Leitão

Leitão is a Portuguese term that primarily refers to a suckling pig or piglet. In addition, Leitão is a surname found in Portugal, Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking communities. The word is rooted in the animal name and is widely used in rural and culinary contexts.

In cuisine, leitão designates roasted suckling pig, a hallmark of Portuguese festive cooking. The best-known version is leitão à Bairrada, from the Bairrada region in central Portugal. The animal is usually seasoned with garlic and coarse salt, sometimes rubbed with olive oil and white wine, then roasted whole until the skin is crisp and the meat tender. It is commonly served with potatoes and a simple salad and accompanied by local white wines.

Regional variants exist in other Portuguese-speaking areas, and the dish has been adopted in immigrant communities abroad. The preparation emphasizes high-quality pork, careful roasting, and the contrast between crackling skin and succulent meat.

As a surname, Leitão appears in various countries with Portuguese heritage. It is one of several occupational or nickname-based surnames linked to animal husbandry and rural life.