Get to Know the Francesinha, Porto’s Famous Sandwich

In Porto, you can’t help but run into stunning views of the Douro River, steep hills that test your legs, and countless restaurants that claim to serve the best francesinha in town. But what exactly is this iconic sandwich, and why is it so important to Porto?

To understand, you first need to appreciate Portugal’s passion for food, which is especially evident in Porto. From bacalhau in every possible permutation to pastéis de nata, there’s no shortage of iconic eats here. Yet the one food that stands out as the city’s signature is the francesinha. Translated loosely, francesinha means “little French woman” or “little Frenchie,” but unlike the name, this dish is anything but delicate. Loaded with various meats, layered with melted cheese, and drenched in a rich, punchy, tomato-based sauce, this food goes beyond a typical sandwich.  

So where did the francesinha come from, and why the peculiar name? More important, where should you try one in Porto? Let’s dig in.

A French Sandwich Gets a Portuguese Twist

Like lots of culinary creations, this francesinha was born out of inspiration and adaptation from another dish. Its story begins in the 1950s when a Portuguese man named Daniel David da Silva returned to Porto after spending several years in France. Inspired by the croque-monsieur—the French ham and cheese sandwich, typically made with Gruyère, Parmesan, and béchamel sauce—he reimagined it for the local palate, incorporating more Portuguese smoked meats.

The sauce on top, which packs some heat, is said to come from Silva’s admiration of French women, whom he found bolder and “spicier” than the Portuguese. (Hence the name of this dish, although some claim “francesinha” is simply a nod to its French ancestry. Either way, it stuck, and it’s been sparking debates ever since.)

The francesinha debuted in 1952 at a restaurant called A Regaleira, where Silva worked. That restaurant was forced to close in 2018, but then reopened a few doors down in 2021, and still serves its famous francesinha. The legacy of this Portuguese sandwich lives on, there and in countless other restaurants in Porto.

How to eat a francesinha the right way!

The Francesinha Is Not Your Average Sandwich

What is actually in a francesinha? You start with a thick slice of toasted white bread, the foundation. Then roast beef or steak goes down, followed by sliced smoky sausages, some Portuguese ham, and another slice of bread to seal the deal. It’s then smothered in cheese (usually flamengo) and sent to the oven to melt. Finally, the warm sauce is poured generously on top so it soaks into the bread, and there you have it: the traditional francesinha.

Although the francesinha technically qualifies as a sandwich, this is no light snack. It’s a full main meal that demands a good appetite, and that’s why some people can eat only half at a time.

Some adventurous tourists, inspired by YouTube videos, might attempt to tackle it with their hands, taking the sandwich idea far too literally. Locals, however, know better. The proper way to eat a francesinha is with a knife and fork. Come hungry, order either a full or a half, pair it with crispy fries, and wash it all down with an ice-cold beer (or Coke).

Over time, this dish has evolved to include many variations. Today, it’s common to find francesinhas served with a fried egg on top. You’ll also find seafood, chicken, and vegetarian francesinhas, made with tofu or seitan. But no matter how much it adapts to modern tastes, the magic lies in the sauce.

Photo by Laura Siciliano-Rosen

The Francesinha Sauce: The Crown Jewel

Silva’s genius wasn’t so much in adding more layers of meat and cheese to a croque-monsieur; it was in creating the special sauce. That tomatoey sauce with a kick is the francesinha’s soul: laced with booze, a little tangy, a little spicy. It’s irresistible. The sauce is what makes this dish unique, and not just another sandwich. And every chef in Porto guards their recipe like a state secret.

Some sauces run sweet, others are spicier. Typically, it includes onions, garlic, tomato, beer, brandy, Port wine, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, bay leaves, and chile. The little variations give each sauce its own personality and certainly its own diehard fans. 

Where to Find the Best Francesinhas in Porto

The hunt for the best francesinha is a culinary odyssey. Every spot has its own spin, and taste, of course, is perfectly subjective. Like New Yorkers and their pizza, Porto locals love to argue about who has the best francesinha. What follows isn’t a definitive list but a nod to great places steeped in history, tradition, and the kind of popularity that fills tables night after night.

A Regaleira

A Regaleira is where it all began, the birthplace of Porto’s beloved francesinha. After closing in 2018, it’s back in new digs a few doors away, serving the iconic sandwich that’s been on its menu (officially) since 1952. The original francesinha is offered here with pork leg, ham, and sausage on the soft, light roll called bijou; there’s another popular version that includes steak and uses square, crustless white bread (which is what you’ll commonly spot around town). Smothered in a spicy sauce and topped with fresh sausage and linguiça, it’s a real indulgence. Add a fried egg and crispy fries, and wash it down with a cold Regaleira beer—a light, dry IPA brewed specifically to accompany the francesinha. Here’s a true taste of Porto’s culinary history. Rua do Bonjardim, 83, map

Café Santiago

Located downtown Porto, Café Santiago has been an institution since 1959. This is where locals and visitors alike flock to experience the francesinha in its most traditional form. No variations, no gimmicks, just the classic: ham, sausage, steak, cheese, bread, and their family-secret sauce. The only downside? It’s popular, expect a wait during peak hours. Rua de Passos Manual 226, map

Lado B

Right next door to Café Santiago, Lado B boldly claims it serves “the best francesinha in the world.” The menu caters to all tastes, offering traditional options alongside modern twists, like a vegetarian version with tofu, soy sausage, and eggplant. You can also try its carne assada variation, which swaps out the steak for slow-roasted pork loin (paired with multiple sausages, ham, mortadella, and more). If your appetite isn’t quite up to the full sandwich, there’s a meia francesinha (half portion) here too, still plenty indulgent. Rua de Passos Manual 190, map

Bufete Fase

Tucked away on the always-busy Rua Santa Catarina, Bufete Fase is an unassuming gem. Open since 1984, this small, no-frills spot doesn’t rely on advertising or social media to attract business. Its francesinha speaks for itself. Known for its spicy sauce and signature topping of sausage slices, it’s a purist’s dream. It doesn’t do any variations, so you know you’re getting the traditional experience here. Half portions aren’t officially on the menu, but don’t be shy about asking; they might surprise you. Rua Santa Catarina 1147, map

Yuko Tavern

A little farther from Porto’s main tourist drag, Yuko Tavern offers a taste of tradition with a side of nostalgia. This cozy, 1987-opened spot is steeped in old-school charm, from the dining room’s decor to the plates on which they serve. The “francesinha da casa” is the standout, layering ham, paio (a cured pork sausage), fresh sausage, linguiça, steak, and cheese, all crowned with an optional fried egg. For those who want something lighter (relatively speaking), Yuko also offers a half portion. This is a great place to try a vegetarian francesinha too: There’s a version with seitan that stays true to the spirit of the dish. Rua de Costa Cabral 2331, map

About the author: Joana Soares is a digital content creator from Porto, Portugal, who loves three things: good food, great stories, and planning trips she may or may not actually take. Follow her work and adventures on LinkedIn:  Joana Soares.