The bread that comes first
Bolo do Caco
Before any dish arrives at a Madeiran table, the bolo do caco does. It's a round, soft flatbread made with sweet potato, split open while still warm and spread with garlic butter that melts straight into the crumb. Not really a cake, despite the name — and impossible to eat just one slice.
At Sabores da Andreia it comes to the table warm, with proper garlic butter — the way it should be. It also makes a great sandwich bread if you want something to take away.
Served warm, every day
What is bolo do caco?
A flatbread of wheat flour and mashed sweet potato, traditionally baked on a 'caco' — a hot basalt stone slab. The sweet potato keeps the crumb soft and slightly sweet for days, which is why it became Madeira's everyday bread.
Why the garlic butter?
Warm bread, crushed garlic, butter and a little parsley — the simplest combination and the one everyone remembers. In Madeira the bolo do caco is the opening act of every meal, from beach kiosks to Sunday lunch.
How we serve it
Warm, split and buttered, alongside whatever you order — or on its own with a poncha at the bar. It also goes very well next to our espetada, soaking up the juices.
Try it in Caniço
Estrada José Avelino Pinto, Ed. Vip IV 64G, 9125-024 Caniço, Madeira Island. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11:30–23:00 (kitchen 12:00–21:30), Monday until 17:00, closed Sundays.