Francesinha Is Heavier Than You Think

A francesinha is one of Porto’s most famous dishes, but it catches a lot of first-time visitors off guard because it’s much heavier than people expect.

It’s made with layers of bread, steak, sausage and ham, covered in melted cheese and drenched in a rich beer-based sauce, usually served with fries.

Most visitors underestimate how filling it is. Some locals will happily eat a whole one, but many people prefer having it at lunch rather than late at night because it’s seriously rich.

If it’s your first time trying one:

• Don’t plan a huge meal afterwards

• Go hungry

• And definitely expect to slow down afterwards

A cold beer alongside it is very common.

Tip: if you want the full experience without feeling completely destroyed afterwards, share fries instead of ordering extra sides.