Portugal Immigration: Experience a different kind of Portugal. Portuguese cuisine is diverse, but the Portuguese egg tart is world-renowned. Pastéis de Belém is considered the originator of the Portuguese egg tart, a true "century-old shop" that is always bustling with customers, no matter when you visit. Freshly baked tarts, sprinkled with aromatic cinnamon powder, are truly delicious and leave a lingering, memorable taste.
The Pastéis de Belém bakery is not only physically adjacent to the monastery, but its origin is also closely linked to it. Legend has it that after the Liberal Revolution in Portugal in 1820, all monasteries were closed. To survive, the monks began experimenting with making pastries to sell at the candy shop next door. Unexpectedly, they were quickly embraced by the public and became a local delicacy. Since 1837, the recipe for these egg tarts has been a secret, remaining unchanged ever since. The only thing that has changed is the endless stream of diners every day.
Does Portugal really have grapes? Once you arrive in Porto, this question is answered. Porto will tell you that Portugal truly has grapes!
Traveling east from Porto along the Douro River, you reach the Upper Douro Valley region, the upper reaches of the Douro River, which features vast vineyards. These exceptional grapes often grow on steep hillsides, forming spectacular terraced vineyards.
Where there are grapes, there is naturally wine. In the Upper Douro region, the rolling terraces, interspersed with wineries and houses scattered across the mountains, create unique landscapes. In 2001, this region was designated a "World Heritage Site" under the full name "Alto Douro Wine Region." It is said that to date, there are five World Heritage sites related to grapes and wine worldwide, and Portugal holds two of them (2001, Alto Douro Wine Region, Portugal; 2002, Tokaj Wine Region, Hungary; 2004, Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture, Portugal; 2006, Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila, Mexico; 2007, Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces, Switzerland).
The mountainous region of the Upper Douro has a history of grape cultivation spanning nearly 2,000 years. Since the 18th century, it has been world-famous for producing Port wine. Port wine is indeed named after Porto. After the fermentation and fortification processes are completed in the Upper Douro region, the wine is transported in oak barrels down the river on boats called "Barcos Rabelos" to Porto, where it completes the aging process in cellars before being bottled for sale and export.
After the grape harvest season, it is said that the Douro River is filled with Barcos Rabelos flying the flags of various wineries, a sight that is "quite spectacular." Like Sherry, the popularization of Port wine is also credited to the British; currently, most Port wineries in Portugal are controlled by the British, especially the world-famous major brands.
The Portuguese wine merchants of that time probably never imagined that today, it is said that only the United Kingdom still preserves the traditional culture of "Port." For instance, in Cambridge, dinners featuring Port wine require formal attire, including robes and caps, and the bottle must be placed on the left hand and passed clockwise. Here, Port culture carries a strong sense of ritual.
Today's Porto, along the banks of the Douro River, is almost entirely a world of Port wine.
Porto's wineries are actually not located on the riverbank; you must venture deep into the villages on the south bank of the river. Almost every winery here welcomes visitors. Among the many wineries, the one most familiar to Chinese people is probably Sandeman, right? A gentleman wearing a hat and a cape, holding a glass of fine wine. Today, this brand not only produces Port wine but has also acquired a Spanish Sherry brand of the same name. On the south bank, the most common sight you will see is the "Sandeman holding a red wine glass."