Where to Eat in Sal, Cape Verde: A Food Lover’s Guide to Local Cuisine Tickets & Tours & Informataion April 2025

Where to Eat in Sal, Cape Verde: A Food Lover’s Guide to Local Cuisine

Sal, Cape Verde, is a paradise not just for beach lovers but also for food enthusiasts. From fresh seafood to traditional Cape Verdean dishes, the island offers a vibrant culinary scene. Whether dining at a beachfront restaurant or a hidden local gem, you’ll find unforgettable flavors in every bite.

1. Taste the National Dish: Cachupa

Cachupa is Cape Verde’s signature dish, a slow-cooked stew made with corn, beans, vegetables, and either fish or meat. It’s a must-try for visitors wanting an authentic taste of local cuisine. Many restaurants serve Cachupa Refogada for breakfast, a delicious fried version with eggs and sausages.

2. Freshly Grilled Lobster by the Beach

Sal’s coastal restaurants offer some of the freshest seafood, with grilled lobster being a highlight. Served with garlic butter and rice, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish. Enjoy this delicacy at beachfront spots in Santa Maria, where you can dine with your toes in the sand, overlooking the ocean.

3. Savor Grogue and Ponche, Cape Verdean Drinks

Grogue, a locally distilled sugarcane rum, is a strong Cape Verdean specialty. For a sweeter option, try Ponche, a flavored liqueur made by mixing grogue with honey or fruit. Many bars and restaurants serve these drinks, making them the perfect way to end a delicious meal in Sal.

4. Discover Local Markets for Street Food Delights

For an affordable and authentic food experience, visit Santa Maria’s local markets. Here, you’ll find street vendors serving Pastel com diablo dentro, a crispy tuna-filled pastry, and Buzio, a dish made from sea snails. The markets are great places to interact with locals and taste homemade flavors.

5. Indulge in Cape Verdean Desserts

End your meal with a sweet treat like Pudim de Leite, a creamy caramel flan, or Doce de Papaya, a papaya jam often served with local cheese. Many bakeries and restaurants offer these delights, giving visitors a taste of Cape Verde’s rich culinary heritage in every bite.