There are few locations we’ve explored which are as a lot of a feast for the senses as Portugal. We spent two full months touring the complete nation, from the sun-drenched seafood eating places of the Algarve to the historic coronary heart of Guimarães within the north. Our mission was easy: to eat every thing.
We tried meals from tiny tascas in Lisbon, seaside grills serving the freshest catch, and family-run spots deep within the countryside. This information is the results of that scrumptious journey. It’s our assortment of the standard Portuguese dishes that you just have to strive, based mostly on our firsthand expertise of consuming our approach throughout the nation.
Traditional Portuguese Food at a Glance
If you’re quick on time, listed here are our prime picks to allow you to determine what to eat first.
Must-Try Dishes: Pastel de Nata, Bifana, Grilled Sardines, Caldo Verde.
Best Seafood: Bacalhau, Cataplana de Marisco, Polvo à Lagareiro.
Best Meat Dishes: Francesinha, Leitão Assado (Suckling Pig), Porco Preto.
Must-Try Drinks: Vinho Verde, Ginjinha.
1. Pastel de Nata (Custard Tarts)
You can’t speak about conventional Portuguese delicacies with out beginning right here. These bite-sized egg custard tarts are a nationwide treasure. The pastry is impossibly flaky, shattering the second you chew into it, giving approach to a heat, creamy custard centre. They’re usually served with a sprinkle of cinnamon on prime.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We’ve eaten extra of those than we are able to rely, and our rule is straightforward: eat them heat, ideally standing proper outdoors the bakery. While there are well-known spots in Lisbon, nearly each native pastelaria has a implausible model. It’s the right companion to a morning espresso.
2. Bacalhau (Salt Cod)
Bacalhau isn’t only a fish; it’s a Portuguese obsession. It’s stated there are greater than 365 methods to put together this dried and salted cod—one for daily of the 12 months. Historically, it was the meals that sustained sailors on lengthy voyages, however at this time it’s a beloved staple present in every thing from easy fish muffins to elaborate casseroles. WE actually acquired style of it once we had been up in Guimaraes. What wonderful meals scene.
Dave & Deb’s Take: If you’re new to bacalhau, the perfect introduction is Bacalhau à Brás. It’s a typical Portuguese dish of shredded cod combined with onions, scrambled eggs, and thinly fried potatoes. It’s scrumptious, not too fishy, and an ideal approach to expertise Portugal’s nationwide dish.
3. Bifana (Pork Sandwich)
The Bifana is Portugal’s reply to the right sandwich. It’s easy, low cost, and extremely satisfying. The sandwich consists of skinny slices of pork marinated in garlic, white wine, and spices, served on a comfortable, recent bread roll. It’s the last word Portuguese consolation meals.
Dave & Deb’s Take: The greatest Bifanas we’ve had are from tiny, no-frills spots the place you’ll be able to hear the pork scorching on the griddle. Don’t be shy with the mustard, a squeeze of it cuts by means of the richness of the pork completely. It’s the best low cost and cheerful lunch.
4. Grilled Sardines (Sardinhas Assadas)
Freshly grilled sardines are a juicy, easy pleasure and a staple of Portuguese delicacies. Historically a dish of the decrease lessons due to their affordability, they’re now a beloved snack or gentle lunch throughout the nation. The secret is the slow-grilling over charcoal, which retains the fish moist and full of flavour.
Dave & Deb’s Take: The greatest sardines we’ve ever had had been from a tiny, no-name grill arrange on a aspect road within the Alfama district of Lisbon in the course of the St. Anthony Festival in June. The entire neighbourhood smelled of grilled fish and charcoal. You eat them along with your palms, inserting the sardine on a slice of bread to take in the juices. Don’t be afraid to get messy; it’s all a part of the expertise.
5. Piri-Piri Chicken
This is one among Portugal’s most well-known culinary exports, and for good motive. It’s a lot extra than simply the model you discover at chain eating places. Authentic Portuguese Piri-Piri rooster is spatchcocked, marinated in a flavourful mixture of chili, garlic, olive oil, and lemon, after which grilled over charcoal till the pores and skin is crispy and the meat is extremely juicy.
Dave & Deb’s Take: Every restaurant has its personal secret Piri-Piri sauce recipe, and a part of the enjoyable is attempting completely different variations. We discovered the perfect spots are normally unassuming, native locations with an enormous charcoal grill out entrance. It’s usually served with easy fries and a fundamental salad, which is all you want to accompany the star of the present.
6. Caldo Verde (Green Soup)
Caldo Verde is the last word Portuguese consolation meals. This warming and flavourful soup originates from the northern Minho area however is now discovered on menus all throughout the nation. It’s a easy, rustic soup constructed from potatoes, thinly shredded collard greens (or kale), and slices of smoky chouriço sausage, all introduced along with a beneficiant drizzle of olive oil.
Dave & Deb’s Take: This was our go-to starter on cool evenings in Porto. It’s hearty with out being heavy, and the mix of the earthy greens and the smoky sausage is ideal. It’s a easy dish, however when it’s performed proper, it’s one of the vital satisfying issues you’ll be able to eat in Portugal.
7. Francesinha (The Queen of Sandwiches)
This isn’t only a sandwich; it’s an occasion. Hailing from Porto, the Francesinha is a beast of a meal, layered with sausage, ham, and steak, then smothered in melted cheese and a wealthy, spicy, beer-based tomato sauce. It’s messy, decadent, and completely unforgettable. Perfect when accompanied by a aspect of french fries.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We made a particular journey to Porto simply to strive an genuine Francesinha, and it lived up to the hype. It’s arguably the most well-liked Portuguese meals. Our recommendation? Come hungry, and don’t put on a white shirt. You’ll discover it on menus in Lisbon, nevertheless it’s price ready to strive it in its hometown of Porto.
8. Carne de Porco à Alentejana (Pork with Clams)
This is the unique Portuguese surf and turf, and it’s a superb mixture of flavours. The dish combines tender chunks of pork marinated in wine and garlic with recent clams, all served over a mattress of fried potatoes and topped with recent cilantro. It originated within the Algarve area however is now a beloved traditional throughout the nation.
Dave & Deb’s Take: The first time we noticed this on a menu, we had been a bit skeptical in regards to the pork and clam combo, nevertheless it simply works. The salty flavour of the clams completely enhances the wealthy pork, and the sauce is unbelievable for dipping your bread in. It’s a must-try for any adventurous foodie.
9. Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice)
While it would appear like a Spanish paella, Arroz de Marisco is a uniquely Portuguese dish. The key distinction is that the rice is cooked in a flavourful broth till it’s a lot looser and extra stew-like than a paella. It’s full of a beneficiant quantity of seafood, usually together with prawns, mussels, clams, and squid.
Dave & Deb’s Take: This is a implausible dish to share. It normally comes to the desk in a big clay pot, steaming and aromatic. We love the soupy consistency of the rice, which is full of the flavour of the ocean. It’s an ideal meal for an extended, lazy lunch with a bottle of Vinho Verde.
10. Bitoque (Steak and Egg)
Bitoque is a traditional Portuguese consolation meal you’ll discover in nearly each native restaurant or tasca. It’s a easy however satisfying dish of a thin-cut steak (both pork or beef) that’s pan-fried in garlic and butter, then topped with a runny fried egg. It’s nearly all the time served with a aspect of french fries and rice.
Dave & Deb’s Take: This was our go-to lunch on days once we wanted one thing fast, hearty, and dependable. It’s a no-frills dish, nevertheless it’s all the time scrumptious. The better part is breaking the fried egg yolk and letting it run over the steak and fries. It’s easy, traditional Portuguese cooking at its greatest.
11. Arroz de Pato (Duck Rice)
This is a traditional Portuguese consolation meals dish. Arroz de Pato, or duck rice, is a wealthy and savory dish the place the rice is cooked in a flavorful broth constructed from simmering the duck itself. The tender, shredded duck meat is then combined into the rice, which is commonly topped with slices of smoky chouriço and baked till the highest is barely crispy.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We had this on a cool night in a small, family-run restaurant and it was the right hearty meal. It’s a lot richer and extra flavourful than an ordinary rice dish. The crispy chouriço on prime provides the right salty, smoky distinction to the tender duck.
12. Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus with Olive Oil)
If you’re keen on seafood, this dish is an absolute must-try. Tender octopus is boiled after which roasted with loads of garlic and a beneficiant quantity of Portuguese olive oil, and usually served with small, roasted potatoes which have been smashed to take in all of the scrumptious oil.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We had been a bit hesitant about octopus earlier than our journeys to Portugal, however this dish utterly transformed us. When it’s cooked effectively, the octopus is extremely tender, not chewy in any respect. It’s a easy dish that basically lets the high-quality substances shine. It’s one among our go-to orders each time we’re again in Portugal.
13. Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Codfish Cakes)
These are one among Portugal’s hottest snacks or appetizers. Bolinhos de Bacalhau are small, deep-fried fritters constructed from a combination of salted cod, potatoes, eggs, and recent parsley. They are crispy on the surface and comfortable and fluffy on the within.
Dave & Deb’s Take: You’ll discover these all over the place, from small cafes to high-end eating places. They’re the right snack to have with a chilly beer on a sunny afternoon. We love how they’re a easy, scrumptious chew of Portugal’s most well-known fish.
14. Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese Stew)
This is a carnivore’s dream and a real style of typical Portuguese meals. Cozido is a hearty boiled stew full of an enormous assortment of meats and greens. A typical Cozido can embody beef, pork, rooster, and varied sausages like chouriço and morcela (blood sausage), all slow-cooked with greens like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.
Dave & Deb’s Take: Be ready: this isn’t a lightweight meal. It’s a large platter of meals, meant to be shared. It’s a implausible approach to pattern an enormous number of Portuguese meats and sausages multi functional go. It’s a traditional Sunday household meal for a motive.
15. Cataplana de Marisco (Portuguese Seafood Stew)
This iconic dish from the Algarve area is as a lot in regards to the presentation as it’s in regards to the flavour. It’s a seafood stew cooked and served in a clam-shaped copper pan known as a cataplana. The pan acts like a steamer, locking in all of the flavours of the recent seafood, which generally contains clams, prawns, and fish, cooked in a aromatic broth of tomatoes, white wine, and herbs.
Dave & Deb’s Take: This was the traditional Portuguese dish that we had heard about from our pals. So, after all we had to strive it. We had this at a seaside restaurant in Lagos, and it was an ideal hearty meal. The second they open the cataplana at your desk and the steam billows out is implausible. It’s a must-do expertise if you’re within the Algarve.
16. Peixinhos da Horta (Fried Green Beans)
Don’t let the easy description idiot you; this is likely one of the most addictive snacks in Portugal. The identify actually interprets to “little fishes from the garden,” and the dish consists of inexperienced beans which are battered and deep-fried till crispy. It’s believed that this dish was the inspiration for what the world now is aware of as Japanese tempura, launched by Portuguese merchants centuries in the past.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We first tried these at a bit tapas bar and couldn’t cease ordering them. They’re the right appetizer. The batter is gentle and crispy, and the inexperienced bean inside is completely tender. It’s a easy, sensible dish and an amazing vegetarian choice.
17. Picanha
While initially a well-known Brazilian reduce of beef, Picanha has been wholeheartedly adopted by Portugal. This particular reduce, the highest sirloin cap, is understood for its unbelievable tenderness and a thick layer of fats that bastes the meat because it grills over charcoal, making it unbelievably juicy and flavourful.
Dave & Deb’s Take: If you see Picanha on the menu and also you’re a steak lover, order it. It’s usually served merely with fries and black beans. The high quality of the meat in Portugal is implausible, and this is likely one of the greatest methods to expertise it.
18. Feijoada (Bean Stew)
Another dish with sturdy Brazilian ties, Feijoada is a wealthy and hearty stew of black beans and varied cuts of pork and beef. While traditionally made with cheaper cuts, it’s now a beloved consolation meals. It’s a slow-cooked, soulful dish that’s excellent for an enormous, satisfying meal.
Dave & Deb’s Take: This is a real style of rustic, hearty delicacies. It’s a heavy dish, so it’s greatest loved on a cooler day. We discovered it’s an amazing meal to share, usually served with rice and orange slices, which assist reduce by means of the richness of the stew.
19. Caldeirada de Peixe (Fish Stew)
This is the quintessential Portuguese fisherman’s stew. A Caldeirada is a good looking, layered stew made with quite a lot of recent fish and potatoes, all cooked collectively in a flavourful broth of tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs. The great thing about the dish is that it historically makes use of regardless of the fishermen caught that day.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We had this in a small fishing village within the Algarve, and it was unbelievable. It’s comparable to a French Bouillabaisse however heartier and extra rustic. It’s a implausible approach to pattern all kinds of native fish multi functional go.
20. Ovas (Fish Roe)
For the actually adventurous eater, Ovas is a Portuguese delicacy constructed from fish roe (eggs). The total egg sack, usually from a gray mullet, is boiled after which served chilled, usually sliced and dressed merely with olive oil, vinegar, and onions alongside boiled potatoes.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We have to admit, this one was a problem for us at first, however we had been decided to strive it. The texture is probably the most distinctive half—very clean and silky. It’s a really conventional and historic dish, and should you’re trying to step outdoors your culinary consolation zone, that is the one to strive.
21. Serra da Estrela Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, you’ve to strive Queijo Serra da Estrela. This is Portugal’s most well-known cheese, hailing from the Serra da Estrela mountains. It’s a comfortable, gooey sheep’s milk cheese that’s so creamy you usually eat it by scooping it out with a spoon. It has a powerful, advanced flavour that’s completely unforgettable.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We first tried this Portuguese cheese at a market in Lisbon, and it was a revelation. It’s served at room temperature, and the rind is reduce off the highest so you’ll be able to dip bread proper into the gooey heart. It’s extremely wealthy and flavourful. Paired with a glass of pink wine, it’s an ideal appetizer.
22. Pão de Deus (God’s Bread)
This is a well-liked Portuguese bread roll, and its identify actually interprets to “God’s Bread.” It’s a comfortable, brioche-like bun with a scrumptious, candy shredded coconut topping that will get toasted throughout baking. It’s a staple in Portuguese bakeries (pastelarias).
Dave & Deb’s Take: This was our go-to breakfast on many mornings in Portugal. It’s not overly candy, and the comfortable bread with the marginally crispy coconut topping is an ideal mixture with a powerful espresso. It’s a easy, scrumptious approach to begin your day like a neighborhood.
23. Bola de Berlim
These are the Portuguese model of a Berliner or a Bismark doughnut, and they’re extremely well-liked, particularly on the seashores in the summertime. They are fluffy, deep-fried doughnuts, rolled in sugar, and historically crammed with a candy egg yolk cream (creme de ovos).
Dave & Deb’s Take: You’ll see distributors strolling the seashores within the Algarve promoting these from coolers, and it is best to completely purchase one. They are the right seaside snack. While the standard egg cream is the traditional, we additionally love those crammed with chocolate.
24. Cebolada
Cebolada isn’t a standalone dish, however reasonably a flavorful onion-based stew or sauce that could be a cornerstone of Portuguese residence cooking. It’s made by slow-cooking onions with tomatoes and garlic till they’re comfortable and candy. It’s usually served as a base for stewed or pan-fried fish and meat dishes.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We had this served with a good looking piece of grilled tuna, and it was implausible. The sweetness of the slow-cooked onions and tomatoes is the right complement to the recent fish. It’s an amazing instance of how easy, high-quality substances are the guts of Portuguese delicacies.
25. Linguica (Portuguese Smoked Sausage)
Linguica is a flavourful, smoke-cured pork sausage seasoned with garlic and paprika. It’s a staple within the Portuguese food plan and is extremely versatile. It could be grilled, fried, or added to stews and rice dishes to add a deep, smoky flavour.
Dave & Deb’s Take: This is spicier and extra flavourful than a typical chorizo. We find it irresistible grilled over an open flame. You’ll usually see it served as a easy appetizer, the place it’s introduced to the desk in a flaming ceramic dish. It’s a little bit of theatre and extremely scrumptious.
26. Port Wine
You can’t go to Portugal with out attempting its most well-known drink. Port is a candy, fortified wine produced solely within the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. It’s usually served as a dessert wine and is available in a number of varieties, from wealthy, fruity ruby ports to advanced, nutty tawny ports.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We spent a couple of days exploring the Douro Valley, and it’s one of the vital lovely wine areas on this planet. The greatest approach to expertise Port is to go to one of many Port lodges in Porto for a tasting. It’s a implausible approach to be taught in regards to the historical past and completely different kinds of this iconic Portuguese drink.
27. Vinho Verde (Green Wine)
Don’t let the identify idiot you; “green wine” isn’t really inexperienced in color. It’s a younger wine (therefore “green”) from the Minho area within the north, and it’s gentle, crisp, and infrequently has a slight effervescence. It’s the right refreshing drink for a sunny afternoon.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We drank Vinho Verde nearly daily in Portugal. It’s extremely reasonably priced and pairs completely with recent seafood. It’s gentle, straightforward to drink, and quintessentially Portuguese.
28. Ginjinha (Cherry Liqueur)
Ginjinha (or Ginja) is a well-liked Portuguese liqueur made by infusing bitter cherries (ginja berries) in a brandy known as aguardente. It’s a candy, sturdy liqueur that could be a beloved native drink, particularly in Lisbon.
Dave & Deb’s Take: The greatest approach to strive that is from one of many tiny, historic Ginjinha bars in Lisbon. For about one Euro, you get a shot served in a small glass, usually with a cherry within the backside. You also can ask for it to be served in a small chocolate cup, which is a enjoyable and scrumptious approach to take pleasure in it.
Planning Your Food Tour of Portugal
Best Food Tours in Lisbon & Porto: A meals tour is likely one of the greatest methods to get an introduction to Portuguese delicacies. We suggest taking a tour in your first day to get your bearings and uncover some native gems.
Tips for Dining in Portugal:
The bread, olives, and different small plates the waiter brings at first of the meal (the couvert) usually are not free. If you don’t need them, simply politely say “no, thank you.”
Lunch is often the principle meal of the day, and plenty of eating places supply an amazing worth prato do dia (dish of the day).
Dinner is eaten late in Portugal, normally after 8:00 PM.
FAQ: Food in Portugal
The nationwide dish of Portugal is Bacalhau (dried and salted cod). It is claimed that there are greater than 365 methods to prepare dinner it, one for daily of the 12 months.
A typical Portuguese breakfast is gentle and easy, usually consisting of recent bread with butter, cheese, or jam, and a espresso (like an espresso or a galão – espresso with milk). The Pão de Deus can also be a preferred breakfast alternative.
Generally, conventional Portuguese meals is just not very spicy. The well-known Piri-Piri sauce is the principle exception, and it’s normally served on the aspect so you’ll be able to add as a lot warmth as you want.
So, Which Dish Will You Try First?
After spending two full months consuming our approach from the sunny coast of the Algarve to the historic hills of the north, it’s unimaginable for us to choose only one favorite Portuguese dish. What we actually fell in love with was the honesty of the meals.
Whether it was a easy bowl of Caldo Verde on a cool night time in Porto or recent grilled sardines at a pageant in Lisbon, the main focus was all the time on unbelievable, recent substances ready with care. But if we had to choose one excellent meals reminiscence, it will be sharing a steaming Cataplana de Marisco at a tiny seaside restaurant. The second the waiter opened that copper pan at our desk and the aromatic steam of seafood, wine, and herbs crammed the air… that, to us, is the style of Portugal.
This nation’s delicacies is a scrumptious journey, and we hope this information has impressed you to strive as many of those conventional Portuguese dishes as you’ll be able to.
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