Posted on June 20, 2024
Searching for an authentic local tour guide in Porto? Look no further! In “20 Questions with the Taste Porto Team”, we get to the heart of the local tour guides behind Porto’s oldest food tour company, Taste Porto.
Today, meet Rita! Born and raised in Porto, Rita is an “old soul” who has inherited her grandmother’s title of “the best cook in the house.” She is a curious and creative artist and a history enthusiast who feels happiest when sharing all the beautiful things that Porto has to offer.
Dive in and discover Rita’s unique take on Porto, a city as rich in history as it is in flavor.
Local Tour Guide Rita answers 20 Questions with Taste Porto
- Rita, describe Porto in one word.
Magical! - What’s the weirdest food and drink combo?
Fried Stuffed Tripe and Chocolate milk, strangely delicious and one of my childhood favorites!
- What do you always avoid ordering on a menu?
Rojões, there are many ways of getting them wrong, so I always stick to my favorite place to eat them, my grandmas! - Your friend from out of town is visiting. Where are you taking them?
Definitely to get them a francesinha in one of my favorite spots! - Do you like cooking? Which dish is your showstopper?
I love cooking!! Definitely my Bacalhau com Broa! - Describe yourself as a traveler in 3 words.
Adventurous and Unafraid but still a really big Planner! - What’s your favorite Portuguese comfort meal?
Farrapo Velho!! - What’s your favorite petisco?
Alheiras! They have been my favourite ever since I was a child! - What’s the best travel advice you have ever received?
Do your best to create a connection with a local, you get yourself a new friend and they will help you to have the local experience and stay off the beaten path! - Do you have a favorite quote or Portuguese traditional saying?
“Quem não arrisca, não petisca”. It’s simple but I like it because I am a firm believer that you have to take risks in life to grow as a person! - Complete the sentence: “A day in Porto is not complete without…”
… just a little bit (or a lot) of rain, which I love! - What’s your go-to coffee order?
Every chance that I get, a double shot of espresso! - What’s your most treasured memory in Porto?
Visiting the Bolhão Market for the first time, when I was just 6, with my grandma, and getting to experience the dynamic that she already had with a lot of the vendors over there! - Do you have any tips for someone who is visiting Porto for the first time?
Don’t be afraid to talk to people! Even if you don’t speak perfect Portuguese, the majority of people will love that you’re trying and they’ll also do the best they can themselves to speak back to you! - What’s the best way to spend a rainy day in Porto?
Exploring every nook and cranny of the Bolhão Market! Go get yourself a glass of wine and start overviewing the market! - What’s your favorite Portuguese tradition?
The launching of the lanterns during S. João in Porto!
- What is the most common misconception about Porto?
That it’s not a very walkable city! Once you get used to the hills, I think Porto is the kind of city where you just start wandering around the small streets exploring and meeting new people and places! - Where would someone go in Porto to buy local arts and crafts?
Rua de Cedofeita is, in my opinion, a really good starting point if that’s your main goal because if you just keep walking around that entire area you’ll find different stores and art galleries just selling different materials and art, from fabrics and yarn to paint and clay. Plus if you’re lucky enough to go there during a Saturday, you’ll see a lot of street vendors and even small markets selling original creations and traditional Portuguese art. - What is the secret to being an amazing tour guide?
I don’t think I’m the best I can ever be just yet, I still have a lot to learn and experience, but for me, having an amazing team that believes in me; continuous learning, both from books, colleagues and people I meet as a guide and, of course, the fact that I am absolutely in love with my city. These are the three things that, for now, make me the best version of myself and love, love my job.
20 Questions with Taste Porto
Throughout this interview series, “20 Questions with the Taste Porto Team”, we’ll have our local tour guides answer the questions that need asking, uncover the flavors that need uncovering, and maybe, just maybe, gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of the amazing Porto community. Stay tuned!
Cheers!
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