Why everyone's missing out on the real food scene in Porto's backstreets

I was in Porto last month and skipped the main tourist spots. Found a tiny market called Mercado do Bolhão that's packed with locals. Their grilled sardines and vinho verde are amazing, and it's so cheap. If you don't go there, you're really missing out.

3 comments

3 Comments

aaron_cooper4h ago

Check Mercado do Bolhao right when the lunch crowd hits, that's when it's best. The sardines are unreal, way better than any fancy restaurant by the river. Grab a cheap glass of vinho verde from the stall in the back corner, the one with the blue awning. You can eat like a king there for under 15 euros. Most people just walk past it to get to the pretty tiles, but the real city is inside that market. Skipping it is basically paying more for worse food at the tourist traps.

josephhenderson2h ago

Listened to my friend gush about Mercado do Bolhão after his trip. He took @lucasw84's advice and showed up around 11:30, beat the worst lines for sardines. Said the pastel de nata from that bakery stall was still warm, way better than the touristy spots. Honestly, he spent maybe 12 euros on food and wine, felt like a local king. Tbh, the vinho verde from the blue awning stall made his whole day. Ngl, skipping that market is a huge mistake if you want real Porto.

lucasw844h ago

aaron_cooper is right about the lunch crowd, but I'd say get there right before it peaks, like 11:30. The sardine lines get crazy (trust me, I waited 20 minutes once). Also, try the pastel de nata from the bakery stall near the entrance, it's fresh out of the oven then. You'll have a better experience without the full rush.