Cape Verdean gastronomy is one of the archipelago's greatest treasures, full of authentic flavours and local ingredients that invite you to a true cultural experience.
Eating well in Cabo Verde is more than just eating. It's a ritual that involves tradition, identity and the pleasure of living every moment.
Turn your holiday into a complete experience, letting yourself be enveloped by the aromas and flavours of meat and fish dishes, as well as the sweet delicacies and typical drinks that enrich every meal.
Discover the most emblematic dishes, divided into meat and fish, and get to know the best that Cabo Verde has to offer.
Cape Verdean meat dishes: comfort and tradition
Meat dishes in Cabo Verde are rich, comforting and carry the traditions of the islands.
Whether for lunch on a relaxing day or for cosy dinners after a day of adventures, there is an incredible variety of options that win you over with their combination of local ingredients.
Modje
Modje is a traditional goat stew prepared with cassava, sweet potato, green banana and yam.
This dish is an explosion of authentic flavours that reflects the essence of the archipelago and is perfect for dinner after a long day's sightseeing.
Modje envelops the palate in a fusion of intense, cosy and healthy flavours.
Modje of São Nicolau
Xerém
Xerém is a traditional Cape Verdean dish made from crushed maize flour, reminiscent of a more rustic, grainy polenta.
This dish has a comforting flavour and is very versatile; it can be prepared in a variety of ways. It is usually cooked with ingredients such as onion, garlic, olive oil and water, and with pieces of meat, fish or even vegetables.
One of the most popular versions includes the addition of local sausage or seafood, which gives the xerém a special flavour.
It is a dish often served on family occasions and can be accompanied by rich sauces such as tomato sauce or fish stock.
The intense flavour makes xerém a delicious choice for a traditional Cape Verdean lunch, perfect for those who want to try a simple but full-flavoured dish that reflects the authentic and traditional cuisine of the archipelago.
Xerém
Slow Roasted Chicken in a Wood Oven
There's nothing tastier than a chicken slowly roasted in a wood oven, which preserves the juices of the meat while adding a slight smoky touch.
This dish is ideal for lunch, accompanied by roast potatoes and a mango and fresh cheese salad, creating a harmony between sweet and savoury.
Goat Stew with Corn Noodles (Totoco)
This dish is prepared with pieces of kid slowly cooked with herbs and spices, served with corn pasta, known as Totoco.
It's a substantial and flavoursome meal, perfect for dinner. A comforting dish that reflects the archipelago's rural tradition.
Goat Stew with Corn Noodles (Totoco)
Source: Balai.cv
Rich Meat Cachupa
Cachupa is one of Cape Verde's most emblematic dishes, and the rich meat version is a complete meal, prepared with corn, beans, pork or beef and a variety of vegetables.
It's an ideal dish for lunch, especially on days when you want to experience an authentic Cape Verdean meal, surrounded by friends or family.
Cachupa
Bafa
Bafa is a much-loved dish in Cabo Verde, prepared with pork marinated in vinegar and spices, cooked until tender and flavoursome.
This dish can be enjoyed for both lunch and dinner and brings the distinctive flavour of traditional cuisine.
Bafa
Source: Wikipedia By Adriao - Own work
Fish and seafood dishes: the Atlantic on your plate
Cabo Verde is an archipelago surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and its cuisine reflects this interaction with the sea, through fish and seafood dishes that capture the freshness of the ocean.
These dishes are perfect for light lunches after a day at the beach or for dinners in seaside settings.
Grilled Esmoregal
Esmoregal is a typical Cape Verdean fish, and when grilled, it's a real treat.
Served with sautéed vegetables and fried cassava, it's ideal for lunch.
The mild flavour of the fish combines perfectly with the local accompaniments, providing a rich and nutritious experience.
Grilled Esmoregal
Rich Fish Cachupa
The fish version of the famous Cachupa is made with corn, beans, vegetables and fresh fish, a unique combination of textures and flavours.
This is a great choice for lunch after a relaxing morning on the beach, providing energy and authentic flavour.
Rich fish cachupa
Fish Moqueca
Inspired by Afro-Brazilian flavours, fish moqueca is a dish that combines fresh fish, coconut milk, peppers and spices, resulting in a rich and aromatic broth.
It's ideal for a romantic dinner by the stars in a seaside setting.
Fish moqueca
Source: Balai.cv
Grilled grouper
Grouper is one of the most popular fish in Cabo Verde.
Grilled and served with fried or roasted cassava, it's a classic dinner option, especially for those looking for something healthy, light and full of flavour.
Grilled grouper
Grilled lobster
Cabo Verde is known for its fresh lobster, which can be sweated or grilled and served with a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables.
This dish is ideal for a special dinner, providing a true Atlantic gourmet experience.
Lobster
Fried moray eel
This dish is a traditional Cape Verdean delicacy, consisting of moray eels marinated in lemon, garlic and spices, then fried until crispy.
Perfect for a relaxed dinner, it is often accompanied by a local beer to complete the experience.
Fried moray eel
Fish kebab
Fish kebabs are an excellent choice for lunch, especially after an active morning.
Made with pieces of fresh fish, marinated and grilled, it is served with vegetables and herb sauce.
Typical starters, desserts and drinks: complement your meal
In addition to the main dishes, Cabo Verde offers a variety of starters, desserts and drinks that further enrich the gastronomic experience.
Delicious starters
Start your meal with grilled local sausage and goat's cheese, a flavourful combination that reflects the simplicity and richness of the local cuisine.
Grilled sausage
For a lighter touch, a tuna or salmon carpaccio will bring freshness and sophistication to the table.
Fried pastries stuffed with tuna, onion and tomato, crunchy and with an enveloping flavour, are perfect for whetting the appetite.
Irresistible desserts
Cape Verde's desserts are equally varied and delicious.
Bol de Cuscus, steamed and served with fresh goat's cheese and sugar cane molasses, is a classic worth trying.
Cocada, a coconut sweet, is ideal for finishing off a meal on a high note.
Cocada
And if you fancy something fresh, pine nut ice cream or fruit salad with sugar cane honey are great choices.
Pine nut ice cream
Typical drinks
Among the typical drinks of Cape Verdean gastronomy, Fogo Island wines stand out. Both red and white wines are excellent choices, as they capture the volcanic terroir of the archipelago.
Some of Fogo's wines
The natural juices of baobab, tamarind, papaya, guava and calabaceira are perfect options for hot days.
To round off the evening, a glass of Grogue or Ponche will guarantee a traditional and memorable ending.
Eating well is living Cabo Verde intensely
Enjoying Cape Verde's gastronomy will allow you to interact with the history and culture of the islands. Each dish tells a story, each drink refreshes the spirit and each dessert sweetens the experience.
During your stay in Cabo Verde, take time to savour the local delicacies, from slow-cooked meats to fresh fish and seafood straight from the Atlantic.
Cabo Verde is not just a destination for exploring stunning landscapes and paradisiacal beaches. It's also a place to experience rich and authentic gastronomy, which is sure to make your trip unforgettable.
Pack your bags and enjoy Cape Verde's gastronomy as part of the adventure, immerse yourself in the local flavours and experience the true Cape Verdean spirit in every dish and every toast.
