Leitão da Bairrada

Leitão da Bairrada is arguably Portugal's most celebrated roast, a whole suckling pig seasoned with pepper paste and salt, then slow-roasted in traditional wood-fired brick ovens until the skin achieves an impossibly crisp, golden crackle. The piglets are typically four to six weeks old. The dish carries IGP certification.

The town of Mealhada is the epicentre, with dozens of restaurants along the EN1 highway dedicated exclusively to leitão. Served with orange slices, salad, and fried potatoes, leitão da Bairrada is a destination dish that draws visitors from across Portugal.