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 all the things.
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 need to strive, primarily based on our firsthand expertise of consuming our approach throughout the nation.
Conventional Portuguese Meals at a Look
Should you’re quick on time, listed here are our prime picks that can assist you determine what to eat first.
Should-Strive Dishes: Pastel de Nata, Bifana, Grilled Sardines, Caldo Verde.
Finest Seafood: Bacalhau, Cataplana de Marisco, Polvo à Lagareiro.
Finest Meat Dishes: Francesinha, Leitão Assado (Suckling Pig), Porco Preto.
Should-Strive Drinks: Vinho Verde, Ginjinha.
1. Pastel de Nata (Custard Tarts)
You may’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 strategy to a heat, creamy custard centre. They’re sometimes served with a sprinkle of cinnamon on prime.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We’ve eaten extra of those than we are able to depend, and our rule is straightforward: eat them heat, ideally standing proper exterior the bakery. Whereas there are well-known spots in Lisbon, nearly each native pastelaria has a unbelievable 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 organize this dried and salted cod—one for on daily basis of the yr. Traditionally, it was the meals that sustained sailors on lengthy voyages, however right now it’s a beloved staple present in all the things from easy fish desserts to elaborate casseroles. WE actually bought a superb style of it once we have been up in Guimaraes. What wonderful meals scene.
Dave & Deb’s Take: Should you’re new to bacalhau, one of the best introduction is Bacalhau à Brás. It’s a typical Portuguese dish of shredded cod blended with onions, scrambled eggs, and thinly fried potatoes. It’s scrumptious, not too fishy, and an ideal strategy 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 gentle, contemporary bread roll. It’s the last word Portuguese consolation meals.
Dave & Deb’s Take: One of the best Bifanas we’ve had are from tiny, no-frills spots the place you possibly can 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. Traditionally a dish of the decrease lessons because of their affordability, they’re now a beloved snack or mild lunch throughout the nation. The key is the slow-grilling over charcoal, which retains the fish moist and full of flavour.
Dave & Deb’s Take: One of the best sardines we’ve ever had have been from a tiny, no-name grill arrange on a facet avenue within the Alfama district of Lisbon in the course of the St. Anthony Pageant in June. The entire neighbourhood smelled of grilled fish and charcoal. You eat them together with your fingers, 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 Hen
That is considered 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. Genuine Portuguese Piri-Piri hen 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: Each restaurant has its personal secret Piri-Piri sauce recipe, and a part of the enjoyable is making an attempt totally different variations. We discovered one of the best spots are often unassuming, native locations with an enormous charcoal grill out entrance. It’s sometimes served with easy fries and a primary salad, which is all it is advisable to accompany the star of the present.
6. Caldo Verde (Inexperienced 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 produced 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 executed proper, it’s one of the vital satisfying issues you possibly can 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. Good 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 as much as 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 value ready to strive it in its hometown of Porto.
8. Carne de Porco à Alentejana (Pork with Clams)
That 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 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 primary time we noticed this on a menu, we have 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)
Whereas it’d appear like a Spanish paella, Arroz de Marisco is a uniquely Portuguese dish. The important thing 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 can be a unbelievable dish to share. It often involves 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 once we wanted one thing fast, hearty, and dependable. It’s a no-frills dish, but it surely’s all the time scrumptious. One of the best half 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 can be 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 produced from simmering the duck itself. The tender, shredded duck meat is then blended 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 prime provides the right salty, smoky distinction to the tender duck.
12. Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus with Olive Oil)
Should you love 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 have been smashed to absorb all of the scrumptious oil.
Dave & Deb’s Take: We have 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 considered one of our go-to orders each time we’re again in Portugal.
13. Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Codfish Truffles)
These are considered one of Portugal’s hottest snacks or appetizers. Bolinhos de Bacalhau are small, deep-fried fritters produced from a combination of salted cod, potatoes, eggs, and contemporary parsley. They’re crispy on the surface and gentle and fluffy on the within.
Dave & Deb’s Take: You’ll discover these in every single 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 can be 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, hen, and numerous 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 unbelievable strategy to pattern an enormous number of Portuguese meats and sausages multi function 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 usually 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 pals. So, in fact we needed 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 unbelievable. It’s a must-do expertise while you’re within the Algarve.
16. Peixinhos da Horta (Fried Inexperienced Beans)
Don’t let the easy description idiot you; this is without doubt one of the most addictive snacks in Portugal. The identify actually interprets to “little fishes from the backyard,” 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 just a little 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 awesome vegetarian choice.
17. Picanha
Whereas initially a well-known Brazilian lower of beef, Picanha has been wholeheartedly adopted by Portugal. This particular lower, the highest sirloin cap, is thought 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: Should 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 standard of the meat in Portugal is unbelievable, and this is without doubt one of the finest methods to expertise it.
18. Feijoada (Bean Stew)
One other dish with robust Brazilian ties, Feijoada is a wealthy and hearty stew of black beans and numerous cuts of pork and beef. Whereas traditionally made with cheaper cuts, it’s now a beloved consolation meals. It’s a slow-cooked, soulful dish that’s excellent for a giant, satisfying meal.
Dave & Deb’s Take: This can be a true style of rustic, hearty delicacies. It’s a heavy dish, so it’s finest loved on a cooler day. We discovered it’s an awesome meal to share, usually served with rice and orange slices, which assist lower by means of the richness of the stew.
19. Caldeirada de Peixe (Fish Stew)
That is the quintessential Portuguese fisherman’s stew. A Caldeirada is an exquisite, layered stew made with quite a lot of contemporary fish and potatoes, all cooked collectively in a flavourful broth of tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs. The fantastic 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 just like a French Bouillabaisse however heartier and extra rustic. It’s a unbelievable strategy to pattern all kinds of native fish multi function go.
20. Ovas (Fish Roe)
For the actually adventurous eater, Ovas is a Portuguese delicacy produced from fish roe (eggs). All the egg sack, sometimes 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’ve to confess, this one was a problem for us at first, however we have been decided to strive it. The feel is probably the most distinctive half—very easy and silky. It’s a really conventional and historic dish, and when you’re trying to step exterior your culinary consolation zone, that is the one to strive.
21. Serra da Estrela Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, it’s a must to strive Queijo Serra da Estrela. That is Portugal’s most well-known cheese, hailing from the Serra da Estrela mountains. It’s a gentle, gooey sheep’s milk cheese that’s so creamy you usually 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 lower off the highest so you possibly can dip bread proper into the gooey heart. It’s extremely wealthy and flavourful. Paired with a glass of purple wine, it’s an ideal appetizer.
22. Pão de Deus (God’s Bread)
This can be a fashionable Portuguese bread roll, and its identify actually interprets to “God’s Bread.” It’s a gentle, 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 gentle bread with the marginally crispy coconut topping is an ideal mixture with a robust espresso. It’s a easy, scrumptious strategy 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 fashionable, particularly on the seashores in the summertime. They’re 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 you need to completely purchase one. They’re the right seashore snack. Whereas the standard egg cream is the traditional, we additionally love those crammed with chocolate.
24. Cebolada
Cebolada isn’t a standalone dish, however somewhat a flavorful onion-based stew or sauce that could be a cornerstone of Portuguese house cooking. It’s made by slow-cooking onions with tomatoes and garlic till they’re gentle 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 an exquisite piece of grilled tuna, and it was unbelievable. The sweetness of the slow-cooked onions and tomatoes is the right complement to the contemporary fish. It’s an awesome 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 program and is extremely versatile. It may be grilled, fried, or added to stews and rice dishes so as to add a deep, smoky flavour.
Dave & Deb’s Take: That is spicier and extra flavourful than a typical chorizo. We like it grilled over an open flame. You’ll usually see it served as a easy appetizer, the place it’s dropped at the desk in a flaming ceramic dish. It’s a little bit of theatre and extremely scrumptious.
26. Port Wine
You may’t go to Portugal with out making an attempt 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 a number of days exploring the Douro Valley, and it’s one of the vital stunning wine areas on the earth. One of the simplest ways to expertise Port is to go to one of many Port lodges in Porto for a tasting. It’s a unbelievable strategy to study concerning the historical past and totally different kinds of this iconic Portuguese drink.
27. Vinho Verde (Inexperienced Wine)
Don’t let the identify idiot you; “inexperienced wine” isn’t truly inexperienced in color. It’s a younger wine (therefore “inexperienced”) 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 on daily basis in Portugal. It’s extremely inexpensive and pairs completely with contemporary seafood. It’s mild, 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 referred to as aguardente. It’s a candy, robust liqueur that could be a beloved native drink, particularly in Lisbon.
Dave & Deb’s Take: One of the simplest ways to do this 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 may also ask for it to be served in a small chocolate cup, which is a enjoyable and scrumptious strategy to get pleasure from it.
Planning Your Meals Tour of Portugal
Finest Meals Excursions in Lisbon & Porto: A meals tour is without doubt one of 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.
Suggestions for Eating in Portugal:
The bread, olives, and different small plates the waiter brings at the beginning of the meal (the couvert) are usually not free. Should you don’t need them, simply politely say “no, thanks.”
Lunch is often the primary meal of the day, and plenty of eating places supply an awesome worth prato do dia (dish of the day).
Dinner is eaten late in Portugal, often after 8:00 PM.
FAQ: Meals in Portugal
The nationwide dish of Portugal is Bacalhau (dried and salted cod). It’s stated that there are greater than 365 methods to cook dinner it, one for on daily basis of the yr.
A typical Portuguese breakfast is mild and easy, usually 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 also be a well-liked breakfast selection.
Typically, conventional Portuguese meals shouldn’t be very spicy. The well-known Piri-Piri sauce is the primary exception, and it’s often served on the facet so you possibly can add as a lot warmth as you want.
So, Which Dish Will You Strive 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 or not 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 when we needed to decide 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 possibly can.