Cachupa: The Heartbeat of Cape Verde

Cachupa is more than a traditional dish — it is the soul of Cape Verde served on a plate. Rich, hearty, and deeply symbolic, cachupa tells the story of resilience, community, and love, carrying the essence of Cape Verdean culture across generations and oceans.

Born from the resourcefulness of Cape Verdean people, cachupa is a slow-cooked stew made with hominy corn, beans, vegetables, and a variety of meats or fish, depending on what is available. Every spoonful reflects the island spirit: a blend of African roots, Portuguese influence, and the vibrant creativity of a people who made joy from simple, humble ingredients.

The Origins of Cachupa

Cachupa has its roots in Cape Verde’s early colonial history, when survival meant making the most of scarce resources. Families would gather corn, beans, sweet potatoes, cassava, greens, and small portions of meat or fish to create a dish that could feed many and sustain life through hard times. Over time, it evolved into the national dish of Cape Verde, a symbol of celebration and communal spirit.

There are two main variations:

• Cachupa Rica: made with a generous amount of meats like pork, chicken, sausage, and sometimes seafood.
  
  

• Cachupa Pobre: a simpler version, focused more on the vegetables and corn, traditionally prepared in humbler homes.
  

Regardless of the version, the heart behind it remains the same: bringing people together around a shared table, with flavors that speak of endurance, family, and hope.

Cachupa at Lisboa Café

At Lisboa Cafe, we are proud to honor our Cape Verdean heritage by preparing authentic Cachupa with all the love and tradition it deserves. Our recipe stays true to the slow-cooking process that develops the dish’s deep, soulful flavors—perfectly tender corn, creamy beans, savory meats, and the comforting aroma that instantly transports you to a Cape Verdean kitchen.

Served fresh and full of heart, our Cachupa invites you to sit down, savor, and feel the connection to a culture where food is not just nourishment—it’s history, memory, and celebration.