The Francesinha is a iconic Portuguese sandwich that originated in Porto in the 1950s. Its name means “little Frenchie” in Portuguese, and it was reportedly inspired by the French croque-monsieur. The traditional Francesinha is a hearty and indulgent dish, typically consisting of:
- Thick slices of bread
- Ham
- Linguiça (a type of Portuguese sausage)
- Fresh sausage
- Steak or roast meat
- Melted cheese
- A spicy tomato and beer sauce
This sandwich is usually topped with a fried egg and served with french fries. The Francesinha quickly became a staple in Porto and has since spread throughout northern Portugal, particularly in Braga. Today, you can find variations of this sandwich across the country, with each region and restaurant often putting their own spin on the classic recipe.
The Francesinha is renowned for its rich flavors and substantial portion size, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It’s considered a must-try dish for visitors to Porto and has become synonymous with the city’s culinary identity.
In recent years, as dietary preferences have evolved and demand for plant-based options has increased, vegan and vegetarian versions of the Francesinha have emerged. These adaptations aim to capture the essence of the original while catering to those who avoid animal products.
Vegan and vegetarian Francesinhas typically replace the meat components with plant-based alternatives such as:
- Seitan (wheat gluten)
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Plant-based sausages
- Grilled vegetables
The cheese is substituted with vegan cheese alternatives, often made from nuts or soy. The egg is usually omitted or replaced with a tofu-based “egg.”
Perhaps the most crucial element of the Francesinha, the sauce, is reimagined using vegetable stock, tomatoes, and beer (many beers are vegan-friendly), with various spices to mimic the complex flavors of the original.
While these vegan and vegetarian Francesinhas may not be as common as their traditional counterparts, they’re becoming increasingly available in larger cities and areas with a more diverse culinary scene. Some dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Porto and other Portuguese cities now offer their take on this classic sandwich.
These plant-based versions allow vegans and vegetarians to experience a part of Portuguese culinary culture that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. While purists might argue that it’s not a “true” Francesinha, these adaptations represent the evolution of traditional cuisine to meet changing dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that this beloved sandwich can be enjoyed by a wider audience.