Cape Verde Cuisine
Africa • Western Africa
20 iconic dishes
Signature Cape Verde Dishes
Arroz de Atum (Cape Verdean Tuna Rice)
Arroz de Atum is a flavorful and satisfying one-pot dish from Cape Verde, featuring rice cooked with tuna, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and olives. It's a quick and easy meal, perfect for weeknights, showcasing the islands' love for seafood.
Baked Fish with Vegetables and Herbs
A simple yet flavorful dish of white fish baked with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, showcasing the fresh seafood and produce of the islands.
Bife de Atum Grelhado com Molho de Manga
Grilled tuna steaks served with a vibrant and slightly sweet mango salsa, offering a tropical twist to a classic Cape Verdean ingredient.
Cachupa Rica
Cachupa Rica is a hearty and flavorful stew, considered by many to be the national dish of Cape Verde. It's a rich version of the traditional Cachupa, made with a variety of meats, corn, beans, and vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection.
Caldeirada de Peixe
Caldeirada de Peixe is a flavorful and rustic fish stew, a staple in Cape Verdean cuisine. It features a medley of fresh fish, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered in a rich broth, showcasing the islands' abundant seafood.
Caldo de Peixe com Legumes
A hearty and flavorful Cape Verdean fish stew, Caldo de Peixe combines tender chunks of white fish with a medley of root vegetables and aromatic seasonings in a rich, savory broth. It's a comforting and nutritious dish, showcasing the islands' fresh seafood and produce.
Canja de Galinha (Cape Verdean Chicken and Rice Soup)
A comforting and nourishing chicken and rice soup, considered a staple in Cape Verdean cuisine. It's often prepared for special occasions or when someone is feeling unwell.
Cuscuz com Feijão (Cape Verdean Cornmeal Porridge with Beans)
A hearty and nutritious dish from Cape Verde, Cuscuz com Feijão combines the comforting texture of cornmeal porridge with the earthy flavors of beans. Often served as a breakfast or a light meal, it represents the staple ingredients of the islands.
Doce de Batata Doce com Coco
A simple yet delightful Cape Verdean dessert featuring sweet potatoes simmered in a rich coconut milk and caramel sauce. This dish is tropical, comforting, and showcases the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
Frango com Amendoim e Legumes
A flavorful chicken dish simmered in a rich peanut sauce with a medley of fresh vegetables, reflecting West African influences on Cape Verdean cuisine.
Frango com Quiabo
A flavorful and comforting Cape Verdean dish featuring tender chicken pieces stewed with okra in a rich, savory sauce. This one-pot meal highlights the use of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices, offering a taste of traditional island cooking.
Grogue-Marinated Grilled Pork Ribs
Tender pork ribs marinated in the distinctive Cape Verdean rum, grogue, and grilled to smoky perfection, offering a unique sweet and savory flavor profile.
Gufonginho de Batata Doce
Gufonginho de Batata Doce are small, fried pastries made from a dough of cornmeal and sweet potato, offering a slightly sweet and satisfying bite. They are a popular treat in Cape Verde, often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
Linguica Frita com Banana Frita
A popular and simple dish featuring pan-fried linguica (a type of Portuguese-inspired sausage) served alongside sweet, crispy fried plantains (bananas). It's a comforting and flavorful combination often enjoyed as a light meal or appetizer.
Moamba de Galinha com Amendoim
A rich and savory chicken stew featuring the unique combination of palm oil (moamba) and peanut butter, simmered with sweet potatoes and aromatic spices. This dish offers a delightful blend of West African and Cape Verdean flavors, perfect for a comforting meal.
Modje de São Nicolau (Cape Verdean Goat Stew)
A rich and hearty stew originating from the island of São Nicolau, traditionally made with goat meat and a variety of root vegetables. Variations can include lamb, beef, or chicken.
Mufete de Peixe
A flavorful grilled fish dish, typically made with sea bass or similar white fish, marinated in a blend of garlic, herbs, and lemon, then grilled to perfection. It's often served with a side of boiled or fried sweet potatoes and a vibrant vinaigrette.
Polvo a Modo Ze de Lino (Cape Verdean Octopus Stew)
A flavorful and simple octopus stew, often made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a touch of heat from peppers. It's a testament to Cape Verde's rich maritime heritage.
Salada de Polvo (Cape Verdean Octopus Salad)
A refreshing and light Salada de Polvo, this Cape Verdean octopus salad is a delightful mix of tender octopus, crisp vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette. It's a perfect appetizer or side dish, highlighting the fresh seafood available in the region.
Xerém Tradicional
Xerém is a traditional Cape Verdean dish made from ground corn (similar to polenta or grits), often prepared with coconut milk and served as a side dish or a light meal. This version includes fresh tuna and is a flavorful representation of island cuisine.