Portugal, a country celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich history, is also a gastronomic paradise. The Food In Portugal is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of tradition, fresh ingredients, and a deep-seated passion for flavor. Embark on a delectable adventure through bustling streets, cozy taverns, and acclaimed restaurants as we uncover the essential Portuguese dishes and drinks you simply must experience on your next visit.
If you are planning a trip to Portugal, be sure to explore our expertly crafted Portugal tours! We handle all the details, from comfortable accommodations to seamless transportation and immersive cultural experiences, allowing you to focus solely on enjoying your Portuguese adventure.
To make the most of your journey, delve into our comprehensive guide to visiting Portugal and discover more about the best things to see and do in Portugal, including city-specific guides, unique souvenir ideas, and the ideal time to plan your visit. And of course, you can’t miss the breathtaking Beaches in Portugal!
Must-Try Portuguese Dishes & Drinks
1. Francesinha
No exploration of food in Portugal is complete without encountering the Francesinha! This iconic sandwich is not for the faint of heart – come prepared with a ravenous appetite. The Francesinha is an architectural marvel of culinary delight, constructed with layers of bread, wet-cured ham, succulent pork sausage, fresh sausage, and steak or roast beef. This meaty masterpiece is then generously cloaked in molten cheese and drenched in a signature hot, thick tomato and beer sauce. As if that weren’t enough, it’s traditionally served with a side of crispy French fries, making it a truly indulgent experience.
2. Bolinhos de Bacalhau
Bolinhos de bacalhau, or codfish fritters, represent the first of many cod-based delicacies you’ll find in Portuguese cuisine. These savory bites are crafted from a blend of shredded cod, potatoes, eggs, fragrant parsley, and onion. Resembling Spanish croquetas in form, bolinhos de bacalhau are deep-fried to golden perfection and are typically enjoyed hot or cold as a delightful appetizer, offering a taste of Portugal’s rich seafood heritage.
3. Pasteis de Nata
The Pasteis de Nata rightfully earns its place on every list of must-try food in Portugal. Wander through any Portuguese city, and you’ll find pastry shops and bakeries lining the streets, their windows showcasing a tempting array of cakes, custards, and breads. Yet, the most celebrated pastry of all is undoubtedly the Pasteis de Nata. These exquisite egg custard tarts boast a history stretching back over 300 years to Belém, a district just west of Lisbon. Legend says they were created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery and have since become a cherished dessert sought after by both locals and visitors eager to experience this sweet piece of Portuguese culinary history.
4. Bacalhau à Brás
Bacalhau, or salted cod, has been a cornerstone of Portuguese food for centuries. Bacalhau à Brás is a quintessential traditional Portuguese dish that originated in the Barrio Alto, Lisbon’s historic and lively neighborhood. This comforting dish features shredded, salted cod expertly combined with sautéed onions, garlic, thinly matchstick-fried potatoes, and creamy scrambled eggs. It’s typically garnished with briny black olives and fresh parsley, adding a final touch of flavor and visual appeal to this iconic Portuguese staple.
5. Port Wine
While technically a drink, Port wine is inextricably linked to the food culture of Portugal. This fortified wine hails from the northern city of Porto and is renowned worldwide for its rich sweetness and complex flavor profile. Port wine bursts with notes of ripe raspberry, dark blackberry, sweet caramel, warm cinnamon, and decadent chocolate. Available in several styles, including red, white, rosé, and the aged Tawny Port, one of its defining characteristics is the unique blend of up to 52 indigenous Portuguese grape varieties. No visit to Porto, or Portugal for that matter, is complete without savoring a glass of this exceptional beverage.
6. Bifana
At first glance, the Bifana might appear to be just another simple sandwich, but don’t be deceived! While unassuming in its presentation, the Bifana holds the title of Portugal’s best sandwich for good reason. It consists of a light and crusty bread roll generously filled with tender strips of sautéed, expertly seasoned pork. The pork is juicy and slightly greasy, making it an incredibly satisfying and popular late-night snack, and an absolute must-try food in Portugal anytime. For the full local experience, pair your Bifana with a refreshing Super Bock beer!
7. Carne de Porco à Alentejana
Carne de porco à alentejana is a dish so deeply embedded in Portuguese food culture that it’s recognized on menus around the globe. This flavorful creation combines succulent black Iberian pork with briny clams and hearty potatoes. While the pairing of pork and clams might seem unexpected, this dish is a testament to Portuguese culinary creativity and is worth trying for its robust and flavorful sauce alone. You might just discover a new favorite!
8. Vinho Verde
Another Portuguese wine that deserves a spot on our list of essential food in Portugal is Vinho Verde, often translated as “green wine.” The “green” in its name refers not to the wine’s color, but to its youthfulness, as it’s a younger wine compared to many others from Portugal. Vinho Verde is a crisp, aromatic white wine, characterized by its low alcohol content and easy-drinking nature. Released just 3-6 months after the grapes are harvested, it’s best enjoyed soon after bottling, capturing its fresh and vibrant character. You’ll find Vinho Verde readily available in every supermarket and almost every restaurant throughout Portugal.
9. Queijada
These delightful sweet treats hailing from the charming city of Sintra may be small in size, but they are immense in flavor. Queijadas are crafted from simple ingredients – cheese, sugar, flour, eggs, and a hint of cinnamon – which combine to create the most delectable bite-sized desserts. Resembling a mini cheesecake in texture and taste, the Queijada is a truly unique example of food in Portugal and can be found in pastry shops across the country.
10. Bacalhau com Natas
Bacalhau com natas is a wonderfully creamy and comforting casserole that perfectly embodies Portuguese home cooking. Featuring the ever-popular salted cod, along with potatoes, onions, rich cream, and melted cheese, this dish is both satisfying and a definite must-try for anyone eager to experience authentic and heartwarming food in Portugal.
11. Caldo Verde
Translated as “green broth,” Caldo Verde is a soul-warming soup that perfectly encapsulates Portuguese comfort food. This hearty and vibrant dish features finely shredded kale (which gives it its distinctive green hue), tender potatoes, and savory chorizo sausage, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. Each spoonful of Caldo Verde carries the essence of Portuguese culinary tradition and provides a taste of home.
12. Ginjinha
Ginjinha, or simply Ginja, is a distinctive Portuguese liqueur made from ginja berries (sour cherries), alcohol, and sugar. This sweet and slightly tart liqueur is typically served as a shot, often with a ginja berry at the bottom of the glass. It’s a beloved drink among Portuguese locals and is particularly popular in Lisbon, Alcobaça, and Óbidos. Some local establishments even serve Ginjinha in a small chocolate cup, which you can enjoy as a sweet treat after finishing the liqueur!
13. Chouriço Assado
It’s time to showcase some more meat on our list of essential food in Portugal! Whether sizzling over an open grill or roasted to perfection in an oven, Chouriço Assado is a true celebration of Portugal’s love for robust, spicy sausage. The chouriço’s deep, smoky flavors, enriched with paprika and garlic, make it incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a flavorful appetizer, a star component of a charcuterie board, or a delicious addition to various main dishes, offering a taste of Portugal’s bold flavors.
14. Arroz de Pato
Another delight for meat lovers, Arroz de Pato, or Duck Rice, is a rich and flavorful dish that combines succulent duck meat with fragrant aromatic spices. Often enhanced by the smoky notes of chorizo, the seasoned rice beautifully absorbs all the flavors, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and deeply fragrant. Arroz de Pato is a true celebration of Portuguese gastronomy, showcasing the country’s ability to create sophisticated dishes from simple ingredients.
15. Pica Pau
For those with a hearty appetite and a craving for bold flavors, Pica Pau is another must-try meat-focused food in Portugal. This dish features small, tender cubes of beef cooked in a vibrant and spicy sauce. It’s frequently served with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all the flavorful juices from the meat. Trust us when we say that each bite of Pica Pau is packed with intense spices and unforgettable flavor!
16. Sardinhas Assadas
A trip to Portugal simply isn’t complete without experiencing their famous sardines. Grilled sardines, or Sardinhas Assadas, are a quintessential food in Portugal, especially during the summer months. The beauty lies in the simplicity: fresh sardines, lightly seasoned and grilled to utter perfection. This dish perfectly captures the essence of Portugal’s coastal heritage, delivering a burst of fresh, oceanic flavors with every bite.
17. Salada de Polvo
Salada de Polvo, or Octopus Salad, is a wonderfully refreshing dish that perfectly highlights Portugal’s celebrated seafood cuisine. Tender pieces of octopus, marinated in olive oil and tangy vinegar, are combined with crisp onions and fresh herbs, creating a simple yet vibrant salad that is both flavorful and light. Salada de Polvo offers a true taste of the Portuguese sea in every delicious bite.
More Articles About Travelling to Portugal:
The Top 11 Beaches in Portugal – From Algarve, Madeira & Beyond
Read More
Top 18 Things to do in Lisbon – A Definitive Guide
Read More
17 Amazing Day Trips from Lisbon. Portugal
Read More
Top 13 Things to do in Porto – A Definitive Guide
Read More
Visit Portugal: Exploring the Best Things to See & Do in Portugal
Read More
Portuguese Food – 17 Must-Try Foods in Portugal
Read More
Leah Warner
Leah has been living in and exploring Madrid since 2013 when she moved to the city for a simple summer abroad. She started the Citylife Blog in 2014 with the goal to share everything there is to know about her favourite place on earth!
