Portuguese wine and delicious Bethlehem cakes.
Vila Real is a city located in northern Portugal, in the Douro region, known for its wine production and rich gastronomy. Regarding wine, Vila Real is situated within the Douro wine region, famous for producing high-quality red and fortified wines, such as the famous Port wine. In this region, grape varieties like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz are used for the production of these wines. As for gastronomy, Vila Real and the Douro region in general are known for their traditional and flavorful cuisine. Some of the typical dishes include: Cozido: A stew made with various meats such as pork, beef, chicken, and sausages, cooked together with vegetables, legumes, and potatoes. Posta mirandesa: A typical beef dish from the Trás-os-Montes region, which is close to Vila Real. It consists of a very tender and juicy beef steak served with French fries and salad. Arroz de pato: A duck rice dish, often served with chorizo and other meats, cooked in a flavorful broth. Bacalhau à Brás: A dish made with salted codfish, mixed with beaten eggs, fried potatoes, and onions. Sopa de cebola: A typical soup of the region, made with onions, bread, and gratinated cheese. Additionally, the Douro region is known for its olive oil, cheeses, and traditional sweets like "pasteis de Belém" and "bolas de Berlim." In and around Vila Real, you can find numerous restaurants and bars offering local dishes and wines to visitors. You can also visit the city's Wine Fair, which is held annually in September, to taste and discover the wines of the region.