17 Views
Discovering high quality, gluten-free eating places may be exhausting, as anybody with a gluten intolerance is aware of all too nicely. But, in some cities, you’ll have dozens of unbelievable choices, which is actually the case in Porto!
I’ve seen the gluten-free choices within the metropolis develop considerably since I began my Porto meals excursions. Whereas there was as soon as only a small clutch of eateries secure for diners with celiac illness, there’s now an abundance of fully gluten-free spots and others with wonderful wheatless treats.
In case you’re in want of some steering for eating gluten-free in Porto, Portugal, this might be your fool-proof information to town.
Gluten-Free Eating places
Tasquinha do Bé
Picture credit score: Tasquinha do Bé
We’re kicking off this gluten-free information to Porto with Tasquinha do Bé. Positioned proper alongside the fringe of Riberia, this is among the prime Portuguese eating places for gluten-free variations of conventional dishes. To keep away from cross-contamination, the cooks have two separate sections within the kitchen.
I virtually walked proper previous this no-frills spot, however the busy tables inside grabbed my consideration. Inside have been pale-colored stone partitions and a small cluster of tables, every draped with a Portuguese flag!
The group right here has created an in depth gluten-free menu that includes all of the basic must-try gadgets like francesinha and bacalhau. Although I’m not illiberal to gluten, I used to be curious to strive their wheatless pasteis de bacalhau.
Admittedly, I had a sense they wouldn’t be fairly pretty much as good as the unique model, however they have been top-drawer. On the surface, there was a layer of crispy batter that held collectively the fusion of tangy salted cod, fluffy potatoes, and earthy parsley.
Tasquinha do Bé (€€) – R. de Belomonte 116, 4050-096 Porto, Portugal – Open day-after-day from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Tapabento S. Bento
Picture credit score: Tapabento S. Bento
Positioned in São Bento prepare station, Tapabento S. Bento is a occurring joint for tapas. I discovered a ton of wheat-free variations of typical Portuguese meals and naturally gluten-free dishes on the menu right here.
The combination of industrial-inspired and old-school decor stopped me in my tracks proper after I hopped off my prepare. It was a midweek night, but this place was completely buzzing.
All of the allergens are highlighted on the menu, so recognizing the celiac-friendly choices is a breeze. All the pieces I ordered was incredible, however the potato tortilla was my favourite of the gluten-free choices I sampled.
Every chew had a medley of gentle flavors that got here collectively to create essentially the most comforting dish. This tortilla consisted of mushy potato, salty egg, and zingy onions.
Tapabento S.Bento (€€) – Estação de S. Bento, ao lado da Linha 1, R. da Madeira 221, 4000-330 Porto, Portugal – Closed each Monday to Wednesday, open each Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to three:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Sort Kitchen
Picture credit score: Sort Kitchen
Sort Kitchen within the Baixa space is a vegan hang-out that occurs to have some scrumptious gluten-free grub.
The inside fuses the outdated and the brand new. Classic options like stone archways completely mix with the fashionable teal shade scheme and daring wallpaper.
Loads of Portuguese staples are on the menu, however after spending a number of weeks in Porto, I used to be eager to change issues up with a global dish. Mexican fare, like tacos and burritos, proved in style at each second desk right here, however I used to be extra within the tikka masala.
This can be a wheatless dish by nature, however I added some gluten-free pita bread. As a result of the crumbly pita had such refined flavors, it was the best pairing for the spicy, oh-so-creamy masala and pillowy tofu chunks.
Sort Kitchen (€€) – R. de Ceuta 80, 4050-189 Porto, Portugal – Open day-after-day from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Nola Kitchen
Picture credit score: Nola Kitchen
Every time I’m in want of one thing rather less indulgent, Nola Kitchen within the coronary heart of town middle is usually my first port of name.
It’s a fashionable and glossy spot that I’ve frequented for brunch a few occasions, and I’ve grown relatively keen on the chilled-out vibes and heat workers.
I first got here right here with a pal of mine who has celiac illness. We have been each astounded by the lengths the workers went to in an effort to make sure a secure eating expertise for gluten-free guests. My pal went for the risotto, whereas I used to be set on the salmon curry.
The silky curry sauce had a mild kick with hints of savory cumin and fiery ginger, which tasted wonderful with the candy, fork-tender salmon. It was introduced with crunchy peanuts, grassy kale, and nutty black rice.
Nola Kitchen (€€) – Praça D. Filipa de Lencastre 25, 4050-259 Porto, Portugal – Open day-after-day from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
Gluten-Free Bakeries and Cafes
Com Cuore
A devoted gluten-free bakery, Com Cuore in Riberia is right for celiac vacationers who need the peace of thoughts of eating someplace utterly free from gluten.
It’s a modest, quaint cafe with a compact indoor seating space and an always-busy outside terrace. The workers right here goes the additional mile, greeting me and each different buyer with the warmest of welcomes.
Many individuals flock right here to feast on a gluten-free pastel de nata, however I wished to strive their waffles. There have been so many alternative toppings accessible, however my candy tooth acquired the higher of me, so I went for the Nutella model.
Very similar to waffles made with wheat flour, these tasty confections have been mushy inside with a crackling consistency on the surface. The waffles themselves weren’t overly candy, which was excellent contemplating how a lot luscious, hazelnut-filled Nutella was poured on prime!
Com Cuore (€€) – Rua Trindade Coelho entrada 10 loja 11, 4050-618 Porto, Portugal – Closed each Monday, open each Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm
Do Norte Café by Hungry Biker
Picture credit score: Do Norte Café by Hungry Biker
Only a quick stroll from Clérigos Church in Baixa is Do Norte Café, a hub for sensational gluten-free meals.
That is absolutely one of the vital uniquely adorned eating places in Porto. I spent the whole time right here admiring the quirky methods tree branches have been used as furnishings and ornaments. It virtually appears like a comfy mountain lodge inside.
Do Norte Café is legendary for its French toasts, however I wasn’t planning on ordering it till I noticed plate after plate rising from the kitchen. The sight of those colourful concoctions was sufficient to persuade me to strive it for myself!
On prime of the honey-like brioche was an exceptional mixture of wealthy chocolate, woody cinnamon, and refreshing fruits. Nonetheless, it was the addition of caramel-tasting port wine that basically made this dish stand out.
Do Norte Café by Hungry Biker (€€) – Rua do Almada 57/59 4000, 4050-036 Porto, Portugal – Open day-after-day from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Padaria Celícias
Picture credit score: Padaria Celícias
Head south of the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia, and also you’ll discover Padaria Celícias. This can be a gluten-free bakery that’s nicely value visiting no matter whether or not you’re trying to find wheatless treats or not.
The workers members are what carry this small and up to date bakery to life, as they’re all the time readily available to run you thru the rows of dreamy desserts.
After all, pastéis de nata are a few of their prime sellers, however they’ve acquired different delights like eclairs, crimson velvet cake, and chocolate-filled pastries. I noticed one remaining slice of the their orange chocolate cake, which I took as a surefire signal that this was a very scrumptious deal with.
There’s nothing fairly just like the fusion of barely bitter darkish chocolate, zesty orange, and ethereal sponge. Though the flavors have been intense and the parts have been heavy, it wasn’t overly filling, and I needed to cease myself from ordering a second.
Padaria Celícias (€€) – R. Machado dos Santos 639, 4400-209 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal – Closed each Monday and Sunday, open each 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Odete Bakery
Picture credit score: Odete Bakery
I couldn’t probably put collectively this information to going gluten-free in Porto, Portugal, with out mentioning Odete Bakery within the Bonfim district.
It’s really a vegan bakery, however they’ve turn into simply as in style with gluten-free guests as it’s with plant-based diners. The inside appears like a cross between somebody’s residence and a restaurant, with its darkish picket tables, old style piano, and homely vibe.
Their gluten-free croissants have been virtually offered out, however I used to be lucky sufficient to snag the second final one.
Simply as I used to be about to enterprise exterior, one of many tables opened up, that means I might benefit from the sound of the piano whereas I devoured my buttery croissant. Any wheat-free croissant I’ve had prior to now was on the dry aspect, however this one was relatively flaky and even somewhat moist inside.
Odete Bakery (€€) – R. de Santo Ildefonso 478, 4000-467 Porto, Portugal – Open each Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to six:00 pm and each Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Conclusion
In some cities, you’re restricted to only a handful of gluten-free menu gadgets and even fewer absolutely celiac-friendly institutions. Happily, Porto isn’t the sort of place the place it’s worthwhile to sacrifice high quality eating by avoiding wheat, making it an outstanding vacation spot for gluten-free foodies.
