When it comes to the great cuisines of Europe, most of us zero in on the big three: France, Spain, and Italy.
Often overlooked is Portugal, with its simple but delicious cuisine and recipes, which is a shame, since Portugal has a rich gastronomic tradition.
Due to the country’s long and extensive history of colonization (which began as early as the 13th century with King Diniz), you’ll find influences from Africa, Brazil and Asia. Portugal is proud of its long, vibrant culinary heritage, reflected in both traditional dishes and world-class modern Portuguese cuisine.
But there’s more to it than that.
The Portuguese culinary scene is evolving beyond just good food and is quickly becoming one of the most sophisticated and dynamic cuisines on the continent. You can look forward to discovering a wealth of delights that vary from region to region. A Portuguese culinary adventure offers the perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the moment and create lasting memories.
I present the Portuguese food, establishments and experiences that deserve your attention during your next visit to this fantastic country on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula.
This is the second post of a 4-part series of our Portugal travel guide.
- Part One: Most Popular Travel Destinations in Portugal
- Part Two: (this blog)
- Part Three: Celebrating Portugal’s Wonderful Art and Architecture
- Part Four: 8 Must-Visit Local Festivals
Popular Portuguese Dishes That Are a Must Try
Here are some of Portugal’s most delicious culinary hits.
1. Bacalhau
One of the most renowned ingredients in Portuguese cuisine is undoubtedly dry-salted cod. It is the centerpiece of many famous dishes and is so representative that it is part of the country’s identity. There are more than a thousand ways to prepare this typical fish in Portugal. One of the best ways to enjoy a meal of bacalhau is with a good glass of wine and freshly baked bread.
2. Caldo Verde
This soup is one of the most popular Portuguese dishes. It is prepared mainly in winter and consists of a variety of cabbage so dark that it is almost black. The delicious and hearty soup, which has a green color, comes with diced potatoes and slices of chouriço sausage adding creaminess and flavor. The accompanying bread dumplings are steamed to complement the fresh flavor of the cabbage and round out the overall taste. The wonderful flavors of Caldo Verde are unforgettable and leave your mouth watering for more.
3. Polvo à Lagareiro
Polvo à Lagareiro translates to “octopus with Lagareiro,” consists of a meaty piece of octopus roasted over an open flame and doused with copious amounts of olive oil and garlic from Portugal’s sunny fields. Once ready, the tentacles are as tender as gently braised pork cheeks. Polvo à Lagareiro is served alongside potatoes, which are slowly roasted in their own skins until they can pull apart easily. In some recipes, the potatoes are lovingly mashed until they are silky smooth.
4. Porco Preto
Porco preto is delicious, melt-in-your-mouth, intensely flavorful, and some of the best meat you’ll ever eat.
Native to the Iberian Peninsula, these black pigs were brought to the peninsula by the Phoenicians and over the years, evolved with their European brethren into a unique breed that exists today in Portugal and Spain. The meat can be enjoyed in many ways, but is perhaps most delectable when slow-cooked.
A whole pig is rubbed with a mixture of salt, garlic and coarsely ground pepper and spread over the entire surface of the meat. It is then slow-roasted in a pit filled with red oak and olive wood. The result is tender, sticky meat that falls off the bone, with a crispy skin that shatters like glass. With a local white wine and some bread made with faba bean flour, you’ll wonder if you are on earth or in heaven.
5. Francesinha
No matter where you are in Portugal, you’ll be wowed by francesinhas, a culinary gem of the region. Inspired by the traditional French croque-monsieur, it can be made with various meats and melted cheese. It is served with a spicy tomato sauce and can be topped with an egg to give it a boost of wholesomeness.
Related: 10 Old-school French Cuisines
6. Queijo (Cheese)
Portuguese cheeses are not as widely known as other European cheeses. Despite this, there are countless varieties to discover in this little dairy nirvana. In fact, different regions have their own varieties, much like Portuguese wine.
And just like the wines, the cheeses have protected designations of origin. 12 artisanal cheeses have this honorable designation called denominação de origem protegida (DOP). It gives the cheeses name protection and ensures they are made in the delineated area using traditional methods and ingredients. Some examples are:
Buttery and pungent, yellow-and-white Serra de Estrela is a truly addictive sheep’s milk cheese produced in (and named after) Portugal’s highest mountain range.
Mellow, ivory-colored Azeitão – an unpasteurized sheep’s milk cheese from the foothills of the Arrábida Mountains south of Lisbon – adds a sweet and salty note to any meal.
São Jorge from the Azores is a slightly smoky, semi-soft cow’s milk cheese with a spicy kick.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
The country’s delicious selection of desserts. Whether at the end of a meal, for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, there are practically endless ways to indulge in something sweet in Portugal.
Although they come in different shapes and flavors, Portuguese pastries reflect the country’s preference for rich and creamy treats.
7. Pastéis De Nata
The country’s most famous dessert, a small and decadent Portuguese egg tart. The original recipe is kept under lock and key and passed down by the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery listed at UNESCO. Only a handful of chefs know the recipe and must sign a lifelong agreement never to reveal it. There is even a baking room where the ingredients are first mixed so that the secret does not leak out!
8. Queijada
Another delicacy from the Lisbon area (Sintra) are the Queijadas, sweet, crispy cheese pastries with a soft center. They are often sprinkled with powdered sugar and are one of the best pick-me-ups in Portugal. Much like pasteis de Nata, you can enjoy Queijadas in the morning with your coffee or as an afternoon snack.
9. Bolas De Berlim
If you are into decadent desserts, you will not be indifferent to the wholesome creaminess of Bolas de Berlim, Portugal’s version of the Berliner donuts. These pastries filled with yellow crème pasteleiro (pastry cream) were brought to Portugal by German refugees during WWII and – to this day – still retain the original sugary puffiness of the German doughnut recipe.
10. Pudim de Ovos
Pudim de Ovos, or egg custard, is a Portuguese variation of the traditional French recipe. This dessert is available in most stores and bakeries throughout the country. Locals also enjoy making it at home. Because of the high content of eggs and sugar, this Portuguese treat tends to be a bit heavier than its international counterparts, but it is still delicious.
11. Leite Creme
Another homage to creaminess is Leite Creme (literally creamed milk ), which can easily be confused with its French counterpart, crème brûlée. They have a similar consistency and sweetness but differ in preparation. Crème brûlée is usually baked, while Leite Creme is cooked on the stove.
Trending Portuguese Culinary Experiences
No one can deny that the Portuguese food scene is a gem. The country’s history and location near the Atlantic Ocean have created a unique culinary experience, unlike the rest of Europe. As the culinary travel sector continues to grow and more people travel specifically to experience new food experiences, Portugal has strategically positioned itself as a gastronomic destination.
Portugal’s culinary culture has transcended beyond a collection of specialty foods or quality cuisines to include bespoke products and experiences.
Here are some culinary experiences in Portugal that promise the perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the moment and create lasting memories.
1. LXFactory
Until recently, the LX Factory was an abandoned factory yard. The site provided the perfect foundation for constructing what is now a thriving attraction, a mix of indoor and outdoor space on a grand scale.
Today LX factory in Lisbon is a hip, trendy spot filled with restaurants, stores, cafes and galleries.
The street art will definitely catch your eye. Various local artists are brought in on a regular basis to enrich the overall aesthetic of the former industrial complex. There are also actual art installations throughout the factory grounds, especially on the walkways.
The culinary options at the LX factory are boundless. You’ll find just about every major global cuisine here in some form and numerous vegan, gluten-free and even fruitarian options.
2. Portugal Celebrity Chefs and Their Michelin Star Restaurants
Portugal has a rich culinary history and a growing number of Michelin stars. The Portuguese fine dining scene has come into its own, with award-winning Michelin-starred chefs from around the world looking to join the ranks of the country’s best. Currently, there are 28 Michelin-star restaurants in Portugal, 21 of which have 1 star and 7 boasting 2 stars.
And that’s due in large part to Portugal’s new generation of chefs who are returning to their roots, combining contemporary flair with traditional flavors and recipes to create a thriving restaurant scene. And from the looks of it, they are having success with it.
Here are two chefs setting the pace.
Chef José Avillez
One of the most famous Portuguese chefs today is Chef José. He’s quickly building a restaurant empire in Portugal with a main focus is to make Portugal a top gastronomic destination. He currently operates 18 restaurants offering everything from fast casual to fine dining.
16 are in Lisbon, including 1 Michelin-star vegetarian restaurant Encanto and 2 in Porto including the 2 Michelin-star Belcanto. You must try at least one of his restaurants while visiting Portugal.
Henrique Sá Pessoa
One man who has helped lead Portugal’s recent culinary renaissance – or renascimento – is Henrique Sa Pessoa. He has been called the “Jamie Oliver of Portugal” because he is the protagonist of several television shows such as a head judge on Masterchef Portugal. Unlike Oliver, he also holds a Michelin star for his elegant 2 Michelin-starred Lisbon restaurant Alma.
For a comprehensive list of all the Michelin Star restaurants in Portugal, have a look at this guide from Portugal Confidential.
3. Budding Rooftop Bar Culture (Lisbon)
The city of Lisbon is surrounded by ancient hills that offer breathtaking panoramic views. The numerous peaks have set the stage for a relatively new phenomenon: the rapidly growing culture of rooftop bars in Lisbon. What better way to enjoy the sunset or the magnificent views of the city than sipping your favorite Portuguese liquor at one of Lisbon’s chic rooftop bars?
These also double as the best places to see the true splendor of Lisbon at night. The lights twinkling among the trees and shimmering through the streets like candy on a sundae will leave you spellbound.
PARK bar situated in the bustling neighborhood of Barrio Alto. It’s a great place to unwind, enjoy cocktails, see the sunset and get a 180° view of the city, downtown Lisbon and the 25 April bridge.
Topo Bar is a chic, trendy rooftop bar located in the heart of central Lisbon in the Martim Moniz neighborhood. From here you have an excellent view of the city’s historic buildings and São Jorge Castle.
Mundial Rooftop Bar located on the ninth floor of Hotel Mundial is the trendy and cozy Mundial Rooftop Bar. It offers panoramic 360° views of the city, stunning views of the castle and the Tagus River.
Sky Bar By SEEN on the 9th floor of the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade hotel is definitely the trendiest rooftop bar in Lisbon. Here you can enjoy fantastic cocktails and dine from Chef Olivier da Costa’s famous restaurant SEEN. With St. Jorge Castle on your left, the Tagus River and Arrábida Mountains in the background, and the Lisbon skyline at your feet, there are few places where you can get a view that matches this one.
4. Port Wine Tours (Porto)
Portugal is a true paradise for wine lovers. The Alentejo and the Douro Valley are the regions with the largest number of wineries that open their doors to visitors. There, you can tour the plantations and wineries, take part in guided tours and tastings, and even experience what it’s like to sleep and wake up overlooking a vineyard.
At Quinta da Pacheca in Lamego, guests can stay in rooms that reproduce the shape of a wine barrel.
A day tour of the Douro Valley, allows you to enjoy wine and Portuguese delicacies as you admire the beautiful landscapes of the Douro Valley, from rolling vineyards to picturesque viewpoints. Along the way, you will also stop at some wineries and stroll through the lush vineyards.
There you will have the opportunity to participate in wine tastings and learn about the main differences between different Port wines such as Tawny vs. Ruby or Vintage vs. LBV. There is no better introduction to this famous wine region, which is a World Heritage Site at UNESCO.
What if you are a bonafide wine and cruise lover? You can opt for a wine-themed Douro river cruise running for a few days.
Related: Is River Cruising Your Personal Cruising Style?
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- Part One: Most Popular Travel Destinations in Portugal
- Part Three: Celebrating Portugal’s Wonderful Art and Architecture
- Part Four: 8 Must-Visit Local Festivals
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PLAN THE PERFECT TRIP TO PORTUGAL
Planning a culinary trip to Portugal is not difficult. There is a wealth of information available to help you decide what to eat in Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, or other parts of Portugal. However, if you want to go beyond the ordinary, you may need help planning your trip. As a personal travel consultant, I specialize in planning custom trips for clients who want something more than the typical offerings you find on food tour itineraries. There are many reasons to work with a personal travel consultant to plan your trip to Portugal.
For one, I can arrange unique culinary experiences that you would not have thought of yourself or even knew existed. I’ll also go out of my way to find hotels that offer high-touch customer service, and I’ll match you to the perfect food establishments to suit your travel style and budget.
Could you find these unique experiences and hotels on your own? Maybe, if you searched hard enough. But why spend hours and hours researching and still not be sure you are making the right choice? It saves so much time and mental energy when you work with an expert.
Whatever you want from your Portugal trip (or any other European country), I will work closely with you to design a custom trip based on your travel tastes and interests.
I will also be available to assist you with any last-minute changes, emergencies, or problems that may arise. Fill in my Travel Enquiry form, and I’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
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