As a general rule, Cape Verdean cuisine is very hearty – and that also applies to the national dish, cachupa. It is a stew made with sweetcorn, beans, onions, cabbage, and garlic. Take note: the more veggies the better. Expect to find sweet potatoes or green savoury bananas in your cachupa , as well. The dish is seasoned with bay leaves and allspice and can be made vegetarian or with meat or fish. Expect to see it served at any time of day when on Sal, even for breakfast. You will also be able to find cachupa in just about any of the island’s venues, sometimes even fresh off the wood-burning stove.