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Travessa
By Carlos Automatico
The communal serving platter central to Portuguese dining culture, from which dishes are shared at the table.
The travessa is the large serving platter from which food is shared at a Portuguese table. In a culture where communal eating is fundamental, the travessa brings people together — whether holding a whole grilled fish, arroz de marisco, or bacalhau com natas.
Travessas come in all materials and traditional pottery regions produce elaborately decorated versions. The act of placing a travessa at the centre embodies Portuguese values of generosity and the belief that meals are meant to be experienced together.