O Afonso

O Afonso is a bifana stand at Praça da República 6 in Vendas Novas, in the Alentejo and Ribatejo region of Portugal, known among pork-sandwich enthusiasts as a destination worth a detour. The bifana is a simple Portuguese sandwich of thin pork slices cooked in garlic, white wine and spices, served in a crusty roll, and this stand is regarded as a local benchmark. The menu is short and cheap: a bifana costs around 3 euros, a prego steak sandwich about 4 euros and a beer roughly 2 euros. The atmosphere is informal, with fast service, standing or quick counter eating, and no dress code or fuss. The stand is cash-only, so visitors should carry coins and small notes. It opens Tuesday to Sunday from about 10am to 10pm, and takes no reservations; lines can form at lunchtime and on weekends. Vendas Novas lies on the route between Lisbon and the Alentejo, roughly an hour's drive from the capital, which makes the stand a convenient stop on a road trip rather than a place to base a day. Travellers typically eat one or two sandwiches and move on, though the nearby square offers other cafes. The appeal is authenticity and value, with the bifana served as locals expect it: hot, juicy and unadorned except for mustard or piri-piri on request. Visitors who care about regional street food will find it a worthwhile stop; those seeking a sit-down meal should choose a restaurant elsewhere in town.