Madeira Food Tour with Food on Foot in Funchal - Experience You Can't Miss

The best way to truly experience a place is through its food, and Madeira is no exception. The island’s cuisine is shaped by centuries of tradition, rich volcanic soil, and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, making it unique from mainland Portugal. From fresh seafood and tropical fruits to Madeira Wine and the island’s signature drink, Poncha, there’s no shortage of flavours to discover.

With so much to try, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start—that’s why we joined Food on Foot in Funchal, a guided tour that takes you on a delicious journey through Madeira’s local cuisine, one bite at a time. Along the way, we got to sample some of the island’s best dishes, learn about their origins, and uncover hidden gems in the city’s food scene.

If you’d like to join the same tour, Food on Foot offers an exclusive 10% discount for readers of our Madeira eBook—the ultimate guide to planning your trip and experiencing the best of the island!

When’s the Best Time for a Food Tour in Madeira?

Madeira’s cuisine is deeply connected to the island’s seasonality—from the local fruits and fresh seafood to the traditional dishes that change throughout the year. And with Madeira’s endless festivals and celebrations, there’s always something new to try, depending on when you visit.

Food on Foot runs tours twice a day, and they constantly switch things up, meaning that even if you join the same tour twice, you’ll likely experience different spots, flavours, and local specialties. So really, there’s no wrong time to go on a food tour! But if you happen to visit during a festive season, you can expect to taste some of the seasonal treats that are only available at that time of the year—making the experience even more special.

What is traditional food in Madeira?

Madeira’s cuisine is a blend of fresh seafood, island-grown produce, and Portuguese influences. Signature dishes include Espada com banana (scabbard fish with banana), Bolo do Caco (garlic flatbread), and Espetada (grilled beef skewers). Seafood lovers can’t miss Lapas (grilled limpets), and no meal is complete without a glass of Madeira Wine or a Poncha—the island’s famous sugarcane rum cocktail.

Our Experience on a Food Tour in Madeira with Food on Foot

Our Madeira Food Tour kicked off in the heart of Funchal, where we had the pleasure of strolling through the city’s old, narrow streets. Along the way, our guide Ana surprised us at every turn, sharing fascinating insights about Madeira’s landmarks, traditions, and unique architecture. It wasn’t just about food—it was a deep dive into the island’s culture, history, and way of life.

Our first stop was the Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal’s main Farmers’ Market and a feast for the senses. We wandered through stalls overflowing with fresh produce, vibrant flowers, and local delicacies before getting a chance to taste some of Madeira’s most exotic fruits—one of the things the island is famous for.

Madeira’s fertile volcanic soil and subtropical climate create the perfect conditions for growing an incredible variety of fruits and vegetables. However, with limited land and a growing tourism industry, many products are imported. Still, there are a few standout fruits that are almost always locally grown, such as bananas and anona (custard apple)—a sweet and creamy fruit that’s a must-try when visiting the island.

Tasting Madeira’s Famous Wine

Of course, no visit to Funchal would be complete without trying Madeira Wine—one of the island’s most famous exports. In the past, Madeira was well known for this fortified wine, which was prized across Europe and even enjoyed by historical figures like George Washington. So naturally, our next stop was a local winery to experience it firsthand.

Funchal is home to several certified Madeira Wine producers, each of which must meet strict standards to carry the official Madeira Wine Certificate of Authenticity. Many of these wineries offer guided tours where you can learn about the unique production process, which is unlike any other wine in the world. Unlike standard wines, Madeira Wine is aged using a special heating and oxidation process, giving it its distinctively rich and complex flavour.

During our tasting, we sampled two varieties—a dry and a medium-sweet Madeira Wine. It’s not like the everyday wines you’d find in a supermarket; it’s stronger, deeper, and more intense, which makes it a bit of an acquired taste. Some people on our tour weren’t big fans, but we personally enjoyed both types.

Madeira Table Wines paired with Bolo do Caco

As Ana explained, Madeira Wine is traditionally reserved for special occasions, but there are plenty of other wines produced on the island that are perfect for everyday enjoyment. Our next stop took us to a local wine shop, where we had the chance to sample one of these table wines, paired with a delicious selection of local starters— cheese, chorizo, and the island’s famous Bolo do Caco, a soft, slightly chewy flatbread served warm with garlic butter.

Pastel de Nata and Bolo de Mel on Madeira

Although Madeira doesn’t have a long list of traditional desserts, the Portuguese master the art of pastries. Our next tasting stop was all about one of Portugal’s most beloved treats—the Pastel de Nata. This crispy, golden egg tart pastry is a must-try, and since it’s one of my personal favourites, I had high expectations—especially after having the best in the world during a weekend in Lisbon. But Ana knew exactly where to take us, and the pastel de nata at this spot did not disappoint! Paired with a small, strong Bica (Madeira’s term for espresso), it was the perfect match.

We weren’t done with sweets just yet. As we continued, we stopped by a shop specialising in local cookies and cakes, where we sampled an assortment of traditional cookies with flavours like passion fruit (maracujá) and almond—simple but absolutely delicious. The highlight, though, was Bolo de Mel, Madeira’s famous honey cake.

Bolo de Mel (literally “honey cake”) is Madeira’s oldest and most traditional dessert, originally brought to the island by sugarcane producers centuries ago. Despite its name, it’s actually made with sugarcane molasses, giving it a deep, rich flavour with hints of spices, nuts, and dried fruit. Traditionally, it’s torn apart by hand instead of sliced and is often enjoyed during Christmas—though you can find it year-round in bakeries across the island.

A Feast to Remember - Madeira Seafood

We went into this food tour expecting to try plenty of new flavours, but what we didn’t expect was to leave completely full—which is exactly what happened during our festive dinner stop.

The highlight of the meal was Madeira’s most iconic fish dish — Black Scabbard fish (Espada) with banana and passion fruit. This unusual combination might sound strange at first, but trust us—it works! The mild, buttery fish pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the banana and the tangy tropical flavour of passion fruit. Alongside it, we also tried Tuna in wine and vinegar sauce, a dish packed with bold flavours and cooked to perfection. Both were absolutely delicious and, of course, accompanied by another glass of Madeira wine.

With satisfied faces, our eight-person group did our best to finish everything, but there was simply too much! Even so, we left feeling happy, full, and excited for the final stop of the night.

The Last Stop – Poncha, Madeira’s Legendary Drink

Just before saying our goodbyes, we made one last stop at a famous local bar for the final treat of the day. We were given the option to choose a drink, but unsurprisingly, everyone picked Poncha—Madeira’s traditional sugarcane rum cocktail.

Ana showed us the secret method for making authentic Poncha, explaining that locals have their favourite spots around the island, where they go specifically for the best versions of this drink. This wasn’t news to us—we also have a few go-to Poncha bars that we swear by, and we’ve included them in our Madeira eBook Guide alongside our top dining recommendations.

If you’re planning a trip to Madeira, our guide has expert tips to help you experience the best the island has to offer, along with exclusive discounts for car rentals, tours, and activities with trusted companies. So whether you’re looking for the best Poncha, the top local restaurants, or the ultimate Madeira experiences, we’ve got you covered!