History
The frigideira is the oldest surviving conventual pastry of the Minho, traced to the convent kitchens of Braga in the late 18th century. Frigideiras do Cantinho at Largo de Sao Joao do Souto has operated at the same address since 1796, making it one of the longest continuously traded food shops in Portugal. The name comes from the frying pan used to finish the pastry. A second house, Frigideiras da Se, opened in the 20th century two hundred metres away near the cathedral. Neither uses electric fryers; both finish in hand-held lard pans.
Book a food experience
Tours, tastings and classes that match this page, bookable on GetYourGuide.
Common allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Egg
Make it at home
Ingredients
- 250g plain flour
- 125ml warm water
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 tablespoon lard or vegetable shortening for the dough
- 500ml whole milk
- 150g caster sugar
- 8 egg yolks
- 30g cornflour
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Lard or neutral oil for frying (deep enough to submerge)
Method
- Make the custard: heat the milk with cinnamon and lemon zest to just below boiling then remove from heat.
- Whisk the egg yolks, sugar and cornflour together until smooth. Gradually pour in the hot milk, whisking constantly.
- Return to the pan over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick enough to hold its shape, about 8 minutes. Press clingfilm to the surface and chill completely.
- Make the dough: mix flour, salt and lard. Add warm water gradually, kneading to a smooth elastic dough. Rest 30 minutes covered.
- Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a thin oval about 15cm long.
- Place a tablespoon of cold custard in the centre of each oval. Fold and press the edges firmly to seal, forming a half-moon shape.
- Heat lard or oil to 180C. Fry the pastries 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply golden. Drain on kitchen paper and dust with icing sugar.
- Eat immediately while the custard is still warm inside.
Tip from the editors. The custard must be completely cold before filling or it leaks during frying. Press the edge seal firmly and check for gaps before lowering into the oil.
Where to eat frigideira de braga
Frigideira de Braga in Braga
Frigideiras do Cantinho ★ 4.8
Braga's most famous street bite: a fried puff-pastry pocket of egg-yolk custard cream, made here continuously since 1796 for under €2 per piece.
OrderFrigideira with a galão at the counter for the most honest €2.50 in Braga.
TipEat immediately outside on the steps for the optimal temperature. One frigideira, one tíbia and one sameirinho is the full three-pastry tasting for under €5.
Frigideiras da Sé ★ 4.2
A second specialist for Braga's frigideira tradition in the cathedral quarter, often quieter than the Cantinho original with the same full pastry range.
TipWalk here from the cathedral on a weekday morning when the Cantinho queue is longest. Same pastry, five minutes less waiting.
More places near Frigideiras do Cantinho and Frigideiras da Sé
Not on this list, but close by, nearest first. Every one is in our guide with its address, hours and what to order.
- Frigideiras do Cantinho Shop Market, under 100 m away
- Caldo Entornado Traditional Portuguese, about 100 m away
- Cafe A Brasileira Brunch, about 150 m away
- Cafe A Brasileira Snack Counter Street food, about 150 m away
- Nordico Coffee Shop Brunch, about 150 m away
- Livraria Contemporary Portuguese, about 200 m away
More cities are in research. Want frigideira de braga covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.