The gastronomy of Pico Island offers a variety of typical dishes, including fish and seafood as well as meat.
As a starter, don’t miss out on the Pico cheese (DOP), which has maintained its manufacturing process since the 18th century and has been passed down through the generations of its producers.
For the main course, try the famous fish broths, made with only the freshest fish, or the famous octopus stew. If you prefer a meat dish, try the meat sauce or the sausage with yams. You can also try the fresh seafood, with beautiful dishes of mackerel, lobster and limpets.
Accompany this with an aperitif wine of verdelho, white, red and rosé. Being an island with a strong wine tradition, you won’t be short of choice. You can also try the famous “picarotas” brandies, such as fig, blackberry, medlar and nêveda, as well as angelica and liqueurs made from a wide variety of fruits.
As far as sweets are concerned, and closely related to the Holy Spirit festivities, you can try the rosquilhas, the rice pudding, the massa sovada and the vespers cake. Pico-style rosquilhas are typically used as decorations in the procession of the Divine Holy Spirit festivities. They are decorated with flowers and placed in wicker baskets, which are then carried on the head of the person carrying them. Afterwards, the rosquilhas are distributed among the population as a symbol of solidarity and friendship.