Dive into Portugal food culture with our guide to traditional dishes. From savory to sweet, discover what to eat in Lisbon and beyond, and explore famous and regional specialties.
Looking to explore the best of Portugal food? Portuguese pastries, fish and seafood, meat, and even vegetarian options, this blog will guide you through the must-try best traditional foods of Portugal, with a special focus on food in Lisbon and regional specialties.
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The crown jewel of Portuguese pastries. These creamy custard tarts with a crispy, caramelized top are addictive. Found in bakeries all over Portugal, the best ones are said to come from Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon.
While you might associate éclairs with France, Portuguese bakeries put their own delightful spin on them. Filled with cream and covered in chocolate, they’re a perfect treat to pair with coffee.
A puff pastry filled with almond cream and dusted with sugar, this pillow-shaped treat is a must-try when visiting Sintra.
A traditional sweet from the Alentejo region, this spongy dessert is served with plums and is utterly unique.
Originating from the Azores, this spiced cake is made with molasses and cinnamon, often served during festivals.
A rich, caramelized pudding that’ll melt in your mouth, this dessert is an example of the decadent side of Portugal's dessert culture.
Portugal's coastline delivers some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the world. Here's a taste of the Best food in Portugal when it comes to seafood:
Portugal's most famous dish. There are over 365 ways to cook Bacalhau (salted cod), but some of the most famous variations include Bolinhos de Bacalhau (fried codfish cakes) and Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes).
Tender octopus baked with olive oil, garlic, and potatoes. This dish is a true testament to the simplicity and richness of Portuguese cuisine.
A seafood lover's dream, this rice dish is packed with clams, prawns, and other shellfish. Think of it as Portugal's answer to paella.
Grilled sardines are a summer staple, especially during the popular festivals like the Lisbon Festas de Santo António. Simple yet satisfying, they are often served with bread or potatoes.
Named after the clam-shaped cookware it’s prepared in, this seafood stew is a medley of shellfish, fish, and sometimes pork.
A Madeiran specialty, this black scabbard fish is often paired with fried banana, giving it a surprising sweet-savory flavor.
If you're a fan of hearty, filling meals, then Portugal's meat dishes will leave you satisfied. Here’s what to look out for:
A spicy, flavorful grilled chicken dish that's often marinated with hot chili peppers, garlic, and lemon. It’s a classic across Portugal but especially loved in Lisbon.
This roasted suckling pig dish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A famous version can be found in the Bairrada region.
This succulent black pork comes from the Iberian black pigs. Served grilled or roasted, it’s rich in flavor and well-marbled.
Originating from Porto, this sandwich is the ultimate indulgence. It’s stuffed with various meats, covered in melted cheese, and bathed in a rich beer-based sauce.
Simple yet delicious, this pork sandwich is often served on crusty bread and is a go-to street food in Portugal. Other variations include Sande de Pernil (slow-cooked pork shank) or Prego no Pão (beef).
A sandwich made with slow-cooked pork shank, often served with pickled vegetables. It’s one of the most popular dishes in northern Portugal.
Lean fried steak with an egg usually accompanied with fires, rice, and salad.
Though Portugal’s food culture is rooted in meats and seafood, there are growing vegetarian and vegan options.
A comforting soup made with kale, potatoes, and sometimes chorizo (though it can be easily left out for a vegetarian version). It's a classic dish that everyone can enjoy.
Traditionally a chicken and bread sausage, some restaurants now offer vegetarian versions. It's served with rice, salad, or fried potatoes.
A flatbread from Madeira, often served with garlic butter. It's vegan and makes a great snack or side dish.
Major cities like Lisbon and Porto now offer vegan restaurants serving modern spins on traditional dishes. Look for options like vegan piri-piri chicken or plant-based interpretations of classic Portuguese fare.
No list of traditional foods of Portugal is complete without mentioning the festive dishes enjoyed during holidays, particularly around Christmas.
A cozy local favorite, Delícia de Arroios serves traditional Portuguese dishes with a focus on hearty flavors and home-cooked style meals.
A hidden gem in Lisbon, Adega do Domingos offers a classic Portuguese dining experience, with delicious seafood and meat dishes. The rustic ambiance and friendly staff make it a perfect place to savor traditional Portuguese food.
Famous for its seafood and located in the city center, Marisqueira Uma is a must-visit for those craving Lisbon’s iconic seafood rice.
It’s diverse and flavourful, featuring fresh seafood, hearty meats, and an abundance of sweets.
Absolutely! Portugal has high food safety standards, and most places serve fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Eating out in Portugal is generally affordable costing between 10€ to 14€, especially when compared to other European countries. Street food and casual eateries offer good value for money. For seafood or fine dinning restaurants, expect to spend 20€ or 30€.
The national dish of Portugal is bacalhau, or salted cod. There are said to be over 365 ways to prepare it, with Bacalhau à Brás and Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá being two of the most famous versions.
In Portugal, lunch is typically eaten between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, while dinner is usually later, between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Many restaurants may not open for dinner service until after 7:00 PM.
The most famous place to buy Pastel de Nata is at Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon, known for its iconic custard tarts. However, you can find excellent versions of this pastry in bakeries and cafés across the city, including Manteigaria and Fábrica da Nata.
Exploring Portugal food offers a journey through rich flavours and traditions. From iconic dishes like bacalhau and Pastel de Nata to fresh seafood, the best food in Portugal is diverse and satisfying. Whether on a food tour in Lisbon or enjoying seasonal treats like Portugal Christmas food, there’s something for everyone, including great options for vegetarian and vegan food in Portugal. Food in Portugal has very affordable prices and delicious traditional foods which you must try, especially the ones listed below.
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