COVILHETES



The Covilhete is a type of minced pie named after the small black clay mould (from Bisalhães) in which it would be baked. Today, the delicacy's mould is no longer made of clay but its name has been preserved. The tradition of this speciality is very old and is linked to the religious festivals of Santo António, Senhor do Calvário and Senhora da Almodena, the only occasions where they would be sold. The popularity of the Covilhetes within the gastronomy of Vila Real has been growing since the 19th century, as there were people who would sell them through the streets in trays covered with linen. Nowadays, it's possible to buy Covilhetes at every confectionery in Vila Real as they are made on a daily basis.