Choco frito is the great popular dish of the Sado: cuttlefish cut into thick strips, marinated, coated and fried until golden and crisp, served simply with lemon, fries and salad.
Its home town is Setúbal, directly across the estuary, where it is practically a civic emblem — but the fishing ports of the southern bank, Carrasqueira among them, land the same cuttlefish, and the dish long ago became part of Comporta's everyday cooking. It is inexpensive, generous and made for long, unhurried lunches.
Look for it chalked on boards outside tascas; eaten with a cold beer after a morning on the sand, it is one of the simplest pleasures of the coast.
⭐ Must-try:
Choco frito
Highlights
- Cuttlefish fried crisp and golden, tender inside
- A Sado estuary classic from the Setúbal tradition
- Served simply with lemon and fries
- Inexpensive staple of tascas across the coast
- Perfect casual lunch after the beach
Frequently asked questions
Is choco frito from Comporta?
It originates in Setúbal across the estuary, but the same cuttlefish is landed on the Comporta side and the dish is a fixture of local menus.
What does it cost?
It is one of the cheapest full plates on the coast — a generous serving at tasca prices.