I was lucky enough to enjoy a rare weekend away in Porto, minus the children. It was a proper switch-off. Good food, plenty of walking, and no alarms.
As a Salmon, I should know a thing or two about fish. So, what stood out, aside from the custard tarts and late-night port, was the design of sardine tins. Honestly, you can't miss them.
Lined up in shops and markets across the city, they’re bold, bright, and beautifully put together. In Porto, tinned sardines aren’t just food. They’re a design statement.
At first glance, it’s the colours that draw you in. Rich reds, sea blues, mustard yellows. Many tins have a vintage feel, with typefaces and graphics that take you back to Portugal’s canning heyday in the early 1900s.
Brands like Comur, José Gourmet, and Tricana really lead the charge. They’re not just selling fish. They’re selling a story. The illustrations often feature fishermen, old boats, or playful fish characters. Some even include maps or dates, tying each tin back to a time and place.
There’s also a bit of theatre to it. Some tins mark the year the sardines were caught. Others feature birth years or special events. It’s a clever move. Tourists love it, and locals do too. The packaging becomes a keepsake, or a considered and thoughtful gift.
What I really liked was how it all felt crafted. Considered. The design wasn’t just about looking good. It made you feel something. A sense of pride, heritage, or just a small moment of delight.
Tinned sardines are also one of the most sustainable food choices around. High in protein, low in waste, and with a long shelf life. So when you wrap all that up in beautiful, thoughtful packaging, you’ve got something really special.
It’s proof that great design can elevate even the simplest product. And in Porto, the humble sardine has become a symbol of creativity, culture, and charm.
