Right near the center of Matosinhos a few kilometers away from Porto, you can find the historic Pinhais cannery which operates since 1920 and is one of the oldest factories of canned fish in Portugal. Our recent visit to this popular factory offered great insights into the world of premium canned fish.
Pinhais: Inside one of the oldest canneries in Portugal
When we arrived at Pinhais, we already knew the beautiful old building in Matosinhos from the outside. Passing at the factory, always feels like going back in time and enjoying the flair from the old times. In order to dive deeper into the history and process of an old cannery, we booked a factory tour at Pinhais. Before the tour started, belongings and bags are stored in a locker, which is a necessary step as bags aren’t allowed inside (phones are an exception).
The tour started in the historic main building with small details and beautiful tiles on the wall. It reminds of the factory’s early days. We explored the old offices and uncovered the different flavors and ingredients that makes Pinhais products, including the Nuri brand, so popular in the world. The highlight was discovering the secret main ingredient that is mainly responsible for Pinhais’ success.
Interactive factory tour in Matosinhos for all senses
The tour provided exclusive insights into the production process, from the arrival of fresh fish to its preparation by skilled factory workers. We saw every step in the factory – from cleaning and cooking of the fish, to finally pack the canned fish.
In a unique hands-on experience, we even had the chance to pack a Nuri product by ourselves, playfully testing our potential for a career at Pinhais. It has to be mentioned, that the tour was more than interactive and Pinhais puts a great focus on integrating visitors into the experience. Be prepared to not only listen and see, but also to use your own five senses as well as your hands.
A culinary experience to remember in Pinhais’ café
Our tour ended with a delicious tasting session in Pinhais’ own café. We tried their mackerels in tomato sauce and the new Nuri sardines with lemon, accompanied by bread and sweet potato chips.
On top, water was served for free and the nice and calm atmosphere was perfect for trying their canned fish. It was a unique tasting experience and a great opportunity for us to enjoy a small lunch.
After the tasting, we finally visited the own beautiful shop of Pinhais. There, you can find canned fish from their brands Nuri and Pinhais ranging from sardines in different flavours to mackerels. If you have a closer look, you can also find one of the most expensive canned fish in the world for 249€ inside a special box.
Pinhais cannery: A place of tradition and family
Pinhais promotes itself as a family-oriented factory which welcomes visitors to share in their artisanal process and dedication to preserving quality. Therefore, the factory symbolizes an integral piece of Portugal’s culinary and tradition. The secrets of their canning process are now an open book to visitors and offer a unique experience for everyone.
Factory tours are available throughout the entire year and booking in advance is usually recommended, especially during peak seasons. To book your spot, you can use the following link* or purchase tickets directly at the factory in Matosinhos.
One of the best secret things to do in Porto
We enjoyed the tour a lot and it was one of our favourite tours we’ve done in Porto. The people at Pinhais are very kind and welcoming, so that the experience becomes even more fun. From our experience, you can also do this tour as a family with children. Even for them, the factory tour is an entertaining experience which they will not forget.
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