Espetada madeirense — Madeiran beef skewers — is the great festive dish of Madeira, and one with a direct origin in the Câmara de Lobos area: the tradition is held to have been born in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, the parish in the hills above the village.
The dish is simple and spectacular. Chunks of beef are rubbed with garlic and rock salt, threaded onto a skewer — traditionally a stick of fragrant bay laurel wood, which scents the meat — and grilled over hot coals or wood. The espetada is often presented hanging vertically from a hook at the table, with butter melting down over the meat. It is traditionally eaten with the hands, with milho frito — fried cornmeal — and bolo do caco bread.
Espetada is the favourite food of the Madeirans, the dish for gathering with family and friends. The restaurants of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, where the tradition began, are renowned for serving the finest. For the visitor, an espetada here is the most authentic taste of the Madeiran table.
⭐ Must-try:
Espetada madeirense
Highlights
- Madeiran beef skewers — the island's festive dish
- The tradition born in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos
- Beef rubbed with garlic and salt, on a bay laurel skewer
- Grilled over coals, often served hanging from a hook
- Eaten with milho frito and bolo do caco bread
Frequently asked questions
What is espetada madeirense?
It is the Madeiran dish of beef skewers — chunks of garlic-and-salt beef on a bay laurel skewer, grilled over coals.
Where does espetada come from?
The tradition is held to have been born in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, the parish in the hills above the village.
How is espetada served?
It is often presented hanging from a hook at the table, eaten with the hands, with milho frito and bolo do caco bread.