One very traditional dish that is worth a try when you’re on the island of Madeira is scabbard fish with banana. Though it may sound a little strange, this freshly-cooked, local dish is very popular! The black scabbardfish is dark in colour, long and slender (hence its descriptive name), and resembles an eel more than a fish. Battering the scabbard adds a little bit of crunch to the dish – once cut into fillets, the fish is seasoned with garlic, lemon and pepper to taste.

Rolled in flour and then dipped in egg yolk for the batter, the coated fish pieces are fried in a pan of oil and butter. Once cooked, the remaining oil is drained and slices of banana are fried to serve with the fish. Would you give it a try? Have you already tasted it? The on-site restaurant and pool bar at HPB Cabo Girão offers a diverse menu, comprising local specialities and ‘western’ cuisine as well as a selection of fine wines. Got a sweet tooth? The desserts are delicious too!