Despite sometimes being overshadowed by its neighbour Spain, Portugal has a rich food tradition that spans centuries. It covers a wide variety of ingredients and preparations which you will see in this list of 14 foods from Portugal you have have to try . Some foods on the list may be familiar such as the Portuguese chicken and the custard tarts. However, there is much more to Portuguese cuisine than those dishes (although the chicken and tarts are great!). With their proximity to the coast, seafood features prominently. In saying that, Portugal’s climate allows for a diversity of agriculture. This means you will find a range of meat and vegetable dishes, along with rich desserts that you will love.
Below you will see a variety of foods with recipe suggestions and some of the best spots to try them in their country of origin.
1. Pastel de Nata
If you haven’t had a good Pastel de Nata before, you haven’t lived. Perfectly cooked pastry with a soft egg custard that is then caramelised on the top. These are on of the must try foods from Portugal. While these have seen some popularity internationally in recent times, the Pastel De Nata dates back hundreds of years. It was a way that monasteries could use up their extra egg yolks. We are glad that the monks came up with this one. You can find these throughout Portugal and the capital Lisbon.
Start your Portuguese cooking adventures on a sweet note : https://spanishsabores.com/2019/06/25/pasteis-de-nata-recipe/
For arguably the best Pastel De Nata’s, you should really head to Manteigaria in Lisbon : https://www.facebook.com/manteigaria.oficial/
2. Frango Assado
This is the dish that Nandos got its ideas from. Frango Assado is a dish that tastes as good as it smells. Through Portugal you will be able to smell the charcoaled chicken that is cooked over coals, perfuming the streets. The marinade is what makes this special with garlic, lemon, olive oil, wine and the famous Piri Piri sauce. Piri Piri sauce originates from the Portuguese’s travels to Africa. If you’re in Portugal, the locals will often eat it with their hands. You can eat it in a churrascaria, a BBQ restaurant. If you’re a fan of meat, you are sure to love our list of the best German foods to try: https://atasteofabroad.com/the-16-best-german-foods-you-must-try/
Have your own special chicken at home: https://www.feastingathome.com/portuguese-chicken-and-potatoes/
Chef Rick Stein was a fan, so head to A Valenciana is Lisbon: https://www.restauranteavalenciana.pt/en
3. Feijoada
Brazil’s national dish on a list of foods from Portugal to try? Although there is some debate as to the origins of the dish, one theory suggests this dish was brought over from Portugal to Brazil. Other theories suggest that it was created by slaves or created in Brazil. Either way, this dish is commonly served in Portugal and is a typical home-cooked meal. It normally contains red or white beans and often pork but can also contain beef, blood sausage or churico. This is truely one of the best foods from Portugal.
Make this one at home: https://thecookwaregeek.com/portuguese-feijoada-recipe/
Head up the city of Coimbra to Ze Manel Dos Ossos for an excellent take on the dish : Ze Manel dos Ossos https://m.facebook.com/Zé-Manel-Dos-Ossos-351677638352812/?locale2=pt_PT
4. Bifana
Thinly sliced pork, marinated in white wine, garlic, spices that is then fried and put between a Portuguese roll. You then can choose to top this with mustard or peri-peri sauce. Add some fries and you have a main meal. Many establishments will also offer alternatives such as egg, bacon or salad. It is also highly recommended to have this with a beer. Simple, yet so good!
There is great debate as to who makes the best Bifana, so take up the challenge and make your one the best: https://wetravelportugal.com/bifana-recipe/
For the best Bifanas in Lisbon, head to As Biganas do Afonso. Grab one and a beer and enjoy one of the best value for flavour meals in the area in the sun!
5. Francesinha
A sandwich that features multiple types of meat, cheese and a spiced tomato and beer sauce. I don’t know who came up with that idea but they are genius. Influenced by the French Croque monsieur or croque-madame, this one was created in the city of Porto and means ” little Frenchie”. However, there is nothing little about this sandwich, especially when served with fries and sauce!
It is made with bread, cured ham, Portuguese sausage, steak or roast beef and is then covered with melted cheese. Along with the melted cheese, a spiced tomato and beer cheese sauce then tops the melted cheese. This is then often further topped by a fried egg. This is not one for the calorie counters.
If you like cheesy dishes, then you should check out this list : http://atasteofabroad.com/21-of-the-best-cheese-dishes-globally-you-need-to-try/
Make this ultimate sandwich at home: https://www.goodfood.com.au/recipes/francesinha-portuguese-croquemadame-20140813-3dmg9
Eat this one in Porto. There is quite a lot of disagreement as to which establishment in Porto does the best Francesinha. There are varying qualities of ingredients and tightly guarded secrets for the sauce. You will find one of the best can be found at café Santiago f https://cafesantiago.pt/en/
6. Caldo Verde
One of Portugals most popular dishes, this soup uses greens such as Kale. It also contains potato, olive oil, onion and garlic making this a wholesome yet delicate soup. Often Portuguese sausage, ham hock or chorizo is added and this meal is known to be a typical dish for weddings and birthdays. With the popularity of super greens such as Kale, this soup has become popular abroad and can be served as an entrée or a supper.
Get your dose of greens with this hearty soup at home: https://leitesculinaria.com/7580/recipes-portuguese-kale-soup-caldo-verde.html
Try it as Lisbon at the famed O caldo Verde in Lisbon.
7. Toucinho de Ceu
It was a hard choice for number 7. We wanted to include something sweet and there are so many choices including local doughnuts to pastries and cakes. However, with a direct translation of “Bacon from Heaven”, it was hard not to include this one on here. This is a super moist almond cake that contains bacon fat, which helps make it as it is. You could try to substitute this with butter if you’re looking to make this vegetarian. However, you should really consider making it the traditional way with Bacon fat if you can. It gives it a unique, almost smoky taste!
Make this one at home: https://easyportugueserecipes.com/portuguese-almond-cake-toucinho-do-ceu/
This cake is quite popular throughout the country, so it is worth checking out the local bakery to try this or one of the other great desserts on offer!
8. Caldeirada
With a vast proportion of Portugal’s population living close to the sea, it is no surprise to see a fish stew on this list. Traditionally, the stew was made with potatoes as well as vegetables such as onion and tomatoes. It also contains spices such as saffron, herbs, white wine and whatever the fisherman had caught. Modern takes on the recipe include mixed oily and lean fish, as well as seafood such as mussels, clams, octopus and shrimps.
As with any seafood, make sure it is as fresh as possible. Make this one 30 minutes: https://www.feastingathome.com/portuguese-fish-stew-caldeirada/
Head to the city of Aveiro and eat seafood with the locals at the wonderful Restaurante Palhuca.
9. Ginja Em Copos de Chocolate ( Sour Cherry Liquor in chocolate cups)
Liquor chocolates are an indulgent pleasure that is enjoyed across the world. The only thing better than that is these chocolate cups that are then filled with tasty sour cherry liquor.
You could try and make a liqueur yourself, but the easiest option would be to get a kit that comes with the local liquor and chocolate cups. In Australia you can buy this here : https://www.petershamliquormart.com.au/Shop/Spirits/Portugal/Liqueurs/Ginja+De+Obidos+Oppidum+and+Chocolate+Cups+500ml
The historic city of Óbidos is where this combination was created. This can be found through the Main Street. While you are there, check out the medieval castles and impressive architecture of the area. If you’re lucky. you will be there during either the chocolate festival or the medieval festival.
10. Bacalhau (salted cod)
Bacalhau is both used for the Portuguese word for Cod and also for salted cod. There are hundreds of different preparations and dishes of salted Cod. Popular choices include a cream sauce or as salt cod fritters.
Depending on where you are located, salted cod may be difficult to find. It may only be available in select delis or shops. However, if you can find it, the flavour is very distinct and is something you should try at least once!
The below recipe is a great way to use it in a dish:
https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/portuguese_salt_cod_stew_bacalhoada/
If you are in Lisbon, the best place to try Bacalhau is at Restaurante Laurentina O Rei Do Bacalhau. This restaurant specialises in a variety of salt cod dishes, so you can choose your favourite preparation. https://www.restaurantelaurentina.com
11. Arroz De Pato (Duck rice)
You know that most dishes that have duck are going to be good. This dish is no exception. Especially because the duck is cooked with rice, wine, plenty of olive oil, garlic, onions and topped with Portuguese chorizo. It hails from the Alentijo region of Portugal and is one of the most popular rice dishes in Portugal.
This is a great alternative to risotto and can be made easily here: https://www.196flavors.com/portugal-arroz-de-pato/
If you’re in Lisbon, you can try it at the restaurant Ze Da Mouraria.
12. Sardines
Walkthrough the streets of coastal Portugal and it is likely that you will come across the smell of grilled Sardines. This is because Sardines are salted and grilled whole on a BBQ. In June, there is a whole festival dedicated to Sardines in Lisbon, the Santo Antonio Festival (Day of Saint Antonio). 12 pounds of Sardines are eaten a year per captia! https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/24/travel/fare-of-the-country-in-portugal-fresh-sardines.html If you prefer, Sardines also come in cans and are a far cry from the cheap supermarket Sardines you find. The Portuguese take great pride in producing high-quality canned Sardines. Try them!
13. Espetada
From the islands of Madeira, Espetada involves meat that is flavoured with salt, garlic and bay leaves. This is then skewered and cooked over hot coals. The most popular choice is beef or pork but seafood, chicken or turkey can be used. Some variations also include onion, Portuguese chorizo or peppers that are placed between the meat. Do as the locals do and try this with the fortified Madeira wine.
Try these on your next BBQ here: https://sundaysuppermovement.com/portuguese-beef-skewers/
Head over to Madeira to try this. Most restaurants will do at least one version of it but most likely a few!
14. Porco Preto
You may be familiar with the famous Black Iberian pigs from Spain and their melt in your mouth Iberian ham. What you may not know is that these same pigs are also found in Portugal! Like in Spain, they are often served as paper-thin slices of smoked ham . Otherwise, you will often find them as Pork cutlets. These may be the tastiest pork cutlets you ever have!
You’ll find these on various menus in the Alentejo region of Portugal.
This can sometimes be hard to find outside of Portugal/Spain but if you can get your hands on some, please do. You will be rewarded!
In Summary
Portugal really has an extensive variety of dishes for all occasions from rich desserts to local seafood and bucket list sandwiches. I hope that this guide gave you some insight into the must-try foods of the country.
This list aims to bring you some of the best dishes to try but there are other worthy contenders. Have you tried Portuguese food? Is there a dish that we are missing? Let us know in the comments!
Plus, if you’re keen to explore more of the great foods that Europe has on offer, check out the best dishes from Italy https://atasteofabroad.com/the-best-dishes-from-italy/ or the best from Germany here: https://atasteofabroad.com/the-16-best-german-foods-you-must-try/ .
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