Chef Janine’s Keto Francesinha: A Portuguese Bistro Classic, Reinvented

Get ready for a bold and indulgent culinary experience as Chef Janine presents her take on the iconic Francesinha, Portugal’s legendary bistro sandwich. Traditionally a rich and hearty dish, this keto-friendly version stays true to its roots while offering a unique twist that makes it just as decadent—without the carb overload.

Layered between slices of Chef Janine’s house made special keto bread, you’ll find a mouthwatering combination of cured ham, tender chuck steak, and smoky linguiça and/or chouriço, the signature Portuguese sausages. Each bite is an explosion of flavor, heightened by a luxurious coat of melted Swiss cheese. But the real magic happens with the sauce—Chef Janine swaps out the traditional béchamel--used for the French original "Croque Monsieur"--for her house-made peri-peri sauce, a fiery and slightly tangy blend of beer, tomatoes, and chilies that pays homage to Portugal’s deep culinary ties with Africa.

Francesinha: The 'Little French Sandwich' That's Actually Portuguese

Inspired by the famous Francesinha at Café Santiago, she crowns this indulgence with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg and an extra layer of Swiss cheese for ultimate gooey perfection. Served in a generous pool of sauce, the sandwich is meant to be savored with a fork and knife. And because no Francesinha is complete without fries, Chef Janine pairs it with crispy, house-made French fries crafted from ketogenic lupin flour—a satisfying, guilt-free indulgence.

Home of the famous Francesinha at Café Santiago in Porto, Portugal

True to the best Francesinha recipe of the popular Portuguese bistro "Cafe Santiago," she adds an egg on top (sunny-side-up) and more Swiss cheese. She serves this epic sandwich with a side of french fries made in house with ketogenic .

This is not your average sandwich. With its melting layers, rich sauce, and smoky-sweet spice, it’s an experience you’ll want to dive into. One bite, and you’ll be saying, “Wow! This is next level.” Sinfully good, heavenly satisfying, and packed with enough flavor to fuel your entire day. And for sure you won’t be eating this sandwich by hand, as it is served in a pool of sauce and with melted cheese on top.

Francesinha is so decadent, that it was once inappropriate for women to order one until some decades after its birth.

The Francesinha is often hailed as the quintessential Portuguese bistro dish, believed to have originated with Portuguese refugees who fled to France during António Salazar’s dictatorship. Upon their return, they brought back a newfound love for melted cheese on sandwiches, which ultimately inspired this indulgent creation.

 Daniel David da Silva

It was in the 1950s that Daniel David da Silva, a Portuguese chef, transformed the Francesinha into a household name. Drawing inspiration from France’s beloved Croque Monsieur—a ham, sausage, and cheese sandwich topped with béchamel sauce—he reimagined it with bold Portuguese flavors. The name Francesinha, meaning “little Frenchie,” playfully nods to its French influence while celebrating its unique identity as a rich, sauce-drenched, and utterly satisfying Portuguese classic.

This decadent sandwich can be enjoyed for lunch, as a perfect brunch or even for dinner. You will find this delicious sandwich nowhere else in Riverside County but at COMFORT KETO.

Stay updated on when this delicious dish will be on the menu by visiting our website: www.myketopal.com.

Bon Appétit! Your Master Keto Chef Janine Lechuga