A Taste of Tradition: Exploring Aveiro's Historical Train Station and Local Delicacies
Aug. 13, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
The city of Aveiro, located in Portugal, offers visitors an extraordinary blend of history, art, and culinary culture. A recent visit uncovered the exceptional beauty of the city's historical train station and a distinctive culinary tradition that's both intriguing and, for some, an acquired taste.
Historical Train Station:
Aveiro's historical train station is a rare gem that captivates travelers with its elegance. The station's façade is decorated with stunning panels of azulejos, traditional Portuguese blue and white tiles. These intricately designed tiles illustrate the beauties and traditional crafts of the region, providing a visual journey through Aveiro's rich heritage.
Inside the station, a showroom offers a feast for the senses, featuring local products that range from culinary delights to wellness essentials. The local salt, both edible and for baths, aromatic soaps, and wines from the Bairrada region provide a glimpse into the authentic offerings of the area.
A Sweet Tradition: Ovos Moles de Aveiro:
The sweet indulgence of Aveiro continues with an appealing presentation of candies called Ovos Moles de Aveiro or "soft eggs from Aveiro." Like many traditional Portuguese sweets, these were invented by nuns who utilized egg yolks left over from using egg whites to starch their habits.
The distinctive yellow color of Portuguese desserts, even extending to the croissants, is a result of the ample use of egg yolks. Ovos Moles de Aveiro is an epitome of this tradition, with a wafer shell shaped like a seashell and a bright yellow, creamy filling made of egg yolks and sugar.
A visit to the elegant café across the station named Casa dos Ovos Moles provides an opportunity to taste this traditional delicacy. However, like many unique local flavors, opinions on the dessert may vary. Some find the taste reminiscent of sugared eggs, perhaps an acquired preference. To some, nothing beats the iconic Pastel de Nata paired with coffee.
Aveiro presents a rich tapestry of culture, history, and gastronomy. From the historical train station adorned with beautiful azulejos to the unique culinary traditions, the city offers an authentic Portuguese experience. Whether enchanted by the packaging or the flavor of Ovos Moles de Aveiro, a trip to Aveiro is an exploration of taste and tradition, where even a train station becomes a gateway to cultural discovery.
