Spice level warning — Francesinha is not what I expected

I underestimated Francesinha. The briny and savoury description didn't prepare me for the reality. bacalhau salt cod brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

Portugal developed bacalhau salt cod cookery while exploring the Atlantic and has over 365 recipes for it. The a Lisbon tasca restaurant setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. Port wine cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.