What to Eat in Amarante: A Guide to Traditional Food and Sweets

Planning a trip to Amarante, Portugal?

Then make some space in your itinerary for food.

Located in Northern Portugal, on the banks of the Tâmega River, Amarante is known for its historic centre, local cuisine and particularly rich tradition of Portuguese sweets.

From almond-based convent sweets to traditional savoury dishes, here are some of the things worth trying when visiting Amarante.

Lérias

Let’s start with the sweet most closely connected to Casa das Lérias.

Lérias are traditional sweets from Amarante made with almonds, dark sugar, flour and water. Their recipe was recovered from recipes associated with the former Convent of Santa Clara in Amarante.

At Casa das Lérias, you can try the traditional version or explore different flavours, including Cocoa, Apple & Cinnamon, Spices, Port Wine and Citrus.

Pair one with an espresso made from freshly roasted coffee and you have a very Amarante kind of coffee break.

Papos de Anjo

Papos de Anjo are another traditional Portuguese convent sweet associated with Amarante.

Made with eggs and sugar, they are soft, rich and intensely sweet.

If you are exploring the traditional sweets of Amarante, this is one to look for in local pastry shops.

Brisas do Tâmega

The name itself points towards the river that runs through the city.

Brisas do Tâmega are one of the traditional sweets associated with Amarante and are part of the city’s wider convent confectionery tradition.

They are particularly worth trying if you want to explore more than one of the local specialities.

Toucinho do Céu

Another classic of Portuguese confectionery, Toucinho do Céu is made with ingredients including almonds, sugar and eggs.

The sweet exists in different regional versions throughout Portugal, and Amarante is one of the places where you can find it among the local traditional pastries.

It is rich, dense and definitely one for those with a serious sweet tooth.

Foguetes

Foguetes de Amarante are another traditional sweet associated with the city’s convent confectionery.

Along with Lérias, Papos de Anjo and Brisas do Tâmega, they are part of the collection of sweets that make Amarante particularly interesting for anyone interested in Portuguese food culture.

São Gonçalo sweets

The name of São Gonçalo is everywhere in Amarante, from the famous bridge to the church and local traditions.

It also appears in the city’s confectionery.

Bolos de São Gonçalo are among the traditional sweets recommended by Visit Portugal when exploring the food of Amarante.

Traditional savoury food

Amarante is not only about pastries.

The region is also known for traditional Portuguese dishes, including cod and meat dishes, which you will find in restaurants around the historic centre and wider municipality.

This makes Amarante a good destination for a full day of eating: a traditional lunch, a walk along the Tâmega and a pastry or coffee afterwards.

Where to eat in Amarante

If you are looking for a place to stop while exploring the city, Casa das Lérias is located in the historic centre of Amarante, on Rua Cândido dos Reis, close to the Tâmega River.

The café serves traditional Lérias alongside freshly roasted coffee, sandwiches, desserts and takeaway options. The terrace has views over the garden and river.

It works particularly well for a coffee stop, a sweet break or something to take with you while continuing to explore Amarante.

A simple Amarante food itinerary

If you only have one day in Amarante, keep it simple.

Morning: coffee and a Léria.

Lunch: try a traditional Portuguese dish in the historic centre.

Afternoon: walk along the Tâmega and explore the old streets.

Before leaving: take a box of local sweets home.

Because in Amarante, food is part of the destination – not just something you do between attractions.