13. Little piggies
Mealhada is a town built on suckling pig. The main street is lined with industrial-scale restaurants serving up hundreds of spit-roasted piglets every day.
To become leitao da Bairrada, the animals are basted in a garlic-and-black-pepper sauce and cooked slowly to produce tender pink flesh wrapped in a crispy skin. Usually served with fried potatoes, slices of oranges and local sparkling wine, although purists prefer the Bairrada region's excellent reds. Where to try it?
Pedro dos Leitoes and Meta dos Leitoes are safe bets in Mealhada, Casa Vidal in nearby Aguada de Cima is a favorite with many insiders.
Sociedade Hoteleira Pedro dos Leitoes Lda., Rua Alvaro Pedro no 1 Sernadelo 3050-382, Mealhada 3050 - 382 Portugal;