Ep 7. Porto

In Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations season 8 episode 7, viewers are taken on a culinary tour of the beautiful city of Porto, Portugal. Host Andrew Zimmern guides viewers through the city’s rich food history, exploring the unique dishes that define Porto’s cuisine.

The episode opens with a visit to one of Porto’s top seafood restaurants, where Zimmern samples some of the freshest seafood in the city, including succulent oysters and clams straight from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Zimmern explains that Porto’s proximity to the ocean has made seafood a staple of the city’s cuisine, and he marvels at the skill of the restaurant’s chefs as they expertly prepare each dish.

Next, Zimmern takes viewers to a classic Porto restaurant that serves roasted meat dishes, including the famous Francesinha, a layered sandwich that includes ham, sausage, and beef, drowned in a rich tomato sauce and topped with a fried egg. Zimmern notes that the sandwich originated in Porto and has become a beloved national dish in Portugal.

Moving on, Zimmern visits a historic market to sample some of Porto’s famous dried cod. He explains that the fish was once a staple of the Portuguese diet as a result of the country’s long history as a seafaring nation. Despite its salty flavor and tough texture, the locals have found countless ways to prepare and enjoy it, from stewed dishes to savory pies.

In the next segment, Zimmern heads to a pastry shop to sample one of Porto’s most popular desserts, the pastel de nata. The treat is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet egg custard and caramelized sugar. Zimmern enjoys one alongside a cup of rich, dark coffee, which he notes is another staple of Porto’s culinary scene.

Finally, Zimmern introduces viewers to the traditional meal of cozido, which is a hearty stew made with a variety of meats and vegetables that are simmered in a clay pot for hours. Zimmern visits a cozy restaurant that serves cozido in the traditional way, allowing diners to select the meats and vegetables they prefer and then cooking them slowly over a fire.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern explores not only Porto’s unique flavors but also the culture and history behind each dish. He visits local artisans, farmers, and fishermen to learn about the ingredients and techniques that have made Porto’s cuisine so special. Viewers will come away with a deep appreciation for the diversity and complexity of Portuguese cuisine and a newfound hunger to taste it for themselves.