TASCA Oportos essence of Portuguese food culture

There is a Portuguese word famous for allegedly being untranslatable in any language. That word is saudade, an emotional state caused by missing someone or desiring something that does not exist anymore. This is what often I feel when I'm not in this country.

But if one is looking for a truly untranslatable word in Portuguese. You'll find it right around the corner, a no-frills restaurant serving large portions of traditional food piled onto large aluminum or terracotta platters. And if not on that corner, surely on the next.

That 's a Tasca, or tasquinha (like locals like to call it) a type of eatery that only exists in Portugal. It’s not a Spanish bodega, French bistro, nor an Italian osteria. Often looking intimidating to tourists and non-locals, because it looks like entering in someones private home.

It's a spot that represents best the simple people of Portugal and their food culture. Natural produces from nearby, like vegetables, fish and meat. Very often directly from the backyard in the more provincial areas. Ecological products, vegetables cultivated as their ancestors did and fish and meat from local markets. This is if they don't use their own. So it might happen if chicken is on the menu, that you probably saw one in the morning picking corn in the backyard. So be careful with the animals you get friendship.

It was (and for most still is) a workers place, a place for the poorer . Delicious and well-cooked food like at home.

The essence of Portuguese traditional, regional cooking recipes combined with seasonal and fresh produces. Every day new, depending on seasons and possibilities.

Behind the stove, you'll often find the Boss. The nanny overlooking her recepies with her granddaughters and the rest of the family serving at the tables. It's often a true family business, like you won't find anymore in the world.

We handpicked (better we tasted LoL) some of what we consider the most authentic ones. All across the Minho region where you'll still able to find them in abundance.

Enjoy a unique lunch paired with an excellent housemade wine and our guidance and stories around what you'll be served.

After this experience, you will be forever connected with the beauty of this small and unique country.
Experiencing what the word "saudade" really means when leaving it.

Wait It would be a sin! If I'd forget to mention the wine, oh my god the wine...No brand, no label, just sometimes extraordinary house wine to choose from. Red, White or Verde, the latter one a sort of sparkle wine very common in the Minho area. That we'll dedicate an own experience in future.

Don't bother even to ask for your preferred brand even if they've got it. And you're smart enough to distinguish them. You MUST taste the house wine, not all are pearls but when you find one, then it'll be like you ordered the 1000$ bottle. This is because either they cultivate their own (those are most often unique and unforgettable) or they get it from Wine Cooperatives of that area. And the Douro Minho region has some of the best in the world.

Taste, experience and enjoy uniqueness.