ARTE Distribution

The Mercado do Bolhão, a vibrant historic market in Porto, Portugal, reopened in 2022 after a meticulous restoration, preserving its century-old traditions. Known as the women's market, there are over 70 stalls offering fresh produce, fruits, cheese, and a variety of vegetables. Sardines, tripe and spicy cured meats are part of the city’s culinary culture and the areas surrounding the Douro river offer agricultural products that are part region’s history. With its lupin beans, pine nuts and dried fruit this culinary hub reflects the essence of Northern Portugal.

The Mercado do Bolhão in Porto is a testament to the local culinary and cultural traditions. Beautifully restored and reopened in 2022, after an animated debate and a four-year renovation, it is still known as the “women’s market”. Since 1914 its 70 stalls brim with local treasures sold by women vendors: Dona Bininha offers fresh sardines and other fish as she has been doing since she was a child, Maria Lindinha provides prime cuts of meat and tripe for dishes like tripa à moda do Porto, and Maria sells turnips and vegetables to the customers that run the local soup bars. One of them is Dona Rosa who crafts her signature green turnip soup, while young Sofia, who represents the new generation of vendors, is specialized in dried fruits and nuts. Rui a young architect guides us through the stalls while buying his favourite cheese and chorizo, explaining the importance of the market for the people of Porto and the outcome of the renovation.
With Batata, a sardine fisherman we travel to Espinho, to see the xávega fishing and then how sardines are at the centre of culinary innovations by local chefs. In Vila Nova de Gaia, Gerardo bakes broa de Avintes, a historic, highly cherished bread made with three flours, one of which coming from the most Northern Montalegre province and São Pedro da Cova, where Ana Maria cultivates sweet, luscious figs.
The Mercado do Bolhão is facing the challenge brought by tourists flooding the city of Porto, but its links to the local customers are strong and a balance between serving foreigners and the neighbourhood locals can be achieved.