The Portuguese have a nationally practiced diet centered around fish and seafood, with marine ingredients featuring in most dishes. Alvor's traditional cuisine highlights dishes made from clams and oysters found in the estuary.
Historically, Alvor's home cooking depended on seasonal produce. Nowadays, a variety of ingredients are available year-round, not only for local dishes but also for international cuisine.
In the 17th century, Alvor started harvesting corn, which eventually led to the creation of recipes for corn bread (pão de milho), a staple in soups. Alvorians also enjoy traditional local white bread, fried sardines, and olives.
Alvor's restaurants offer a diverse menu, including Portuguese cuisine and popular international options like Chinese, Indian, Italian, and English dishes. Vegetarians will find more choices in restaurants than in cafes. Additionally, the resort's eateries always feature freshly caught fish from local fishermen.
No exploration of Alvor's national cuisine would be complete without mentioning Portugal's renowned alcoholic drink, port wine. Port wine is crafted from a blend of different wines. Southern Portugal also has two local spirits that are popular – Aguardente and Medronho. Aguardente is a potent Portuguese brandy known for its throat-warming qualities. Medronho, often called firewater, is a strong drink made from strawberry fruit, capable of affecting even the sturdiest individuals.
