Fios de Ovos: Traditional Cakes in Goa, Thailand, Japan Originated from Portugal

Abstract

This article presents the results of research on a traditional Portuguese cake, “fios de ovos”.

The author studied the origins and similarities in the recipes, utensils used, ways of serving and eating, ets., of this cake in Portugal; Malacca; Thailand; Macau; Goa, India; and Japan.

The results confirmed that cakes similar to fios de ovos currently exist in Japan, Thailand, and Goa. The original of fios de ovos was “letria de ovos”., according to the first printed cooking guide in Portugal. In Goa, this cake is still called “letria”.

The recipes and utensils used are almost the same in these three areas, and the earlier Portuguese cooking style has been retained.

In Goa, the recipe was handed down orally from mother to daughter in traditional Portuguese Christian homes. In Japan, this cake was designated the cake of the Chikuzen Domain by Fukuoka, the feudal lord, in the Edo Period; hence, it was not found nationwide. Meanwhile, in Thailand, the cake spread from the King’s court to the nobility, and eventually down to common people. Thus, there occurred various arranged which originated from fios de ovos.