It consists of a small beef patty which is normally served as a standalone dish or a sandwich,[3] sometimes on a bolo do caco.
The composition varies, however all varieties contain a beef, or occasionally pork, steak [4] and some sides.
From the beginning of the 2000s, many people begun to avoid this dish out of fear for infected meat due to the mad cow disease.
[4] The 1988 Portuguese book titled "Sintra's old shops VI" (Portuguese: Velharias de Sintra VI), named for the Portuguese city of Sintra, refers to Manuel Dias Prego in the food and drink business towards the end of the 20th century, as one of the founders of Praia das Maçãs (Apple Beach), at a rudimentary tavern where Colares wines were served, paired with fried or roasted veal, served on flavorful bread from local bakers.
The word entered the layman's lexicon before the turn of the 21st century, simply named "prego" in memory of its creator.