Wondering what’s so special about Portuguese food? Dive right in!
With around 1,800 kilometers of coastline, Portugal is a seafood lover’s paradise.
But that’s not the only thing Portugal has to offer!
From Porto to Lisbon, there is a wide range of savory and hearty dishes to wake up your palate.
Speaking of tasting profile, Portuguese cuisine has many things in common with Asian food.
The locals’s love for rice is on a whole new level. With the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, you have Arroz De Marisco and Paella as the best introductions.
Other than that, the culinary scene here has everything to offer from fresh anchovies to salted cod and grilled shrimp.
Meat dishes like beef, pork, and goat are also popular, often featured in stews or marinated and barbecued. Portugal truly offers a diverse and delicious culinary experience.
Here are my eight favorite foods in Portugal for your next culinary adventure.
Read More: 15 Things to Do in Portugal: Historical Buildings, Culture, Islands, Food, Port Wine, and More
Portuguese Egg Tart
This world-renowned dessert is one of the most popular Portuguese dishes. It’s also known as Pastel de Nata or Pastel de Belém and originated in the 19th century at Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monastery.
History-wise, the egg tart was created by the nuns at Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monastery, who used egg yolks that were left behind after the process of blanching clothes with egg whites. For over two centuries, this pastry dessert gained immense popularity with a crispy puff pastry and a steaming hot, creamy filling. Portuguese egg tarts are best served hot.
The authentic “Pastel de Belém” is exclusively found in the original store in Lisbon. Otherwise, it is referred to as “Pastel de Nada.”
Where to find:
Pastéis de Belém: The iconic birthplace of the Sino-Portuguese egg tart draws crowds on any given sunny day. The store is smack dab in the heart of the Belém District of Lisbon with proximity to major attractions. You’ll be amazed at the heart-warming caramelized exterior, an exceptionally crispy crust, and a rich, dense filling.
Arroz De Marisco – Portuguese Seafood Rice Stew
One of the most celebrated Portuguese rice dishes in Arroz De Marisco. It’s rich, full-on, and flavor-packed comfort food made by pairing rice with seafood and potatoes.
If you’re a big fan of garlic, well, you’re in luck!
There’s a deep garlic-y taste to it, which enhances the fishy flavor of seafood, making this simple stew a lot more enjoyable to chow down.
Common seafood used in the making of Arroz De Marisco are prawns, mussels, and clams in a rich seafood stock.
Where to find:
Pinóquio: Located next to the Rossio train station, it celebrates the coastal bounty by offering a wide range of freshly caught seafood. The rice-to-seafood ratio here is less than that made in other places. The rice is slightly firm while the stew is delightful. Other than seafood rice, they also offer steaks and seafood platters.
Portuguese Paella
People talk about Spanish Paella more often but the Portuguese version sees no less deliciousness. The Portuguese-style seafood risotto differs from the Spanish version with a richer moist and bountiful use of onions, tomatoes, and red peppers. Importantly, it doesn’t come with “pesto mayonnaise (Alioli).”
Portuguese Paella is hearty and savory with a strong influence on the Mediterranean. It uses rice as the base before succulent seafood goes in, capped off with a spicy kick of chorizo. At the end of the day, you’ll finish with a satisfying dish that’s not overly fancy.
Where to find:
Taverna Alfacinha: Located in the heart of Lisbon, Alfacinha is recognized as the home of the best paella in town. It’s the go-to spot for a delightful sangria experience and a memorable fusion paella.
Francesinha – Melted Cheese Sandwich
Looking for a cheesy, filling bite on the go? You’re in for a treat!
Francesinha is one of the biggest sandwiches you’ve ever seen! Stuffed with sausage, roast meat, or ham at the core, it’s slashed with a pool of melted cheese and a special tomato sauce. Even better, the sauce is brewed with beer to create a full-bodied depth.
Where to find:
Café Santiago in Porto is your go-to spot if your palate demands this creamy bite.
Bifana – Pork Sandwich
Bifanas are classic Portuguese sandwiches with thinly sliced, garlic-seasoned pork. Each bite is a beautiful blend of spice-rich, rustic bread, a delicate hint of white wine, and the subtle heat of paprika sauce.
Where to find:
Casa das Bifanas: A casual, sprawling dining hole captivates with an affordable menu that doesn’t compromise on great quality. During rush hours in high season, the space is packed with locals and visitors alike. They have indoor seating and an outdoor breezy terrace area where you can wind down under a parasol.
Bacalhau
Are you into fish?
If that’s a nod, you’re in luck because the country has dozens of creative Bacalhau dishes for you to try!
From cozy cafés to upscale restaurants, Bacalhau dishes are ubiquitous across Portugal.
Ironically, Bacalhau is not traditional to Portugal yet it has been loved and cherished as a national staple since the Middle Ages. Bacalhau is salted cod, a long-standing dish that traces back centuries ago when Portugal was a major salt exporter in Europe.
Where to find:
Fábrica da Nata: This is a Lisbon household name serving delectable egg tarts and tasty fried cod.
Portuguese Roast Chicken Rice – Frango Assado a Portuguesa
When in doubt, go for chicken rice. As long as you’re not vegetarian, chicken rice is one of the world’s most popular dishes that cater to a wide range of palates.
Frango Assado a Portuguesa, or Portuguese Roast Chicken, is not an exception.
This dish is Portugal’s go-to fast food: a whole chicken, butterflied, served with homemade fries and rice.
The best part?
Each bite is exploded with flavors from the meat and marinade made of olive oil, garlic, lemon, wine, and the special ingredient – piri-piri chili.
A word of caution: piri-piri chili has an intense heat, so ask for a reduced amount if you’re not keen on spicy food!
Where to find:
Churrasqueira Lameiras Porto: Shielded from most tourists’ eyes, Churrasqueira Lameiras is a long-standing mom-and-pop shop in Porto famous for dishing up a robust garlic and spice aroma for its chicken rice. The skin is crispy and they offer a variety of chickens. Locals queue up, and they also sell pork chop buns.
Seafood
Save the best for last, Portuguese seafood enjoys global recognition, thanks to the rich flavors from the cold Atlantic waters.
No matter where you visit, Portuguese seafood is abuzz with great diversity with anything in season and freshly caught.
Where to find:
Cervejaria Ramiro: A laid-back three-floor seafood and beer spot established in the 1950s, which was proudly mentioned by Anthony Bourdain. Some of the must-haves here include Grilled Tiger Prawns (Camarão tigre grelhado), Garlic Fried Shrimp (Camarão à la Guilho), and Garlic Clams (Les Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato).
From seafood to rice stew, from sandwich to dessert, Portuguese food will never bore you. Speaking of flavor, Portuguese food bursts with a simple, well-seasoned, and comforting approach.