The origin of Bolos Lêvedos
Bolos Lêvedos are a gastronomic specialty typical of Vale das Furnas, parish of the Municipality of Povoação, São Miguel Island, Azores. It is estimated that this Azorean sweet appeared in the mid-19th century.
The origin of Bolos Lêvedos is related to the presence of the first settlers in São Miguel, constituting the basis of their food, at a time when it was difficult to obtain many different foods. Bolos Lêvedos are made almost in the same way as bread, so its production was easier.
Currently, it is already a reference that attracts thousands of tourists, every year, to the island. However, they are also very popular with locals and residents of the other islands. It can be said that visiting Furnas and not tasting the famous Bolos Lêvedos is like going to Rome and not seeing the Pope.
A large number of Bolos Lêvedos are produced daily and almost all bakeries in the region, especially those on São Miguel Island and Vale das Furnas in particular, produce this delicacy. When visiting Furnas, we advise you to visit our Rosa Quental bakery and try some delicious and warm Bolos Lêvedos.
Bolos Lêvedos are very popular for breakfast, with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. However, with its growing popularity, this cake began to be used also in the restaurants and served in different savory dishes: as a base for hamburgers and also with butter, cheese and ham. Today, there is even pizza in Bolo Lêvedo and Bolo Lêvedo with garlic (a version of garlic bread).
This cake has a similar shape to small discs, with a porous, toasted, and sweet dough. It is cooked on a frying pan or metal plate sprinkled with flour. With the growth of tourism in the region, Bolo Lêvedo has become the signature mark of Furnas.