The canonical version and where to order it.
A dark, dense spiced cake built on sugarcane molasses, candied peel, nuts and a long list of spices. It is broken by hand rather than cut, and it keeps for a year.
Bolo de mel is the direct descendant of Madeira's sugar economy. The mel in the name is not bee honey but cane molasses, the residue of the mills that made the island rich in the 15th century. Households baked it in December for Christmas and kept it through the year, which the spice, dried fruit and molasses content allows. Cutting it with a knife is held to bring bad luck, so it is torn apart. Fábrica Santo António has been making it on Travessa do Forno since 1893.
1 editor pick for Bolo de mel de cana in Funchal, ranked by editorial score. All Funchal signature dishes · Bolo de mel de cana across every city.
Fábrica Santo António has made Madeiran sweets since 1893, selling bolo de mel de cana, broas and biscuits over the counter on Travessa do Forno in Funchal.
TipSaturday closes at 13:00 and Sunday not at all. The shop sits in the same building as the factory, so batches come out warm.
Bolo de mel de cana makes more sense with someone from Funchal explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Day trip · 8 hours
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Guided tour · 8 hours
Take in the landscapes of Madeira's vineyards on this full-day tour. Ride Fajã dos Padres cable car, visit a wine cellar, taste local wines and enjoy a typical Madeira...
4 hours
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