Among the many treasures of the Azores, gastronomy holds a special place, reflecting Azorean tradition and identity. In the heart of São Miguel island, in the parish of Maia, you’ll find Terras do Chá, a brand dedicated to preserving and celebrating ancestral recipes, transforming local ingredients into authentic delicacies that tell the story of the community.

The Story of Terras do Chá
Created in 2021 by the Casa do Povo da Maia, a social solidarity institution, Terras do Chá was born with the aim of preserving the gastronomic culture and tradition of the eastern part of the municipality of Ribeira Grande.
The project began with a working group dedicated to collecting ancestral recipes, with technical support from the Tourism and Hospitality School of Ponta Delgada (EFTH), ensuring the quality and authenticity of the delicacies produced.
The brand is certified by the CORES seal, which recognises its commitment to the solidarity economy, and currently employs nine people, indirectly supporting several local micro-enterprises.
Products from Terras do Chá

Terras do Chá is dedicated to producing delicacies made with fresh, natural ingredients sourced from local producers. The ingredients used include eggs, pumpkin, fig, grape, honey, pepper, and the iconic chá Gorreana, from the oldest tea plantation in Europe.
The products are free from artificial colours and preservatives, respecting tradition and promoting sustainability.
Traditional Sweets
The brand offers a wide selection of artisanal queijadas, which represent the gastronomic richness of Maia:
- Goat’s Cheese Queijadas
- Pumpkin Queijadas
- Sweet Potato Queijadas
- Pimenta da Terra Queijadas
- Grape Queijadas
- Honey Queijadas
- Chá Gorreana Queijadas
- Fig Queijadas
Each product is made using traditional recipes, passed down from generation to generation, reflecting the region’s gastronomic heritage.
The Cultural Incubator – New Life in an Old School
The Terras do Chá project is based in the former primary school of Lombinha da Maia, a historic building from the Estado Novo period.
This building has been transformed into a cultural incubator, combining tradition, culture, and innovation in a unique space.




