Insider: Margaret Varela

Moderator & Creator, Travel Portugal Facebook Community, and Margaret’s Portuguese Kitchen

Interview

Governing the largest Portugal-focused travel community on Facebook (176k Members), Margaret Varela got her start in the online world with a beloved cooking blog. Privy to in depth knowledge on Portugal, this Portuguese-Canadian returns to her homeland frequently and shared some of her best tips with us.

Questions:

Tell us briefly about yourself and your relationship to Portugal?

I was born in Cascais, Portugal, and came to Canada with my family when I was 8. I traveled back often as a child and more so as an adult. I have always had a love for Portugal and consider it my second home.

You started your online blog, Margaret’s Portuguese Kitchen long before running Travel Portugal. What do you love about Portuguese cuisine? 

I was brought up on Portuguese cuisine; my mother cooked every day and is from the Alentejo. When I got married, I married a man who loved to eat good Portuguese food. His mother is a fantastic cook, and I learned a lot from him and his family. They are from the north, and some of their dishes are different from what my family cooked and what I was used to. When traveling through Portugal, I recommend trying the cuisine from the area you are visiting. Different areas of Portugal are famous for specific dishes. 

Of all the dishes, what is your absolute favorite, both sweet and savory?

My favorite dish is Polvo à Lagareiro. It is octopus cooked with potatoes and lots of olive oil, then grilled for a few minutes. My favorite dessert is Molotof, a light baked meringue pudding. It’s the perfect end to a meal.

Can you share your Portuguese favorite recipe?

My favorite recipe is Carne de Porco à Alentejana (pork and clams). It used to be my favorite dish until I got hooked on polvo (octopus). https://travelportugal.blog/pork-clam-dish-carne-de-porco-a-alentejana/

Do you have a favorite restaurant or café that is a must-visit when in Portugal?

When in Portugal, I always try out new restaurants, especially those recommended by the experts in the Travel Portugal group. They know all the hidden gems. I have several that I really enjoyed throughout my travels. On my last trip, I discovered Restaurante O Castigo near Alcobaça. If you like steak, it is the place to go. I also discovered Atelier do Doce near Alfeizerão. It is a great café/bakery with the best Bola de Berlim I have ever tasted. 

When returning home to Canada, what ingredients (and potential gifts) are in your suitcase?

I always bring back Ginja (cherry liqueur), goat cheese, and a package of Queijadas de Sintra.

For those who are planning to come to Portugal, what is the number one piece of advice you’d give travellers?

Don’t try to cram all the sights and numerous towns into your vacation. Portugal is a small country, but there is so much to see and enjoy. Take time to just walk around, sit at a café, or walk on the beach, even if it’s too cold to swim. Sometimes travelers tell me they have a week and want to see Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, as well as do day trips to Sintra and Óbidos. It can be done, but it’s definitely not recommended.

Photo Source: Margaret Varela (Facebook)

Syllogi’s ‘Insiders’ interviews various subject matter experts who are travelling the globe, both personally and professionally, and share their favorite tips and recommendations.