Santa Maria is similar to the other Azorean islands in what concerns to gastronomy, which is characterized by its authenticity and richness of flavours, that are very appreciated by all those who visit the archipelago. The presence of meat and fresh fish in the meals are indispensable elements that constitute the basis of the Azorean gastronomy and cannot be missing in the tables all year round.
In Santa Maria, some typical dishes of this island stand out, namely the turnip broth, which is made with turnip of Santa Maria (a kind of small and dark coloured turnip) and accompanied by slices of bread soaked in the broth’s sauce and also contains pork, entremeada and chouriço, which are cooked in the same water as the broth. The handmade sausages, on the other hand, are very appreciated in Santa Maria, being part of practically every dish, especially the Santa Maria sausage.
In relation to sweets, the most famous are the “biscoitos de orelha”, which are shaped like an ear. Besides this, suspiros, melindres and cavacas are other sweets that are on the list of the typical sweets of this island.
The cantaloupe raised in Santa Maria is a very appreciated fruit due to its unique flavour, not only by the locals but also by the whole archipelago of the Azores.
Last modified: 16 de July, 2021
