I HAVE lived in the UK for more than ten years, having been born in Portugal.

Having not been home for four years I wanted to re-kindle some of my memories by trying some of my own country’s food.

So I headed to Taberna13 on Terminus Terrace in Southampton to see whether the restaurant stood the test of a real native.

Daily Echo: The entrance of the restaurantThe entrance of the restaurant (Image: The entrance of the restaurant)

As I walked in I was impressed by how modern the restaurant looked from the inside, from a ‘good vibes only sign’ to blue upholstered chairs for customers to sit on. From the first second it made me feel comfortable.

I went in knowing exactly what I wanted, a dish called Carne de Porco à Alentejana, made from pork, potatoes, coriander, and clams – yes you read that right, clams. A deeply traditional dish in Portuguese cuisine that first originated in the south coast of the country and a major tourism hotspot, the Algarve.

Daily Echo: Passion fruit cocktailPassion fruit cocktail (Image: Passion fruit cocktail)

After ordering the main, I ordered a cocktail - opting for a passion fruit mocktail. It was fresh and tasty, exactly what I needed after running in the rain while trying to get to the restaurant.

READ MORE: Taberna13 in Southampton is on a mission to show Nando's is not the only Portuguese food in town

After much anticipation, the dish finally came and the presentation was quite surprising.

Firstly, I wasn’t expecting to see slices of orange as that’s not in the original recipe but it was in fact a good addition to the dish.

Because the recipe has pickles in it, the vinegar from it can be quite intrusive to the whole plate but with the orange slices fought off the acidity of the pickles.

Being served by the chef for a review this weekend. pic.twitter.com/Xm0KLOnQ5F

I knew from the first moment that I wouldn’t be able to eat everything on my plate. As much as I tried to finish it all, I have the bad habit of always leaving something on the side, and this was no exception – but not for any other reason apart from just feeling full.

Daily Echo: called Carne de Porco à Alentejana, made from pork, potatoes, coriander, and clamscalled Carne de Porco à Alentejana, made from pork, potatoes, coriander, and clams (Image: called Carne de Porco à Alentejana, made from pork, potatoes, coriander, and clams)

I know what you’re thinking, does it stand the Portuguese test?

Well, if I’m honest with you, nothing will ever beat the experience of travelling and trying for yourself authentic Portuguese food in the country itself - but if you’re looking to try out something new, I guarantee you will enjoy it. Whether it’s the starters raging from Bolo do Caco, flatbread with garlic butter, to just simple olives.

 

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