Verified Facts
When visiting Cabo Verde, be sure to try the country's unique blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian cuisines, which features a variety of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional dishes such as Cachupa, a hearty stew made with corn, beans, and fish or meat.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Cabo Verde's cuisine is a unique blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences, reflecting the country's history as a Portuguese colony and its location off the coast of West Africa. The country's cuisine features a variety of fresh seafood, including tuna, swordfish, and lobster, as well as tropical fruits such as mangoes, papayas, and coconuts. The national dish, Cachupa, is a hearty stew made with corn, beans, and fish or meat, and is often served with a side of rice or funge (a type of cornmeal porridge). Regional variations in Cabo Verde's cuisine include the use of coconut milk and spices in dishes from the island of Santiago, and the emphasis on seafood in dishes from the island of Sal.
Cabo Verde's cuisine is also influenced by its African heritage, with many dishes featuring peanuts, chilies, and ginger. The country's cuisine is generally simple and hearty, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Grilling and stewing are common cooking methods, and many dishes are served with a side of rice, beans, or funge. In addition to its unique cuisine, Cabo Verde is also known for its music and dance, which often feature African rhythms and Portuguese instrumentation.
The country's cuisine is also shaped by its history as a trading hub, with many dishes featuring ingredients from other parts of Africa, Europe, and the Americas. For example, the use of tomatoes and potatoes in Cabo Verde's cuisine is a legacy of the Portuguese colonizers, who introduced these ingredients from the Americas. Similarly, the use of peanuts and chilies in Cabo Verde's cuisine is a reflection of the country's trade links with other parts of Africa.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cachupa | Stew | Hearty stew made with corn, beans, and fish or meat | Restaurants throughout the country |
| Calulu | Stew | Rich stew made with fish or meat, coconut milk, and spices | Restaurants on the island of Santiago |
| Arroz de Pescado | Fish Dish | Flavorful rice dish made with fish, onions, and spices | Seafood restaurants on the island of Sal |
| Feijoada | Stew | Hearty stew made with beans, meat, and spices | Restaurants throughout the country |
| Espaghetti de Marisco | Seafood Dish | Spaghetti dish made with seafood, onions, and spices | Seafood restaurants on the island of Sal |
| Leitao | Roast Pork | Slow-roasted pork dish served with rice and vegetables | Restaurants on the island of Santiago |
| Cataplana | Fish Dish | Fish dish made with fish, onions, and spices, cooked in a copper pot | Restaurants throughout the country |
| Funge | Side Dish | Type of cornmeal porridge often served with stews and sauces | Restaurants throughout the country |
| Morreia | Side Dish | Type of fried dough ball often served with stews and sauces | Street food vendors throughout the country |
| Cocada | Dessert | Rich coconut dessert made with coconut milk, sugar, and eggs | Bakeries and cafes throughout the country |
Street Food & Snacks
- Prego: a type of sandwich made with grilled meat, onions, and spices, typically costing $3-$5 USD
- Morreia: a type of fried dough ball often served with stews and sauces, typically costing $2-$3 USD
- Coxinha: a type of fried dough filled with chicken or fish, typically costing $4-$5 USD
- Acarajé: a type of fried dough filled with peanuts or coconut, typically costing $3-$4 USD
- Fresh Fruit: tropical fruits such as mangoes, papayas, and coconuts are widely available at markets and from street vendors, typically costing $1-$2 USD
- Grilled Corn: grilled corn on the cob is a popular snack, typically costing $1-$2 USD
- Pão: a type of bread often served with stews and sauces, typically costing $1-$2 USD
- Queijo: a type of cheese often served with bread or as a snack, typically costing $3-$5 USD
Drinks
- Palm Wine: a type of wine made from palm sap, typically costing $5-$10 USD per bottle
- Coconut Water: fresh coconut water is widely available, typically costing $1-$2 USD per bottle
- Fresh Juice: tropical fruits such as mangoes, papayas, and coconuts are used to make fresh juice, typically costing $2-$3 USD per glass
- Beer: local beers such as Strela and Cerveja are widely available, typically costing $3-$5 USD per bottle
- Coffee: strong coffee is a staple in Cabo Verde, typically costing $1-$2 USD per cup
- Tea: herbal teas such as peppermint and lemongrass are popular, typically costing $1-$2 USD per cup
Dining Customs
- Eating with Hands: it is common to eat with your hands in Cabo Verde, especially when eating traditional dishes such as Cachupa
- Respect for Elders: older individuals are often shown respect by being served first and being given the best seats at the table
- Tipping: tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service, typically 5-10% of the total bill
- Dress Code: dress codes vary depending on the restaurant, but casual attire is generally acceptable
- Reservation Culture: reservations are not always necessary, but are recommended for popular restaurants
- Eating Etiquette: it is considered impolite to eat on the go or to eat with your left hand
Where to Eat
- Restaurants: a wide range of restaurants are available, from traditional Cabo Verdean cuisine to international options
- Markets: markets such as the Praia Market offer a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and seafood
- Food Courts: food courts such as the Praia Food Court offer a variety of options, from traditional Cabo Verdean cuisine to international options
- Street Food Vendors: street food vendors offer a wide range of snacks and meals, from prego to morreia
- Cafes: cafes such as the Cafe do Brasil offer a range of coffee, tea, and pastries
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Praia Market: a large market offering a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, located in the capital city of Praia
- Santiago Market: a market offering a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, located on the island of Santiago
- Sal Fish Market: a market specializing in fresh seafood, located on the island of Sal
- Cabo Verde Food Festival: an annual festival celebrating the country's cuisine, located in the capital city of Praia
- Cooking Classes: cooking classes are available, offering the opportunity to learn about traditional Cabo Verdean cuisine and cooking methods, located in various restaurants and cooking schools throughout the country