The Francesinha as a social experience
In Porto, the Francesinha isn’t just eaten—it’s celebrated. In restaurants like Café Santiago , Bufete Fase , or Capa Negra II, it’s considered a culinary must. It’s often ordered late at night or on weekends in a convivial setting. Anyone eating a Francesinha for the first time should definitely come hungry—it’s not for the faint of heart.
For many Portuguese, it’s also a part of their homeland and culture. Whether at the stadium, at a family meal, or after a long day at work, it’s part of everyday life. Especially in northern Portugal, it’s firmly anchored in the culinary memory.
Make your own Francesinha – Here’s how
Anyone who wants to try their hand at making a Francesinha themselves will need patience and good ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of white bread
- 1 small beef steak
- 1 slice of cooked ham
- 1 piece of linguiça or chouriço
- 2–3 slices of cheese (e.g. Gouda, Edam)
- 1 fried egg (optional)
- French fries as a side dish
Sauce (classic version):
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 200 ml beer
- 50 ml brandy or port wine
- 200 ml meat broth
- 1 tsp paprika (mild or hot)
- salt, pepper, some chili powder
Sauté the onions and garlic, add tomato paste, deglaze with beer and brandy, add spices and stock, simmer for about 20 minutes, puree – done.
The sandwich is layered in a baking dish, topped with cheese, and briefly baked. Then, drizzle with the hot sauce and serve with a fried egg and fries.
The Francesinha as a social experience
In Porto, the Francesinha isn’t just eaten—it’s celebrated. In restaurants like Café Santiago , Bufete Fase , or Capa Negra II, it’s considered a culinary must. It’s often ordered late at night or on weekends in a convivial setting. Anyone eating a Francesinha for the first time should definitely come hungry—it’s not for the faint of heart.
For many Portuguese, it’s also a part of their homeland and culture. Whether at the stadium, at a family meal, or after a long day at work, it’s part of everyday life. Especially in northern Portugal, it’s firmly anchored in the culinary memory.
Make your own Francesinha – Here’s how
Anyone who wants to try their hand at making a Francesinha themselves will need patience and good ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of white bread
- 1 small beef steak
- 1 slice of cooked ham
- 1 piece of linguiça or chouriço
- 2–3 slices of cheese (e.g. Gouda, Edam)
- 1 fried egg (optional)
- French fries as a side dish
Sauce (classic version):
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 200 ml beer
- 50 ml brandy or port wine
- 200 ml meat broth
- 1 tsp paprika (mild or hot)
- salt, pepper, some chili powder
Sauté the onions and garlic, add tomato paste, deglaze with beer and brandy, add spices and stock, simmer for about 20 minutes, puree – done.
The sandwich is layered in a baking dish, topped with cheese, and briefly baked. Then, drizzle with the hot sauce and serve with a fried egg and fries.
