Foodies who plan on traveling through Portugal would be missing out if they skipped the Alentejo, which stretches from the country’s southernmost region of Algarve to just below the Tagus River in central Portugal. A stay with us at Casa dos Condes in the heartland of Alentejo gives you the unique opportunity to savour the region’s simple yet mouthwatering cuisine, consisting mostly of soups, meats, fish and bread accented with locally-grown herbs like cilantro, mint and local olive oil.

Margarida, our “resident fairy”, has been with us for decades and is one of those Portuguese people who just has that innate skill to cook the most delicious meals, combining fresh vegetables from our own garden with the meat from the local butcher. Her special dishes can either be thoroughly enjoyed in our courtyard table or in a picnic under a “sobreiro” (cork tree) out in the open fields. This is as authentic of an experience as you can get.

If you want to experience a typical Alentejo meal during your stay, then you’ve come to the right place. Ensopado de Borrego, a stew-like dish of boiled lamb and bread cooked for over 8 hours, and Migas à Alentejana, a purée like of pork and bread, are some the delicious dishes Margarida can prepare for you. Bom apetite!