The culture of Cape Verde combines the cultures of the immigrant peoples, creating a whole new one. This is how unique dishes have been created. We show you what you should eat when you visit the East African island paradise.
Feijoada: bean stew in Cape Verde
Also very popular in Central Europe: bean stew with bacon. Cape Verdeans also enjoy this delicious dish: In addition to beans and bacon, various vegetables are a firm part of the feijoada recipe. Rice is also added, and pork or beef are occasionally used in the preparation. Not to forget the bay leaves, which round off the taste of the feijoada.
The national dish: Cachupa
Another stew in a moment: Cachupa is the national dish in Cape Verde and a true original from the country. It is eaten here not only on special occasions, but also in everyday life. It is a stew made of various vegetables, with tomatoes, corn and beans playing the main role, but cassava, potatoes and carrots are also part of the dish.
The ingredients are flexible and can vary according to availability, but also according to the time of day. Thus, the hearty Cachupa is not only served as a lunch dish, but also eaten with pleasure in the evening and even in the morning. In the variant Cachupa-Rica meat or fish are also included.
Pontche: The national drink in Cape Verde
To the national dish, of course, the national drink of the archipelago must not be missing. Sugar cane is grown on the islands, almost all the ingredients of which are used to make grogue. Grogue is the basic ingredient for the cocktail Pontche and a kind of rum that is produced here. For the finished Pontche, lime juice and cloves are then added, which give the drink its unique taste. Thus, the cocktail is also suitable as a fresh cooling for a hot day on the sunny beach.
Caldo de Peixe
Surrounded by the ocean, the Cape Verde menu naturally includes plenty of fish and seafood. And since the locals love stews, there is also a fish stew, Caldo de Peixe. For this, various fish can be used, often mixed and diced. Among them there are also exotic fish like piranha, pacu or tilapia. In addition, shrimps and mussels are added, as well as various vegetables. These usually include potatoes, peppers and tomatoes. The hearty soup is often served on days with bad weather.
Serra Grelhado
Another extraordinary fish is the sawfish. This is often grilled and served as serra grelhado. However, since this fish is threatened with extinction, it is not recommended to eat this dish.
Arroz de Mariscos
Rice is also a popular and filling food in Cape Verde. Together with seafood, it makes the unique Arroz de Mariscos, which fits perfectly into the island life due to the taste that goes with the sea. A truly authentic dish of the country, it is definitely worth trying when you are traveling in the country.
Soups
In addition to numerous stews in a wide range of variations, Cape Verdeans also like to eat soups. A popular variation is Sopa de Legumes, the vegetable soup, or Sopa a Marinheira, a seafood soup. Sopa do Dia is the name of the soup of the day.
The best dishes in Cape Verde
If your mouth is already watering, the best way is to try the dishes yourself! Of course, the experience is most authentic when you're on the ground in Cape Verde. Learn now more about Cape Verde or subscribe to our Newsletterto be among the first to experience a very special adventure on the islands in the Atlantic Ocean with TripLegend.
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