Try spending a few hours at the Farmers’ Market in the heart of Funchal. It’s a kaleidoscope of food. Cactus pear, monster fruit, ground cherries, banana-passion fruit, you name it (if you can!): incredible fruits, as if picked from the orchards of a subtropical version of Avatar. The range of spices on offer is also fascinating, the fish stalls are fresh all the time, and all you want to do is run off with a bagfull of delicacies to the nearest kitchen.
The island’s gastronomic uniqueness is such that it’s possible to spend days at the table without repeating the ingredients. The exploration begins at the market and extends to even more seductive experiences: the cellars of the exquisite Madeira wine, the famous pastry shops, the taverns where poncha is served, that is, the popular cocktail that mixes sugar-cane brandy with lemon, orange, and passion fruit juice and honey.
Well, how do you solve the delicious dilemma of tasting everything? In a private cooking class, of course, with a chef who guides you through the market, carefully selects the food with you and heads to the stove, teaching your family how to turn everything into a memorable celebration. Better than this? To do it all over again – and discover more flavors!
