Unleash Your Inner Foodie in Portugal: Discover 30+ Must-Try Dishes & Drinks

Portugal has officially claimed its spot as a global culinary powerhouse. And its capital city, Lisbon was crowned "Europe's Best Culinary Destination 2024" at the World Culinary Awards.

What makes Portuguese food special?

Centuries of history, a melting pot of cultural influences, and the incredible bounty of the land and sea have woven together a truly unique and vibrant culinary experience. For any food lover, experiencing Portugal is about savoring every bite and understanding the stories and traditions that make each dish and glass of wine so special.

Join us on a gastronomic adventure as we explore the flavors that define Portuguese cuisine, from time-honored classics to innovative reinventions.

Tascas: The Heart of Portuguese Culinary Tradition

To eat like a local in Portugal, a true foodie must visit a tasca.

These traditional taverns are the beating heart of the country's culinary scene, offering an authentic taste of Portuguese life and culture. Tascas have their own unique charm: paper tablecloths often used to announce daily specials, displays of boiled eggs nestled in piles of coarse salt, and decorations that often feature photographs of the establishment or the region.

For a truly local experience, dine at a tasca like Adega São Pedro in Porto, winner of the "Best Tasca in Portugal" award in 2024. They're renowned for their Ovos Rotos (broken eggs), a delectable dish featuring perfectly fried potatoes topped with slivers of presunto (cured ham) and lightly cooked eggs.

Sweet Beginnings: Pastéis de Nata and Conventual Pastries

Portugal's pastry history is extensive, with over 300 distinct sweets and pastries reflecting its diverse cultural influences. The country's conventual pastries, born in monasteries during the Age of Discoveries, offer a glimpse into Portugal's rich history.

No culinary journey through Portugal is complete without indulging in the beloved Pastel de Nata. These heavenly custard tarts, with their flaky pastry shells and caramelized tops, have their roots in Lisbon's Belém district. While the original recipe remains a closely guarded secret, you can savor authentic Pastéis de Nata at the historic Pastéis de Belém bakery, where they've been crafting these delightful treats since 1837.

Try the Queijadas de Sintra, delicate cheese tarts infused with cinnamon, or the Barriga de Freira (Nun's Belly), a sumptuous egg-yolk based dessert that's as decadent as its name suggests.

Don't overlook the Bolas de Berlim, a sweet treat with a fascinating history. These custard-filled doughnuts, originally from Germany, arrived in Portugal with Jewish refugees during World War II. Today, they're a beloved staple on Portuguese beaches, where vendors enthusiastically call out "Olha a bolinha!" as they sell these irresistible treats to sunbathers.

From Sea to Table: Seafood Delights

Portugal's extensive coastline is a treasure trove of fresh seafood. With a rich maritime history, Portugal has a deep connection to the sea, and this is reflected in the abundance and diversity of its seafood.

• Arroz de Marisco: A hearty seafood rice dish combining a variety of shellfish with short-grain rice in a flavorful broth. For an authentic experience, head to the coastal town of Nazaré, where local restaurants serve this dish featuring the freshest catch of the day. For an authentic experience, head to Nazaré, where local restaurants serve this dish featuring the freshest catch of the day.

• Gambas ao Guilho: A ubiquitous starter across Portugal, this simple yet sublime dish features garlic-infused shrimp. This dish has roots in Spanish cuisine but has become a staple in Portuguese restaurants, often served sizzling in clay pots to keep the flavors warm throughout the meal.

• Polvo à Lagareiro: Tender octopus drizzled with olive oil and served with roasted potatoes.

• In Lisbon, seek out Ramiro, a legendary marisqueira (seafood restaurant) where you can indulge in the freshest percebes (goose barnacles) and sapateira (stone crab).

Regional Specialties: From South to North

Portugal's culinary landscape is incredibly diverse. Each region boasts unique flavors, shaped by geography, history, and local ingredients. From the hearty dishes of Minho to the spicy delights of the Algarve, every corner offers a distinc adventure. Even within cities like Lisbon and Porto, you'll find a range of discoveries. Let's explore:

Algarve: Spicy Delights of the South

Frango piri piri, a zesty testament to Portugal's multicultural culinary heritage, has become a national treasure. Originally from Mozambique, this dish features chicken marinated in a vibrant sauce of piri piri peppers, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to juicy perfection. The result is a smoky, tangy explosion of flavor. While deeply rooted in the Algarve, Frango piri piri's popularity has soared, gracing menus across the country. Often served alongside crispy fries and a refreshing salad, this dish is an essential experience for any visitor seeking authentic Portuguese flavors.

Lisbon: Beyond the Bifana

While the bifana remains a staple of Lisbon's street food scene—a simple yet delicious sandwich of thin, garlicky pork slices in a crusty roll—there’s much more to explore for the discerning foodie:

- Prego: The beef counterpart to bifana, featuring a thin steak in a bread roll.

- Bacalhau à Brás: A comforting dish of shredded salt cod mixed with onions and thinly sliced potatoes.

- Caldo Verde: A hearty soup made with potatoes, kale, and chorizo.

These dishes highlight Lisbon’s vibrant food culture, which is constantly evolving. The city is home to numerous food markets and innovative restaurants where chefs are reinventing traditional recipes using local ingredients.

Porto: The Rising Culinary Star

Porto is rapidly establishing itself as Europe's next food mecca. The city is known for its hearty dishes and local delicacies:

- Francesinha: A gut-busting sandwich layered with various meats and covered in melted cheese and spicy tomato-beer sauce.

- Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá: A delicious cod casserole with potatoes and eggs.

- Tripas à Moda do Porto: A traditional tripe stew that gave Porto's residents their nickname, "tripeiros."

- Percebes: Gooseneck barnacles that are best enjoyed fresh by the ocean.

- Bacalhau com Natas: Salt cod baked in cream sauce often served with crispy potatoes.

- Alheira: A unique sausage made with poultry and bread that originated during the Inquisition.

Porto's food scene is thriving thanks to young chefs returning from abroad with new skills and ideas. The city's proximity to both the sea and fertile land allows for an abundance of fresh seafood and high-quality produce. With its mix of old-school eateries and modern restaurants creating diverse culinary landscapes that continue to attract food lovers from around the world.

The upcoming Time Out Market Porto will further cement the city's status as a culinary destination by featuring renowned chefs showcasing both traditional and innovative Portuguese cuisine.

Petiscos: Portugal's Answer to Tapas

Petiscos embody social dining culture in Portugal; friends gather over these small plates accompanied by drinks—perfect for enjoying leisurely evenings filled with laughter and conversation.

Petiscos are perfect for sharing and offer a chance to sample a variety of flavors. Some of the most popular:

- Pataniscas de Bacalhau: Cod fritters mixed with parsley and onion for added flavor.

- Pimentos Padron: Small green peppers, lightly fried and sprinkled with salt.

- Chouriço Assado: Grilled chorizo served flambéed for an exciting presentation.

- Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato: Clams cooked in white wine, garlic, and coriander.

- Azeitonas: Olives marinated in herbs and spices with a wide variety of options from green to black - enjoyed on their own, with bread, or as part of a cheese and charcuterie board.

- Sardinhas Assadas: Grilled sardines, a summer favorite on the coast.

Cheese and Wine: A Perfect Pairing

Portugal's cheese-making tradition is often overshadowed, but it shouldn't be. From the tangy Serra da Estrela to the creamy São Jorge, Portuguese cheeses are often made with artisanal methods passed down through generations.

With over 250 indigenous grape varieties, Portugal boasts an incredible viticultural diversity rivaled only by Italy. This translates to a remarkable range of wines, from the effervescent Vinho Verde to the robust Port wines, and beyond.

In 2024, Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado from Quinta do Pomar was crowned World Champion Cheese at the prestigious World Cheese Awards, held in Viseu, Portugal. Other must try award winners:

- Serra da Estrela Cheese: Made from sheep's milk using thistle rennet; creamy and rich made Taste Atlas’s best cheese list in 2024.

- Queijo do Pico: An intense cow's milk cheese from the Azores that recently won Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards.

Pair these cheeses with regional wines like Vinho Verde, known for its slight effervescence—a perfect complement to seafood—or indulge in a glass of Moscatel de Setúbal, a fortified wine with notes of orange peel and caramel. Portugal boasts an impressive range of wines beyond just Port. Explore the elegant reds of Dão, the structured Bairrada, the diverse offerings of Alentejo, Lisboa, and the unique fortified wines of Madeira.

Beyond the Plate: The Quality of Portuguese Produce and Meat Markets

To truly appreciate Portuguese cuisine, anyone exploring their inner foodie should visit one of the country's vibrant markets.

These markets not only provide fresh ingredients but also offer insight into daily Portuguese life and culinary traditions.

While Portugal is renowned for its vibrant cuisine, we want to highlight the agricultural foundation that makes it all possible. From the fertile valleys of the Minho to the sun-drenched plains of the Alentejo, the country boasts a diverse agricultural landscape.

The secret to Portuguese cuisine's excellence lies in its ingredients. From sweet Rocha pears and ripe cherries from Fundão to piquant olive oils from Alentejo’s fertile plains, Portugal’s diverse microclimates produce an array of exceptional products that fuel Portugal's culinary creativity.

To sample this for yourself, visit Mercado do Bolhão in Porto and Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon for a a feast for the senses, with stalls brimming with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, olives, and local specialties like cured meats.

A Toast to Portuguese Drinks

No meal in Portugal is truly complete without the perfect drink. The country boasts a rich beverage culture that extends far beyond its renowned wines. From traditional liqueurs to innovative cocktails, Portugal offers a diverse array of drinks that beautifully complement its culinary delights.

• Aguardente: This potent pomace brandy is a traditional Portuguese spirit with a long history. It's often enjoyed neat or used to flavor regional dishes.

• Ginjinha: This beloved sour cherry liqueur is a quintessential Lisbon experience. Enjoy it at iconic spots like Ginjinha Espinheira for an authentic taste or in Óbidos, find it served in a small chocolate cup.

• Sangria: A refreshing blend of wine infused with fruits, perfect for warm days and social gatherings.

• White Port & Tonic: This revitalizing summer cocktail combines the sweetness of white Port with the effervescence of tonic water, garnished with fresh mint and lemon.

  From the traditional to the contemporary, Portugal's beverage culture invites you to raise a glass and toast to the flavors of this beautiful country.
  

A Feast for the Senses

Whether you're savoring centuries-old recipes in a traditional tasca or tasting modern interpretations in contemporary restaurants, or exploring markets filled with fresh ingredients—each bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and warm hospitality.

From hidden neighborhood gems to Michelin-starred establishments, this beautiful country offers culinary adventures that will tantalize your taste buds while leaving you with a deeper appreciation for its rich gastronomic tapestry. Let RuaMar be your guide.