The Place: We waited too long to make reservations at the most popular places in Furnas to try the famous dish of meat and vegetables cooked underground in this region’s volcanic terrain. In retrospect, we may have lucked out because we passed the big tour buses lined up at places like Tony’,s but made our way to this little divey local bar-restaurant just outside a picturesque camping ground.
It was certainly no-frills, but seemed to be a quiet place with a few locals hanging out. They may not have all been ordering the iconic and hearty signature dish, but it was the reason we were here and it seemed like as good of a place as any to try it.
The Dish: I’ve experienced dishes like Cozido before and was not expecting much. After all, this is really just a plate of meat and vegetables lightly seasoned and steamed underground. You gotta like meat and not be expecting any big flavors.
I think since my expectations were tempered, I was actually pretty impressed. The flavor of all the meats (including pork belly, chicken, chorizo, blood sausage) and vegetables (think taro, sweet potato, cabbage, carrots) melted into each other. It tasted like earth, smoke, and meat. The ingredients were all tender and retained their own flavors nicely.
The portions here were also ginormous. We chose a platter for two which was too big for four adults. It’s definitely an important dish to try when in this part of the world. And even if you can’t get reservations at some of the more well-known spots, don’t forget this place that feels legit if you ask me.
| RESTAURANTE VALE DAS FURNAS |
| Sítio das Queimadas, 9675-045 Furnas, Portugal Furnas, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal +351 296 584 307 |
