Neven's Portuguese Food Trails new seven-part series returns to RTÉ One

Neven Maguire is back with a new seven-part series of his popular Food Trails programmes, returning to Portugal following his highly enjoyable visit in 2022. This year, his travels take him from Porto in the North of Portugal to the Atlantic island of Madeira.

Locations that Neven visits include Porto, Coimbra, Óbidos, Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Madeira. Throughout the series, Neven meets some of Portugal's most renowned chefs and unique artisan food and drink producers. 

His visits include a trip to a tropical fruit farm accessed by cable car, cooking with a chef who uses 25 year-old oysters, a tasting at a steam powered rum distillery, and exploring a banana plantation with its own banana museum.

Neven also heads to Quinta das Lágrimas, the setting for Portugal's own real-life Romeo and Juliet story. He tours Bordallo Pinheiro, perhaps Portugal's most famous decorative ceramics producer discovers the spectacular Palácio Nacional da Pena and enjoys some traditional 'Fado' music.

Each week, Neven shares one of his own recipes, inspired by his Portuguese Food Trails.

Pictured: Neven with Carlos Silva at Casal De Santa Maria. 

"I was delighted to return to Portugal, an extraordinary country to explore as a chef and tourist. From Porto to Coimbra, Sintra, Lisbon and Madeira, I discovered the distinct artisan food and drink of each region and learned recipes from some of the country's most talented chefs," Neven said.

"Not only did we discover even more uniquely Portuguese produce, we met some incredible people who were exceptionally kind and welcoming wherever we travelled.

"In this new series we also ventured from mainland Portugal to the island of Madeira, a totally new experience for me, with a subtropical climate and cuisine.

"Throughout the series, I've tasted delicious food and drink, learned new cooking techniques and tips, and visited spectacular tourist attractions. Travelling through Portugal has been an enriching experience, and I'm looking forward to sharing it," he added.

Episode three was aired last week and featured Sintra and Cascais. He explores the town of Sintra and the surrounding area northwest of Lisbon and also heads south to the coastal town of Cascais. 

Pictured: Neven Maguire at Palácio Nacional da Pena in programme three of his new series of Neven's Portuguese Food Trails

Neven's first stop is the Palácio Nacional da Pena, a 19th-century palace famous for its brightly coloured and extravagant architecture. The palace was built as a summer home by a nobleman who married the Queen of Portugal in 1836. Today, the palace is used by the President of Portugal for state occasions. 

Cascais is a coastal town just outside Lisbon on what is known as 'The Portuguese Riviera'. Neven visits The Farol Hotel, where the chef shares three recipes that use typical Portuguese ingredients in innovative ways. Firstly, an enormous 25-year-old Oyster with Japanese Dashi seasoning and Caviar. This is followed by Smoked Eel with Strawberries and Tomatoes, Strawberry and Vanilla Vinaigrette and Lemon Ice Cream. 

All of Neven's recipes in this new series were filmed on the spectacular island of Madeira at the Quinta Das Vinhas estate and vineyard, which has been owned by the same family since 1685.

Neven's Portuguese Food Trails is produced and directed by David Hare for InproductionTV and is sponsored by FLOGAS.