Bolo do caco is a round, flat Madeiran bread made from wheat and sweet potato, cooked on a flat stone rather than baked in an oven. It's a staple side dish across the island, typically split open and slathered with garlic butter.
Origin & Meaning
The name comes from the caco, the flat volcanic stone traditionally used to cook the bread over an open fire, long before modern ovens were common on the island. Sweet potato, grown widely on Madeira, gives the bread its soft texture and faint sweetness, balancing the savory garlic butter it's almost always served with. Once a humble, practical way to bake bread without an oven, bolo do caco has become one of Madeira's most recognizable foods, found on nearly every restaurant menu on the island. In Funchal's Old Town, it's common to see it made fresh on griddles right at the counter, part of a lively street-food culture built around quick, affordable local snacks. Some restaurants add extra fillings, such as chouriço (smoked sausage), turning the simple flatbread into a more substantial sandwich. It's inexpensive and widely available, which has made it as much a everyday snack for locals as a must-try food for visitors.
Where to Experience It
Bolo do caco is served everywhere from simple snack bars to sit-down restaurants, most often alongside espetada or as a garlic-bread starter on its own. Some spots serve it fresh off the griddle, split and buttered right in front of you. Browse restaurants serving traditional Madeiran food on our Where to Eat page.
Related Terms
Bolo do caco is the classic companion to espetada, Madeira's traditional beef skewer, and the two are often ordered together as part of the same meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bolo do caco made of?
It's made from wheat flour and mashed sweet potato, cooked on a flat stone called a caco rather than baked in an oven.
How is bolo do caco usually served?
Warm, split open, and spread with garlic butter — often as a side to espetada or on its own as a starter, and sometimes filled with chouriço for a heartier snack.
Why is it called "bolo do caco"?
It's named after the caco, the traditional flat volcanic stone the bread is cooked on.
Is bolo do caco sweet or savory?
It's mildly sweet on its own thanks to the sweet potato, but it's typically served savory, with garlic butter.
