The Best Portuguese Food: 31+ Traditional Dishes You Have to Eat

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 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 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 normal Portuguese dishes that you just need to attempt, based mostly on our firsthand expertise of consuming our method throughout the nation.

Conventional Portuguese Meals at a Look

In the event you’re quick on time, listed below 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 possibly 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 chew into it, giving method 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 will rely, and our rule is straightforward: eat them heat, ideally standing proper outdoors the bakery. Whereas there are well-known spots in Lisbon, virtually each native pastelaria has a improbable model. It’s the proper companion to a morning espresso.

2. Bacalhau (Salt Cod)

Bacalhau isn’t only a fish; it’s a Portuguese obsession. It’s mentioned 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 in the present day it’s a beloved staple present in all the things from easy fish muffins to elaborate casseroles. WE actually acquired an excellent style of it after we had been up in Guimaraes. What wonderful meals scene.

Dave & Deb’s Take: In the event you’re new to bacalhau, the most effective 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 method to expertise Portugal’s nationwide dish.

3. Bifana (Pork Sandwich)

The Bifana is Portugal’s reply to the proper 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 smooth, contemporary bread roll. It’s the final word Portuguese consolation meals.

Dave & Deb’s Take: The most effective 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. Traditionally a dish of the decrease courses attributable to 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 filled with flavour.

Dave & Deb’s Take: The most effective 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 Pageant in June. The entire neighbourhood smelled of grilled fish and charcoal. You eat them together with your arms, inserting 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 one among Portugal’s most well-known culinary exports, and for good cause. 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 attempting completely different variations. We discovered the most effective spots are often unassuming, native locations with an enormous charcoal grill out entrance. It’s usually served with easy fries and a primary salad, which is all it’s essential to accompany the star of the present.

6. Caldo Verde (Inexperienced 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 created 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 finished 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. Excellent when accompanied by a aspect of french fries.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We made a particular journey to Porto simply to attempt an genuine Francesinha, and it lived as much as the hype. It’s arguably the preferred Portuguese meals. Our recommendation? Come hungry, and don’t put on a white shirt. You’ll discover it on menus in Lisbon, however it’s value ready to attempt 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 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 basic throughout the nation.

Dave & Deb’s Take: The primary time we noticed this on a menu, we had been a bit skeptical in regards to the pork and clam combo, however it simply works. The salty flavour of the clams completely enhances the wealthy pork, and the sauce is unimaginable 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 filled with a beneficiant quantity of seafood, usually together with prawns, mussels, clams, and squid.

Dave & Deb’s Take: It is a improbable 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 filled with 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 basic Portuguese consolation meal you’ll discover in virtually 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 virtually at all times served with a aspect 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, however it’s at all times scrumptious. The most effective half is breaking the fried egg yolk and letting it run over the steak and fries. It’s easy, basic Portuguese cooking at its greatest.

11. Arroz de Pato (Duck Rice)

It is a basic 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 created 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 proper hearty meal. It’s a lot richer and extra flavourful than an ordinary rice dish. The crispy chouriço on prime provides the proper salty, smoky distinction to the tender duck.

12. Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus with Olive Oil)

In the event 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 usually 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 fully transformed us. When it’s cooked nicely, the octopus is extremely tender, not chewy in any respect. It’s a easy dish that actually lets the high-quality elements shine. It’s one among our go-to orders each time we’re again in Portugal.

13. Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Codfish Desserts)

These are one among Portugal’s hottest snacks or appetizers. Bolinhos de Bacalhau are small, deep-fried fritters created from a combination of salted cod, potatoes, eggs, and contemporary parsley. They’re crispy on the surface and smooth 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 proper 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)

It is a carnivore’s dream and a real style of typical Portuguese meals. Cozido is a hearty boiled stew filled with an enormous assortment of meats and greens. A typical Cozido can embody beef, pork, hen, 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 improbable method to pattern an enormous number of Portuguese meats and sausages multi functional go. It’s a basic Sunday household meal for a cause.

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 referred to as a cataplana. The pan acts like a steamer, locking in all of the flavours of the contemporary seafood, which usually contains clams, prawns, and fish, cooked in a aromatic broth of tomatoes, white wine, and herbs.

Dave & Deb’s Take: This was the basic Portuguese dish that we had heard about from our associates. So, after all we needed to attempt 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 improbable. It’s a must-do expertise whenever you’re within the Algarve.

16. Peixinhos da Horta (Fried Inexperienced Beans)

Don’t let the easy description idiot you; this is likely one of the most addictive snacks in Portugal. The title 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 slightly tapas bar and couldn’t cease ordering them. They’re the proper appetizer. The batter is mild and crispy, and the inexperienced bean inside is completely tender. It’s a easy, good dish and an awesome vegetarian possibility.

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 unimaginable 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: In the event 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 improbable, and this is likely one of the greatest methods to expertise it.

18. Feijoada (Bean Stew)

One other dish with sturdy Brazilian ties, Feijoada is a wealthy and hearty stew of black beans and varied 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 an enormous, satisfying meal.

Dave & Deb’s Take: It is a true style of rustic, hearty delicacies. It’s a heavy dish, so it’s greatest loved on a cooler day. We discovered it’s an awesome meal to share, usually served with rice and orange slices, which assist lower via the richness of the stew.

19. Caldeirada de Peixe (Fish Stew)

That is the quintessential Portuguese fisherman’s stew. A Caldeirada is a gorgeous, 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 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 unimaginable. It’s just like a French Bouillabaisse however heartier and extra rustic. It’s a improbable method to pattern all kinds of native fish multi functional go.

20. Ovas (Fish Roe)

For the actually adventurous eater, Ovas is a Portuguese delicacy created from fish roe (eggs). The whole 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’ve got to confess, this one was a problem for us at first, however we had been decided to attempt it. The feel is essentially the most distinctive half—very clean and silky. It’s a really conventional and historic dish, and for those who’re seeking to step outdoors your culinary consolation zone, that is the one to attempt.

21. Serra da Estrela Cheese

In case you are a cheese lover, you must attempt Queijo Serra da Estrela. That is Portugal’s most well-known cheese, hailing from the Serra da Estrela mountains. It’s a smooth, 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’ll be able to dip bread proper into the gooey middle. 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)

It is a well-liked Portuguese bread roll, and its title actually interprets to “God’s Bread.” It’s a smooth, 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 smooth bread with the marginally crispy coconut topping is an ideal mixture with a robust espresso. It’s a easy, scrumptious method 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’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 it’s best to completely purchase one. They’re the proper seashore snack. Whereas the normal egg cream is the basic, we additionally love those crammed with chocolate.

24. Cebolada

Cebolada isn’t a standalone dish, however relatively 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 smooth 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 gorgeous piece of grilled tuna, and it was improbable. The sweetness of the slow-cooked onions and tomatoes is the proper complement to the contemporary fish. It’s an awesome instance of how easy, high-quality elements 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 weight loss plan 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 find it irresistible 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 possibly 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 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 the planet. One of the best ways to expertise Port is to go to one of many Port lodges in Porto for a tasting. It’s a improbable method to be taught in regards to the historical past and completely different kinds of this iconic Portuguese drink.

27. Vinho Verde (Inexperienced Wine)

Don’t let the title 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 proper refreshing drink for a sunny afternoon.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We drank Vinho Verde virtually on daily basis 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, sturdy liqueur that could be a beloved native drink, particularly in Lisbon.

Dave & Deb’s Take: One of the best ways to do 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. It’s also possible to ask for it to be served in a small chocolate cup, which is a enjoyable and scrumptious method to get pleasure from it.

Planning Your Meals Tour of Portugal

• Finest Meals Excursions 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.
• Suggestions for Eating in Portugal:
  • The bread, olives, and different small plates the waiter brings at the beginning of the meal (the couvert) will not be free. In the event you don’t need them, simply politely say “no, thanks.”
  • Lunch is often the principle meal of the day, and plenty of eating places provide 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

So, Which Dish Will You Strive First?

After spending two full months consuming our method 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 evening in Porto or contemporary grilled sardines at a competition in Lisbon, the main focus was at all times on unimaginable, contemporary elements ready with care. But when we needed to decide one excellent meals reminiscence, it could 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 attempt as many of those conventional Portuguese dishes as you’ll be able to.