You’ve arrived in Madeira, what do you eat? I visited the gorgeous island of Madeira for the Funchal Half Marathon and here’s what I found. Madeira is a gorgeous island nation that is part of Portugal, and as a tropical location, the food is absolutely amazing. But with so much amazing and diverse options it can be hard to know what to pick. Here are the top seven local dishes you must try in Madeira.

1. Limpets (Lapas)

Typically served sizzling with garlic and butter, these aquatic snails are one of the staple food items on the island. They have a very mild taste, and I would compare them to squid, a flavorless meat until seasoning is added. It’s a staple of the local dishes in Madeira, and one you must try.

How to eat: I am adding this note because I made a mistake with my first limpet. After scooping them from the shell, be sure to pull out the inner black portion of the meat. We only want to eat the white part!

2. Beef Skewers (Espetada Madeira)

If you like steak, you have to try these. The most authentic way to eat them is from a roadside stand, with the meat placed along a skewer made from a sugar cane. But if that’s too hard core for you, it is also available at most typical restaurants on the island with a normal metal skewer.

3. Fried Cornmeal (Milho Frito)

Full honesty here, I did not know what I was ordering when I tried this for the first time. But it is a delicious addition with a beef espetada. Crunchy on the outside, and smooth on the inside this is a wonderful side for any dish in Madeira.

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4. Tuna Steak

Another amazing seafood item, I had mine topped with garlic and sides of potato and veggies. You know it’s good when it’s that healthy, and it still tastes good. These steaks can be found in most typical restaurants and are a great choice if you want seafood, without being too adventurous. The bones and skin will be removed, so you can easily pretend it’s chicken.

5. Seafood

It’s an island in the middle of the Atlantic. Any seafood you try will be good. I had mussels, oysters, and more during my trip here and everything was amazing. But there are still so many seafood items I want to try on my return.

6. Bolo do Caco

This is the heart of Madeira. This bread is soft and light, but oh so fulling. Made with sweet potato, this can be served with butter and garlic, or filled with meats such as beef or chorizo. Every way to try it is delicious.

7. Fruits

There are so many amazing fruits locally grown on this island. Since they follow the seasons you won’t be able to try all of them, but here are a few and their prime seasons. There’s Delicious fruit that is best described as a mixture of pineapple and banana, Anona or the custard apple, and Tabaibo (Prickly Pear) just to name a few of the many options. Of course this list below is only some of the amazing fruits that you can try while on island.

Peak Seasons for Fruit on Madeira:

Delicious fruit: Fall and Winter
Banana: July to September
Anona: November to January
Guava: October to February
Passion fruit: June to September 
Tabaibo: July to October

Warning: While you can try these for free at most farmers markets, the shopkeepers may add some sugar discreetly to enhance the taste and encourage purchase.

Bonus – What to Drink on Madeira

Of course it wouldn’t be a recommendation from me if I didn’t throw in some bonus items aside from the local dishes. This time it’s the two beverages that are local to Madeira.

Madeira Wine

This sweet dessert wine is one of the best parts of the island. As you explore the island look along the cliffs to see the tiny vineyards built into their sides. I did a tour and tasting with Blandy’s, but there are plenty of great options to try this wine.

Poncha

This rum based drink is made from the sugar cane plants that grow on the island. Most bars will also give you a small snack to enjoy while you drink, such as peanuts, chips, or fries. The original flavor is made with rum, honey, sugar, and orange or lemon juice, but if you want something sweeter most bars offer versions with different fruit juices.