There's not a Porto resident who hasn't tried it, and there's rarely anyone who doesn't enjoy a good Portuguese dish - Francesinha. It's typical of the Invicta city, along with tripe, and it's not hard to find restaurants in Porto that have it on their menu.
There are different stories surrounding the origin of the Francesinha, and it's common to walk through the city streets and see "This is where the Francesinha was born". But where was it really? And what makes this dish so wonderful? These and other curiosities about the Portuguese dish Francesinha are what you'll discover now, check it out!
The origin of the Portuguese dish Francesinha
According to legend - and this is the best-known story in the city of Porto - the first Francesinha was born in the "A Regaleira" brewery, in Rua do Bonjardim, around 1950. It was Daniel David Silva, a French immigrant, who developed the recipe in the city, inspired by the famous croque-monsieur.
Daniel David Silva is said to have based himself on this French dish and decided to adapt it to Portuguese tastes and palates, including meat and cheese. It is said that in its early days, the composition of Francesinha was different from today's, simpler, including only meat and cheese. Nowadays, however, we see Francesinhas with egg, potato, vegetarian or even seafood.
But, going back to the beginning, this dish quickly proved to be a success because, as well as being tasty, it was also cheap to make: that's why more restaurants in the city started cooking it and presenting it to their customers.
The name of the Portuguese dish Francesinha
Well, it's another story/legend. If, on the one hand, it's said to be an adaptation of the French sandwich and the name comes from that, on the other, it's said to be Daniel David Silva's way of remembering French women, who were more daring and spicy than the Portuguese women of the time.
What's in the Francesinha recipe
Regardless of its history, the truth is that Francesinha is a typical Porto dish that has won over more and more fans. Nowadays, there are many variations of the traditional dish, so that everyone can enjoy it. Still, this is the original recipe:
- bijou bread;
- a slice of cheese;
- fresh sausage;
- fresh sausage;
- steak;
- another slice of cheese;
- finish with another slice of bijou bread.
Once assembled, the sandwich is drizzled with the characteristic sauce (which remains a secret). Each restaurant has its own recipe and you can also try making it at home or buy it ready-made to cook.
Good restaurants to eat Francesinha in Porto
Café Santiago, at Rua de Passos Manuel 226, 4000-382 Porto
Yuko, at Rua de Costa Cabral 2331, 4200-232 Porto
Brasão, at Rua de Ramalho Ortigão 28, 4000-035 Porto
Cufra, at Av. da Boavista 2504, 4100-119 Porto
LADO B praça do Bom Sucesso, 74-90, loja 025, Porto
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