Madeira Exquisite Food on Foot: Market & Cooking in Funchal
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Little physical exertion required; comfortable walking pace around indoor and outdoor market spaces.
Overview
Dive into Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores with Madeira Exquisite Food on Foot Tours. Join a guided market walk and watch a chef turn local ingredients into a memorable lunch paired with Madeira wines.
Visit to the Market & Cooking Experience
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join an exciting cooking show led by a talented chef, starting with a vibrant market tour exploring tropical fruits and local ingredients. Experience fusion cooking through engaging demonstrations, from ceviche to espetada, and savor a delicious lunch paired with Portuguese wines. Connect with fellow food lovers in a relaxed atmosphere.
Have a Cooking Show led by an Amazing Chef!
Duration
Starts at: 10:00 AM on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Duration: 4h
About
We start with a detailed visit to the local market where the origins, history and traditions of tropical fruit, exotic flowers, unusual fish and seasonal vegetables will be explained as well as fruit tasting.
After a 5 minute walk, we will find our restaurant where a young, dynamic and relaxed team awaits to teach you along a no hands on approach. It's rather a cooking show instead.
From simple local fish ceviche to emblematic espada fish with banana guacamole to “espetada”, beef on the skewer, the world of fusion cooking is demystified and made easy and fun with our amazing Chef exhibition and explanation.
Chef's table is the table in the house. To learn the basics and beyond, so you can pick a few tricks for your home kitchen.
Each cooking experience ends with a delicious lunch and carefully chosen Portuguese wines.
You will gather around our table, to enjoy your wonderful meal and exchange conversation with others that share your love for all things culinary. Vegetarians are welcome.
What's included:
Qualified tour guide Expert Chef Instructions Lunch comprised of dishes made in the show Selection of local wines, dessert and coffee
Meeting point:
Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal Market, the tour guide will be waiting at the main entrance.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Hungry and Ready to Taste
Sampling fresh tropical fruits and local fish is part of the market tour—come prepared for a multi-sensorial experience.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking through a busy market and a short stroll to the cooking venue, so practical footwear is recommended.
Notify Dietary Restrictions in Advance
Vegetarian options are available, but it’s best to inform the guide or company ahead to ensure a perfect fit.
Bring a Notebook or Camera
You’ll want to capture cooking tips and vibrant market scenes for reference and memories.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Local hummingbirds attracted to tropical flowers around the market
- Mediterranean geckos often spotted on shaded market walls
History
Mercado dos Lavradores, built in 1940, has served as the commercial and social hub of Funchal's food and flower trade for over 80 years.
Conservation
The tour promotes sustainability by emphasizing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and reducing food waste through mindful culinary education.
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Adventure Hotspots in Funchal
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes help you navigate the market stalls and walking to the cooking venue with ease.
Light jacket or sweater
The temperature can dip in autumn, especially in the mornings and evenings.
fall specific
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
The market is partly outdoors; sun protection keeps the experience comfortable.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture colorful market scenes and cooking demos to remember the details and techniques.