Portuguese cuisine is diverse, flavorful and influenced by its history, geography, and climate. The country’s location on the Atlantic Ocean means that seafood plays a prominent role in many dishes, such as grilled sardines, bacalhau (salt cod), and octopus stew. Other popular dishes include cozido (a hearty stew made with meat and vegetables), caldo verde (a kale and potato soup), and feijoada (a bean and meat stew). Portugal is also known for its sweet pastries, such as pastel de nata (custard tarts) and bolo de arroz (rice cakes). Wine is an essential part of Portuguese cuisine, with the country producing several types of high-quality wine, including Port and Vinho Verde. Here is list of traditional food to taste in Portugal.
Food and drinks to taste in Portugal
Fado Verde
Fado Verde is a traditional Portuguese soup made with pureed potatoes, collard greens, and often flavored with garlic, olive oil, and chorizo. It is typically served hot and is a staple dish in the northern city of Porto.
Grilled Octopus
Grilled Octopus is a dish made from fresh octopus that is typically marinated in garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, then grilled over charcoal. It is a popular seafood dish found throughout Portugal, but particularly in the coastal city of Lisbon.
Francesinha
Francesinha is a hearty sandwich that originated in Porto and is made with layers of bread, ham, sausage, and steak, covered with melted cheese and a spicy tomato sauce. It is often served with french fries and is considered a comfort food in Portugal.
Sardines
Sardines are a staple of Portuguese cuisine and can be found in coastal cities such as Lisbon and Porto. They are typically grilled whole and served with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Polvo à Lagareiro
Polvo à Lagareiro is a popular dish made with boiled octopus, roasted potatoes, and garlic, then drizzled with olive oil. It is commonly found in coastal cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve.
Bacalhau à Bras
Bacalhau à Bras is a dish made with salt cod, scrambled eggs, and thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned with garlic, onion, and parsley. It is a staple dish in Lisbon, but can also be found in other parts of Portugal.
Pasteis de Bacalhau
Pasteis de Bacalhau are small, savory codfish cakes that are typically served as an appetizer. They are made from a mixture of mashed potatoes, salt cod, and seasonings, then deep-fried until golden brown. They are commonly found in Lisbon and Porto.
Arroz de Marisco
Arroz de Marisco is a flavorful seafood rice dish that typically includes clams, mussels, shrimp, and squid, along with saffron, garlic, and parsley. It is a popular dish in coastal cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve.
Cozido à Portuguesa
Cozido à Portuguesa is a hearty stew made with various meats, including beef, pork, and chicken, along with vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. It is a popular dish in the northern city of Porto.
Filetes de Polvo
Filetes de Polvo are tender, grilled octopus fillets that are typically served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. They are commonly found in coastal cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve.
Caldeirada de Peixe
Caldeirada de Peixe is a fish stew made with a variety of fish, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, and seasoned with garlic, parsley, and bay leaves. It is a popular dish in coastal cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve.
Torresmos de Vinha d’Alhos
Torresmos de Vinha d’Alhos is a traditional pork dish marinated in wine vinegar, garlic, and spices before being deep-fried until crispy. It is a popular dish in the city of Madeira.
Caçoila
Caçoila is a spicy stew made with pork, peppers, and tomatoes, along with garlic, onion, and various spices.
Presunto
Portuguese ham, or presunto, is a type of dry-cured ham that is similar to Italian prosciutto or Spanish jamón. It is made from the hind legs of pigs that are typically raised in the Alentejo region of Portugal, which is known for its rugged terrain and abundant cork forests.
Queijo fresco
Portuguese soft cheese, or queijo fresco, is a type of fresh cheese that is commonly found in Portugal. It is similar to other soft, mild cheeses like ricotta or cottage cheese, and is made from cow’s milk or a combination of cow’s and goat’s milk.
Pasteis de Nata
Pasteis de Nata, also known as Portuguese Custard Tarts, are one of the most famous Portuguese desserts. They are small, crispy pastry cups filled with a creamy, sweet egg custard. The tarts are traditionally served sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar and are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee. You can find Pasteis de Nata in many bakeries and cafes throughout Portugal, but some of the most famous places to try them are Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon and Manteigaria in Porto.
Bolo de Arroz
Bolo de Arroz, or Rice Cake, is a traditional Portuguese cake that is made with rice flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. The cake has a light, fluffy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, and is often served with coffee or tea. You can find Bolo de Arroz in many bakeries and cafes throughout Portugal, but some of the most famous places to try it are Confeitaria Nacional in Lisbon and Café Guarany in Porto.
Queijadas
Queijadas are a type of sweet pastry that is made with sugar, flour, eggs, milk, and fresh cheese. They are typically small, round cakes that have a slightly crispy crust and a soft, creamy center. Queijadas are often flavored with cinnamon or lemon and are a popular snack or dessert in Portugal. You can find Queijadas in many bakeries and cafes throughout Portugal, but some of the most famous places to try them are Casa da Queijada in Sintra and Confeitaria Peixinho in Aveiro.
Ovos Moles
Ovos Moles, or Soft Eggs, are a traditional Portuguese dessert that originated in the town of Aveiro. They are made with egg yolks, sugar, and water, which are cooked over low heat until they form a thick, creamy custard. The custard is then poured into small, decorative molds and allowed to set. Ovos Moles have a rich, sweet flavor and a smooth, velvety texture. You can find Ovos Moles in many bakeries and cafes throughout Portugal, but some of the most famous places to try them are Confeitaria Peixinho in Aveiro and Ovar.
Port Wine
Port Wine is a fortified wine that is produced exclusively in the Douro Valley region of Portugal. It is a sweet, rich wine that is typically served as a dessert wine or an aperitif. Port Wine comes in two main varieties: red and white. Red Port Wine is made from red grapes and has a deep, rich flavor with notes of berries, chocolate, and spice. White Port Wine is made from white grapes and has a lighter, fruitier flavor with notes of citrus and honey. You can find Port Wine in many restaurants and bars throughout Portugal, but some of the most famous places to try it are in the Douro Valley region itself, where you can visit a variety of wineries and tasting rooms.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde, or Green Wine, is a light, refreshing wine that is produced in the Minho region of Portugal. It is a young wine that is typically consumed within a year of being produced, and is known for its crisp, citrusy flavor and low alcohol content. Vinho Verde is best enjoyed as a summer wine and is often paired with seafood and light salads. You can find Vinho Verde in many restaurants and bars throughout Portugal, but some of the most famous places to try it are in the Minho region, where you can visit a variety of wineries and tasting rooms.
Ginja
Cherry Liquor, or Ginja, is a sweet, fruity liquor that is made by infusing cherries in alcohol, and is typically served in small shot glasses. The recipe for Ginja de Obidos dates back to the 19th century and is a closely guarded secret. The liquor is made using the sour cherry, or Ginja, which is a variety of cherry that is grown exclusively in the region. The cherries are soaked in alcohol along with sugar, cinnamon, and other spices to create a rich, sweet liqueur that has a distinct cherry flavor. One of the best places to try Ginja de Obidos is in the town itself, where you can find several small shops and bars that specialize in the liquor.
