all Cape Verde is reputed to be one of the best places in the world to eat fresh fish. And it is the fishermen who, in a still very artisanal way, catch that fish near the coast that delights fans, and which you should take advantage of, if you are thinking of visiting or living in Cape Verde.
Where to find fresh fish in Cape Verde?
The fishermen, in their bright fishing boats, go out to sea early in the morning. In the middle of the morning, the saleswomen are waiting for us, the sun is already shining brightly. Part of the fish caught goes to the market; another is distributed by saleswomen; restaurants and supermarkets also take part; and it is in these places that you can find this wonderful fresh fish.
When is the best time to buy fresh fish in Cape Verde?
The best time to buy fresh fish is in the morning, whether at the vendors or fishermen. This ensures that it spends less time in the sun and heat, and is less likely to spoil/taste differently. In supermarkets and restaurants it will be properly refrigerated, so if the fish was caught that day and properly transported, there will not be this issue.
core/heading (h2) Is fish in Cape Verde all fresh?
There is an idea that all fish is fresh and recently caught off the coast of Cape Verde. It is important, however, to mention that, despite this richness, there is also imported fish, especially when we are talking about species that are almost not found or are rare off the coast of Cape Verde.
The importance of fish in Cape Verdean culture
The fact that Cape Verde is an island means that fish is present in much of its cuisine. On the one hand, due to its magnificent flavor, fresh fish can be easily grilled, boiled or baked and, together with a few side dishes, make a fantastic dish.
On the other hand, fish can be part of the traditional dishes of Cape Verdean cuisine such as, for example, Cachupa, Xerém and Pastéis de Milho. And, a good fish broth ends up being part of the diet in any Cape Verdean household. On the other hand, fish can be part of the traditional dishes of Cape Verdean cuisine such as, for example, Cachupa, Xerém and Pastéis de Milho. And, a good fish broth ends up being part of the diet in any Cape Verdean household.
How to know if the fish is fresh?
Especially when buying raw fish, it is important to know how to check that the fish is fresh. If the eyes are dull, the fish is probably not in the best condition. The same can be said of the scales, when they are soft and loose. In this case the fish will no longer be fresh.
Smell is also an important indicator of a fish’s freshness. The fish has a characteristic smell, but it should not smell like cuttlefish or rotten. There the fish is not in conditions to be consumed.
Some of the main fish you can find fresh in Cape Verde
If you want to taste the best fish in Cape Verde, and are looking for something fresh and local, you can see some of the best known ones that are often found in Cape Verdean waters:
- Serra
- Atum
- Salmão
- Garoupa
- Esmoregal
- Moreia
- Cavala
- Linguado
- Badejo
- Djéu
- Dourado
- Cação
- Charroco
- Cherne
- Pargo
(this is just a small list, taking into account the richness of marine fauna in the region)
Want to taste delicious fresh fish from Cape Verde? Our tips:
Tuna
Tasting a good tuna steak in Cape Verde can prove to be a divine experience. Tuna is a fleshy fish, red before cooking, which is easily eaten. It has a different texture than the others. There are several restaurants that offer tuna steaks to their customers, mostly grilled.
However, tuna can also be part of traditional dishes, such as Cachupa and Xerém, or Caldo.
Serra
The grilled serra fish is a delicacy for those who enjoy it. It is a light and tasty fish, which goes well with several side dishes on the island. It can often be found in Cape Verdean restaurants.
Salmão
Like tuna, salmon has a different texture than usual. Salmon, in Cape Verde, may have a clear color and not pink, due to its diet, but its flavor is still fantastic.
Other fish:
Espadarte, moreia, and garoupa or esmoregal are some of the most popular types of fish when it comes to a good fish broth.
Cavalinha, a more common fish on the Cape Verdean coasts, is used to give a sea flavor to corn pastries and is widely used, in various ways, in the daily lives of Cape Verdeans.
When we talk about cachupa, which is based on corn and other legumes, the choice can be made of various types of fish. Cachupa is a democratic dish, but fish with few bones and not too small seem to be ideal candidates.
Moreia is one of the most popular fish in Cape Verde. So popular that there are now two festivals dedicated to the moray eel, which are held annually on the Ilha do Maio and on the Ilha de Santiago.
Garoupa The grouper is, like the others, a versatile fish, which is delicious in several ways, for example, in the oven, or in a stew.
Fish like pargo, djéu, cação, cherne, charroco, badejo and other fish caught in Cape Verde,despite not being as popular on restaurant menus, are delicious options to prepare and try. Who knows if among these fish you won’t find one that will make you fall in love with the flavors of the sea, of this beautiful country?
other fish
As man does not only live on fish, shellfish, crustaceans and cephalopods can also be found on the Cape Verdean coast – some specific species. Grilled, fried, or in stews (stews), camarão, lagosta or polvo are, together with fish, true delicacies of the local cuisine. Bafa, for example, is another traditional dish that uses octopus and lapas,in its preparation.
Regardless of the type of fish, it is also important that the way it is served, so that food safety is ensured. One of the ways to guarantee this is to choose well-cooked fish.
In short:
There are several fish that are part of the Cape Verdean diet and that can be found on the coast of this country, and therefore, fresh. Although intensive fishing has reduced the number of fish on the coastthere is still good fish to be caught in traditional nets.
In restaurants, you can find tuna, salmon, sawfish with relative ease. Less frequently, swordfish, esmoregal and sometimes grouper. The moray eel is such a popular fish in Cape Verde that festivals are dedicated to it.
Almost all fish can be part of a good cachupa or be grilled or roasted. Options abound.
If you buy the raw fish, take a good look at its characteristics to ensure freshness. the best time to guarantee it, as well as to choose the best specimens, is in the morning. Opt for well cooked fish to avoid problems.
We hope you enjoy the wonderful offer of fish that the Atlantic has for you, and that you experience unique flavors on your visit to Cape Verde.
Tell us in the comments which is the tastiest fresh fish you had the opportunity to eat and how it was prepared.
