Porto on a plate
What is a francesinha?
A generous Porto sandwich, covered with melted cheese and a hot, rich sauce. Every house has its own version, and that is part of the point.
What goes into it
The classic francesinha layers bread with meats such as cured ham, fresh sausage and steak. It is covered with cheese, heated until molten and served in a tomato-and-beer sauce whose recipe changes from restaurant to restaurant. Chips and a fried egg are common companions.
The story
The best-known account says Daniel da Silva, a Portuguese emigrant who returned from France, adapted the croque-monsieur to Porto tastes in the 1950s. The exact origin has competing versions, but its French inspiration and its place in Porto food culture are clear.
Today it is one of Porto’s emblematic dishes, with recipes ranging from traditional versions to vegetarian interpretations and house sauces guarded as secrets.