The essence of Portugal can be found in its food, with its cuisine standing as a flavorful testament to its rich cultural heritage and geography. Here are the top ten tips to help you savor the best of Portuguese food:
1. Sample the Seafood
Being a coastal country, Portugal boasts an incredible array of seafood dishes. Don’t miss the “bacalhau” (cod), which has earned the nickname “faithful friend” due to its prominence in Portuguese cuisine.
2. Indulge in Pastries
Portuguese pastries are justly famed, particularly the “pastéis de nata”, a creamy egg tart. Visit the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém in Lisbon to try the iconic “Pastéis de Belém”, the recipe of which remains a closely guarded secret.
3. Try Local Cheeses
Portugal has an extensive variety of local cheeses. “Queijo Serra da Estrela”, a rich and creamy sheep’s milk cheese from the Serra da Estrela region, is a must-try.
4. Savor Portuguese Wines
Portugal’s diverse climatic conditions result in a broad range of unique wines, from the effervescent Vinho Verde to the robust, complex port wines of Douro Valley. Wine tasting tours are highly recommended.
5. Feast on Pork Dishes
Pork is a staple of Portuguese cuisine, with “leitão assado” (roasted suckling pig) and “alheira” (smoked sausage) being highly regarded dishes.
6. Taste the Piri Piri Chicken
One of the country’s most popular dishes, Piri Piri chicken is marinated in a spicy chilli-based sauce and grilled to perfection. It’s a treat for those who enjoy a touch of heat in their food.
7. Relish Seafood Stews
“Caldeirada”, a seafood stew made with a variety of fish and shellfish, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, is a classic Portuguese dish to enjoy by the seaside.
8. Experience Fado Dining
Many Portuguese restaurants, especially in Lisbon and Porto, combine dining with Fado music performances. The soulful tunes paired with delicious Portuguese cuisine offer a truly immersive cultural experience.
9. Try “Francesinha” in Porto
A speciality of Porto, the Francesinha is a heartily filled sandwich topped with melted cheese and a hot tomato and beer sauce, often served with a side of fries. This is comfort food at its finest.
10. Respect Meal Times
Portuguese dining etiquette dictates late meal times, with lunch typically starting at 1 pm and lasting for a couple of hours, and dinner often not beginning until after 8 pm.
From coastal delicacies to hearty stews, and delectable pastries to flavorful wines, Portuguese cuisine is a treasure trove of culinary delights. So, whether you’re dining in a family-run tavern or an upmarket city restaurant, remember, the Portuguese don’t just eat to live, they live to eat. Bon appétit or, as they say in Portugal, “Bom apetite!”
