The local cuisine, whether you are self catering or eating out, is to be relished. Madeira has an abundance of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. Restaurant food is generally freshly cooked, using the local ingredients.
Look out for some of the local specialites:
Fish
Espada Preta or Black Scabbard Fish
This is a long, gruesome looking fish covered in black skin. You can ask the fishmongers at the supermarkets (either Pingo Doce or Continente) to fillet the fish for you, if you are cooking it yourself at home. The local restaurants often serve the fish accompanied by fried banana or a sauce of passion fruit.
Meat
Espetada / Beef on a skewer.
Traditionally, skewered on a bay laurel branch, this consists of chunks of beef rubbed in garlic and salt. Most espetada restaurants have stands at each table on which to hang the skewers which are now mostly made of metal.
Espetada is generally served with chips (batata fritas), fried maize cubes (milho frito) and salad.
Puddings
The standard puddings in most restaurants are chocolate mouse or pudim maracuja (a passion fruit dessert).
Cakes and Pastries
Pasteis de Nata / Custard tarts
A Portuguese delicacy consisting of a tartlet made of flaky pasty and filled with a custard filling.
Quiejadas
A Cake made with cheese, eggs, milk and sugar.