Nandinha Porto
Droolworthy Bolas!
One of the things that I'm quite proud of in my country is the amazing pastry that we developed over years and years of practice, love and innovation.
One in particular that I love is called Bola de Berlim, that roughly translates to berlim ball and is in fact a regional variant of the German Berliners. If you're totally oblivious of what a Berliner is, it's basically a fluffy sweet yeast dough, fried in a spherical shape, filled with jam or stuff like that. The Portuguese version is bigger, the sugar is usually more grainy and the stuffing is normally an egg-yolk based yellow cream.
So I love to keep track of places that excel in serving this amazing pastry, one that always makes your clothes sugary white but your tummy scream in joy. Nandinha, near the great Redondo, is one of my all time favourite places to devour this little ball of plain and pure happiness.
Small in size but huge in quality, Nandinha covers most of the Portuguese baking delicacies, also quite famous for their glórias, an explosive caloric portion of sugar and egg, donut shaped thingy that tastes wonderfully. They also serve lunch (good prices) and have this funny tradition where customers take Nandinha's logo to different parts of the world and take a photo with it: some are hung on a wall, and it actually adds something to Nandinha's personality.
Diabetes and teeth problems aside, go to Nandinha and just enjoy the sweeter side of Porto.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Porto guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Porto
Venham mais 5 (Original) – Keep 'em coming!
"Venham mais 5" in Porto is definitely not about a fancy atmosphere. It is all about experiencing the 'prego'. If you are like me, you want to go back...
By
Marta
Macedo
Chocolataria Equador – Chocolate dreams
"Chocolataria Equador" Porto is more than a shop - it's an experience. Whenever I enter the shop, the smell of chocolate is so dense I can almost taste it...
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Gelados Neveiros – Ice cream like it "used to be"
"Gelados Neveiros" is probably the oldest and one of most well known ice cream shops in Porto. REAL traditional recipes, homemade with fresh ingredients..."
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Mercado do Bom Sucesso – New life to the old market
"Mercado do Bom Sucesso" used to be a decaying market for fresh goods in Porto, but now it's got new life: so many restaurants to choose from!
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Two:su.shi – Bargain sushi!
"Two:su.shi" is a Japanese restaurant serving delicious sushi with great service and a cosy yet small atmosphere. Excellent place to satisfy your crave!
By
Tiago
Magalhães
Castiço da Sé – Panados is love, panados is life
"Castiço da Sé" in Porto is the perfect place to get some 'panados' -- the Portuguese version of Wiener Schnitzel! And the owners are a delight to talk to.
By
Tiago
Magalhães
Conga – World class bifanas!
"Conga" Porto is where you can find world-class bifanas, ones that taste the way they should; moist, spicy pieces of pork meat in a bread; delicious!
By
Tiago
Magalhães
The Happy Nest – Hidden garden in Porto's heart
"The Happy Nest" in central Porto is a coffee shop that makes breakfast, lunch or brunch enjoyable. Everything's amazing, but definitely try the croissants
By
Camila
Aldrighi
Portuguese Centre of Photography – Go to jail!
"The Portuguese Centre of Photography" in Porto is located in an ex-prison in the centre. Protip: go all the way down the street at the building's left side.
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
CC Bombarda – Not your regular shopping mall
"CC Bombard" in Porto is a small "shopping mall" that will surprise you with its originality, concept and products. My favourite shop there is Vertigo.
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Foz, Porto's seafront – Beaches north to south
Foz and Porto's seafront is definitely for me my favourite part of the city! In summer it can get crowded, but that's because it's Porto at its best!
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Padaria Ribeiro – Pastry perfected over 100 years
"Padaria Ribeiro" isn't just a bakery - it's an icon of the city! I imagine they have been perfecting their pastry recipes since the 19th century...
By