The food and wine of the Silver Coast region is rooted in a rich and varied tradition of gastronomy and fine wines. The cuisine is dominated by seafood which is not surprising given the Silver Coast’s position on the edge of the Atlantic. Much of the fish served in restaurants or sold in the supermarkets has come straight off the fishing boats.
Although not necessarily famed for its upmarket restaurants (although there are quite a few) instead it is the simple, mouthwatering seafood and fish on offer in its small restaurants on almost every street corner or beachfront – including several in Peniche and Lourinha/Porto Barcas.
And the ancient recipes handed down from generation to generation can be tasted in the region’s egg rolls and “cavacas” (light crisp cakes) from Caldas da Rainha, the bean pies from Torres Vedras and the sponge cakes from Landal, Painho and Rio Maior.
The Silver Coast is also known for the wine produced in the region – typically full-bodied, aromatic red wines and fruity whites. In the south the wines are lively when young, intense yet well balanced and with an exquisite bouquet when aged. Further north the white wines are delicious with intense fruit flavours.