Description
A Culinary Tradition Forged in Fire
The story of wood-fired cooking in Portugal goes far beyond pizza—it’s embedded in the country’s culture. For centuries, communities across Portugal have relied on traditional wood-fired ovens, known locally as fornos a lenha, to prepare daily bread, roast meats, and bake regional delicacies.
In rural villages, these ovens were often communal gathering points. Built from stone or clay, they worked on the principle of thermal mass: the fire heated the oven walls, which then radiated steady heat for hours, perfect for slow roasting or baking. Alongside the scent of fresh bread, these spaces became places where neighbours met, stories were exchanged, and culinary traditions were passed down.
The Italian Influence: Pizza Finds a Place in Portugal
While Portugal’s ovens predate pizza, the influence of Italian cuisine in the mid-20th century brought authentic pizza-making into Portuguese food culture. By the 1980s, pizzerias began appearing in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, offering thin-crust pizzas baked in traditional domed ovens.
Over time, Portuguese chefs adapted these recipes, blending Italian technique with local ingredients like chouriço, fresh sardines, goat cheese, and wild herbs—creating a uniquely Portuguese wood-fired pizza style.
From Clay to Steel: Evolving the Portuguese Pizza Oven
Portugal’s pizza ovens have evolved alongside its culinary tastes. While handmade clay ovens are still treasured in rural settings, urban and modern kitchens have embraced refractory brick, stainless steel, and hybrid designs for improved heat control and portability.
Today, you’ll find wood-fired ovens in:
Urban restaurants serving gourmet pizzas and artisan breads.
Beachfront cafés pairing seafood pizzas with sunset views.
Private homes with dedicated outdoor cooking areas.
Wood-Fired Cooking Beyond Pizza
In Portugal, these ovens are a true multi-cooking tool:
Cabrito assado (herb-roasted lamb).
Bacalhau no forno (oven-baked salted cod).
Broa de milho (traditional corn bread).
Seasonal pastries like folar and pão-de-ló.
This versatility is part of why the wood-fired oven has never lost relevance.
The Rise of XclusiveDecor
In recent years, XclusiveDecor has emerged as one of Portugal’s leading innovators in outdoor cooking solutions. Founded on a passion for handcrafted quality, the company produces premium wood-fired ovens, BBQs, fire pits, and outdoor kitchen components—combining traditional Portuguese craftsmanship with modern engineering.
Key strengths of XclusiveDecor’s ovens include:
Handmade refractory brick and clay construction for authentic heat retention.
Contemporary finishes that complement modern outdoor spaces.
Multi-functional cooking—from pizzas to roasts, breads, and grilled vegetables.
Designs suitable for both commercial and home use.
Their dedication to craftsmanship has made XclusiveDecor’s ovens a sought-after choice for chefs, hospitality businesses, and passionate home cooks alike.
From Portugal to New Zealand: A Growing Connection
Through a partnership with Apollo NZ, XclusiveDecor’s products are now entering the New Zealand market, tapping into a growing culture of outdoor entertaining and gourmet cooking.
New Zealand’s climate and lifestyle—long summers, outdoor dining, and a love of fresh, locally sourced food—make wood-fired ovens a natural fit. Much like Portugal, there’s a movement towards:
Outdoor kitchens as focal points for family and social gatherings.
Authentic cooking methods that deliver unmatched flavour.
Multi-use ovens that can handle pizzas, roasts, bread, and more.
With XclusiveDecor’s range, Kiwi homeowners and chefs can enjoy the same artisanal quality and traditional cooking methods that have been perfected in Portugal for generations—adapted for modern outdoor living in New Zealand.
