Cooking Espetada: A Taste of Madeira’s Tradition at Casa da Nati

Espetada is one of Madeira’s most beloved traditional dishes — a simple yet flavorful skewered meat dish that brings people together around fire, food, and good company.

At Casa da Nati, we prepare Espetada the traditional way: over hot coals, using Pau de Louro (bay laurel wood) as skewers. This is how it’s been done for generations in Madeira. The bay wood not only holds the meat but also gently infuses it with a unique aroma and flavor that you simply can’t get any other way.

The meat — typically beef — is cut into generous cubes, seasoned only with coarse salt, garlic, and a touch of bay leaf. No fancy marinades, just honest, local ingredients. We skewer the meat onto the bay sticks and grill it slowly over an open flame, letting the natural flavors shine through.

What makes Espetada special isn’t just the food, but the experience. In Madeira, it’s often cooked outdoors, shared with friends and family, and always served with traditional sides like milho frito, salad, and of course, warm Bolo do Caco.

When you join us at Casa da Nati, you don’t just eat Espetada — you help make it. You’ll learn how to prepare and cook it just like we do at home. It’s not a restaurant setting, but a cultural immersion, where we share with you a tradition that’s close to our hearts.

Come hungry, and leave with full bellies and warm memories.