Santa Maria, located on Sal Island in Cape Verde, is a culinary delight for food enthusiasts, offering a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect the island’s diverse cultural influences and abundant natural resources. Here’s a glimpse into the local cuisine you can savor in Santa Maria:
Fresh Seafood: Being a coastal town, Santa Maria boasts an impressive variety of fresh seafood. Dishes like grilled lobster, octopus, and tuna are staples. The local specialty, "percebes" (goose barnacles), is a must-try for adventurous eaters.
Cachupa: This is Cape Verde’s national dish, a hearty stew made with corn, beans, sweet potatoes, and a mix of meats such as sausage, pork, or fish. Cachupa is often enjoyed for breakfast, especially when reheated and fried with eggs, known as "cachupa refogada."
Pastel com diablo dentro: These are savory pastries filled with spicy tuna or other fish, reminiscent of empanadas. They make for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Lagostada: A luxurious dish featuring fresh lobster cooked with onions, tomatoes, and green peppers, often served with rice or potatoes. It highlights the island’s excellent seafood and vibrant flavors.
Buzio: This dish consists of large sea snails cooked in a flavorful stew with garlic, onions, and tomatoes. It's a unique taste of the local marine offerings.
Grilled Fish: Simple yet exquisite, the grilled fish in Santa Maria is often seasoned with local spices and served with sides like rice, vegetables, or fries. The freshness of the catch makes all the difference.
Feijoada: A traditional Cape Verdean dish influenced by Portuguese cuisine, feijoada is a stew of beans with pork or beef, enriched with local spices and served with rice.
Grogue: This local spirit, distilled from sugarcane, is a popular drink in Cape Verde. It’s often enjoyed straight or used as a base for cocktails. Be sure to try "pontche," a traditional grogue-based drink mixed with honey and lime.
Cuscuz: Unlike the North African couscous, Cape Verdean cuscuz is a steamed cornmeal dish often served for breakfast with sugar and milk or as a side dish with savory meals.
Fresquinho: For dessert, try fresquinho, a local treat made from papaya, sugar, and lime juice. It’s a refreshing way to end a meal.
Local Fruits: Enjoy tropical fruits like mangoes, papayas, and bananas, often served fresh or used in delicious fruit salads and smoothies.
Dining in Santa Maria is not just about the food but also the experience. Many restaurants are set along the beachfront, offering stunning views of the ocean while you enjoy your meal. The local hospitality and vibrant atmosphere add to the charm, making each dining experience memorable. Whether you’re savoring a casual meal at a beachside shack or indulging in a fine dining restaurant, the cuisine in Santa Maria is sure to leave a lasting impression.
