Espada com banana — black scabbardfish with banana — is one of the most famous and most distinctive dishes of Madeira, and a regular on the tables of Câmara de Lobos.
The espada preta, the black scabbardfish, is a deep-sea fish with a long, eel-like body, bulging eyes and sharp teeth — a striking sight at the market. It lives in the deep waters around Madeira and is caught by local fishermen using longline techniques, fished from great depths. Câmara de Lobos, as one of the island's main fishing harbours, has a direct connection to this catch — its fleet supplies the fish that reaches Funchal's markets.
For the dish, the fish is filleted, seasoned, and lightly fried, then served — most distinctively — topped with fried Madeiran banana, and often a passion fruit sauce. The combination of the mild, flaky white fish with the sweetness of the banana sounds unusual, but is a much-loved island classic. For the visitor to Câmara de Lobos, it is a true and characteristic taste of Madeira.
⭐ Must-try:
Espada com banana
Highlights
- Black scabbardfish served with fried banana
- One of the most distinctive dishes of Madeira
- A deep-sea fish from the waters around the island
- Caught by the fishing fleet of Câmara de Lobos
- Mild white fish with the sweetness of banana
Frequently asked questions
What is espada com banana?
It is a Madeiran dish of black scabbardfish — a deep-sea fish — lightly fried and served topped with fried banana.
What is the connection to Câmara de Lobos?
Câmara de Lobos is one of Madeira's main fishing harbours, and its fleet catches the deep-sea scabbardfish.
Does the fish-and-banana combination work?
It sounds unusual, but the mild, flaky white fish with the sweetness of the banana is a much-loved island classic.