There are few locations we’ve explored which might be as a lot of a feast for the senses as Portugal. We spent two full months touring your entire 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 normal Portuguese dishes that you just have to strive, primarily based on our firsthand expertise of consuming our manner throughout the nation.
Traditional Portuguese Food at a Glance
If you’re quick on time, listed here are our high picks to enable you to resolve 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 discuss 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 chunk into it, giving manner to a heat, creamy custard centre. They’re sometimes served with a sprinkle of cinnamon on high.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We’ve eaten extra of those than we will rely, and our rule is easy: eat them heat, ideally standing proper exterior the bakery. While there are well-known spots in Lisbon, nearly each native pastelaria has a incredible 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 day by day of the yr. Historically, it was the meals that sustained sailors on lengthy voyages, however at the moment it’s a beloved staple present in every thing from easy fish desserts to elaborate casseroles. WE actually bought a great style of it after we had been up in Guimaraes. What wonderful meals scene.
Dave & Deb’s Take: If you’re new to bacalhau, the very best 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 manner 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, contemporary bread roll. It’s the final word Portuguese consolation meals.
Dave & Deb’s Take: The finest 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 via the richness of the pork completely. It’s the perfect 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 courses due to their affordability, they’re now a beloved snack or mild 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 finest sardines we’ve ever had had been from a tiny, no-name grill arrange on a facet road within the Alfama district of Lisbon throughout the St. Anthony Festival in June. The entire neighbourhood smelled of grilled fish and charcoal. You eat them along with your arms, putting the sardine on a slice of bread to absorb the juices. Don’t be afraid to get messy; it’s all a part of the expertise.
5. Piri-Piri Chicken
This is certainly one of Portugal’s most well-known culinary exports, and for good purpose. 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 very best spots are often unassuming, native locations with an enormous charcoal grill out entrance. It’s sometimes 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 final 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 mixture of the earthy greens and the smoky sausage is ideal. It’s a easy dish, however when it’s achieved proper, it’s some of the 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 facet 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, but it surely’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 an excellent mixture of flavours. The dish combines tender chunks of pork marinated in wine and garlic with contemporary clams, all served over a mattress of fried potatoes and topped with contemporary 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 concerning the pork and clam combo, but it surely 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 to be 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, sometimes together with prawns, mussels, clams, and squid.
Dave & Deb’s Take: This is a incredible dish to share. It often 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 a protracted, 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 facet of french fries and rice.
Dave & Deb’s Take: This was our go-to lunch on days after we wanted one thing fast, hearty, and dependable. It’s a no-frills dish, but it surely’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 finest.
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 usually 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 a regular rice dish. The crispy chouriço on high provides the right salty, smoky distinction to the tender duck.
12. Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus with Olive Oil)
If you like 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 sometimes served with small, roasted potatoes which were smashed to absorb 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 nicely, the octopus is extremely tender, not chewy in any respect. It’s a easy dish that basically lets the high-quality components shine. It’s certainly one of our go-to orders each time we’re again in Portugal.
13. Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Codfish Cakes)
These are certainly one of Portugal’s hottest snacks or appetizers. Bolinhos de Bacalhau are small, deep-fried fritters constructed from a mix of salted cod, potatoes, eggs, and contemporary 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 chunk 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 embrace 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 an enormous platter of meals, meant to be shared. It’s a incredible manner to pattern an enormous number of Portuguese meats and sausages multi functional go. It’s a traditional Sunday household meal for a purpose.
15. Cataplana de Marisco (Portuguese Seafood Stew)
This iconic dish from the Algarve area is as a lot concerning the presentation as it’s concerning the flavour. It’s a seafood stew cooked and served in a clam-shaped copper pan referred to as a cataplana. The pan acts like a steamer, locking in all of the flavours of the contemporary seafood, which generally consists of 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 mates. 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 incredible. It’s a must-do expertise if you’re within the Algarve.
16. Peixinhos da Horta (Fried Green Beans)
Don’t let the straightforward description idiot you; this is among the most addictive snacks in Portugal. The title actually interprets to “little fishes from the garden,” and the dish consists of inexperienced beans which might be 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 mild and crispy, and the inexperienced bean inside is completely tender. It’s a easy, sensible dish and an ideal 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 typically served merely with fries and black beans. The high quality of the meat in Portugal is incredible, and this is among the finest methods to expertise it.
18. Feijoada (Bean Stew)
Another dish with robust 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 good for a giant, satisfying meal.
Dave & Deb’s Take: This is a real style of rustic, hearty delicacies. It’s a heavy dish, so it’s finest loved on a cooler day. We discovered it’s an ideal meal to share, typically served with rice and orange slices, which assist reduce via the richness of the stew.
19. Caldeirada de Peixe (Fish Stew)
This is the quintessential Portuguese fisherman’s stew. A Caldeirada is a lovely, layered stew made with a wide range of contemporary 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 incredible manner 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 whole egg sack, sometimes from a gray mullet, is boiled after which served chilled, typically 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 essentially the most distinctive half—very easy and silky. It’s a really conventional and historic dish, and when you’re wanting to step exterior 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 typically eat it by scooping it out with a spoon. It has a robust, 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 crimson wine, it’s an ideal appetizer.
22. Pão de Deus (God’s Bread)
This is a well-liked Portuguese bread roll, and its title 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 robust espresso. It’s a easy, scrumptious manner to begin your day like an area.
23. Bola de Berlim
These are the Portuguese model of a Berliner or a Bismark doughnut, and they’re extremely common, particularly on the seashores in the summertime. They are fluffy, deep-fried doughnuts, rolled in sugar, and historically full of 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 seashore snack. While the normal egg cream is the traditional, we additionally love those full of chocolate.
24. Cebolada
Cebolada isn’t a standalone dish, however moderately a flavorful onion-based stew or sauce that may be a cornerstone of Portuguese house cooking. It’s made by slow-cooking onions with tomatoes and garlic till they’re comfortable and candy. It’s typically served as a base for stewed or pan-fried fish and meat dishes.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We had this served with a lovely piece of grilled tuna, and it was incredible. The sweetness of the slow-cooked onions and tomatoes is the right complement to the contemporary fish. It’s an ideal instance of how easy, high-quality components are the center 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 weight loss 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 typically 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 completely within the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. It’s sometimes 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 just a few days exploring the Douro Valley, and it’s some of the lovely wine areas on the planet. The finest manner to expertise Port is to go to one of many Port lodges in Porto for a tasting. It’s a incredible manner to study concerning the historical past and completely different types of this iconic Portuguese drink.
27. Vinho Verde (Green Wine)
Don’t let the title idiot you; “green wine” isn’t truly inexperienced in color. It’s a younger wine (therefore “green”) from the Minho area within the north, and it’s mild, 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 day by day in Portugal. It’s extremely inexpensive and pairs completely with contemporary seafood. It’s mild, simple 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 referred to as aguardente. It’s a candy, robust liqueur that may be a beloved native drink, particularly in Lisbon.
Dave & Deb’s Take: The finest manner 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, typically 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 manner to get pleasure from it.
Planning Your Food Tour of Portugal
Best Food Tours in Lisbon & Porto: A meals tour is among the finest 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 initially of the meal (the couvert) are usually not free. If you don’t need them, simply politely say “no, thank you.”
Lunch is often the primary meal of the day, and lots of eating places supply an ideal worth prato do dia (dish of the day).
Dinner is eaten late in Portugal, often 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 day by day of the yr.
A typical Portuguese breakfast is mild and easy, typically consisting of contemporary bread with butter, cheese, or jam, and a espresso (like an espresso or a galão – espresso with milk). The Pão de Deus can be a preferred breakfast selection.
Generally, conventional Portuguese meals isn’t very spicy. The well-known Piri-Piri sauce is the primary exception, and it’s often served on the facet 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 manner from the sunny coast of the Algarve to the historic hills of the north, it’s unattainable for us to decide 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 contemporary grilled sardines at a competition in Lisbon, the main focus was all the time on unbelievable, contemporary components ready with care. But if we had to decide one good meals reminiscence, it might 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 stuffed 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.