.
This dessert comes from one of our favorite towns on São Miguel: Vila Franca do Campo. This town is famous for its islet, water sports, and of course, its queijadas. If you want the best experience, visit the Queijadas de Vila do Morgado Factory, where you can also see the baking process.
7. Queijo de São Jorge – São Jorge Cheese
One of the most emblematic products of the Azores is Queijo de São Jorge, a semi-hard cheese from São Jorge Island, widely available across the archipelago. Despite being semi-hard, this cheese has a strong, slightly spicy flavor. If you're a cheese lover, this is a must-try!
We recommend ordering this cheese at any restaurant, paired with a good local wine. You’ll find it on most restaurant menus, and it’s also available for purchase in markets and specialty stores. However, if you visit São Jorge, tasting it directly at the Uniqueijo cheese factory is the ultimate experience!
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8. Ananás dos Açores – Azorean Pineapple
The Azorean pineapple (Ananás dos Açores) is one of the most iconic products of the archipelago, particularly from São Miguel Island. Unlike regular pineapples, these are grown in greenhouses under special conditions, which results in an incredibly sweet and distinct flavor. In the Azores, this pineapple is considered a luxury product and is used in desserts, savory dishes, and beverages.
If you visit São Miguel, you can experience something unique—tasting pineapple-infused wines. Another fantastic way to learn about and enjoy this product is by visiting the Augusto Arruda Pineapple Plantation, where you can see how they are grown and taste them fresh.
9. Fofas da Povoação – Cream-Filled Pastry
A traditional sweet from São Miguel Island, Fofas da Povoação originates from the town of Povoação. These éclair-style pastries are filled with butter, vanilla, or lemon cream and topped with chocolate glaze. You can find them in many bakeries, but if you want the best experience, try them in Povoação at Pastelaria Pizzaria Guida.
10. Chá dos Açores – Azorean Tea
One of the most unique products of the Azores is Chá dos Açores (Azorean Tea). The Azores are actually one of the only places in Europe where tea is cultivated, with São Miguel being the main producer. Thanks to the volcanic soil and humid climate, Azorean tea has a distinctively smooth and mild flavor.
Both green and black tea varieties are available and can be enjoyed at local cafés, restaurants, or directly at the tea plantations. If you visit São Miguel, don’t miss a trip to the Gorreana Tea Plantation or the Porto Formoso Tea Factory. These are the only industrial tea plantations in Europe, and both offer free visits where you can learn about the production process and taste their teas while enjoying stunning views.
Explore the Best Activities in the Azores!
As you can see, Azorean cuisine is all about local ingredients, deeply reflecting the nature and traditions of this beautiful archipelago. No matter which island you visit, you’ll always find delicious dishes to try.
So… Bom apetite!
