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Portugal Food: The Best Traditional Food of Portugal

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.

Francesinha from Porto, Portugal food

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.

Contents:

  • Portugal Iconic Pastries
  • Portugal Seafood Specialties
  • Portugal Meat Dishes
  • Vegetarian and Vegan food in Portugal
  • Portugal Christmas Food
  • Recommended Traditional Restaurants in Lisbon

Portugal Iconic Pastries

Pastel de Nata

Pastel de Nata, Portugal Pastry
Pastel de Nata (Portuguese custard tart), Portugal Pastry

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.

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If you want to buy them as souvenirs or a pack for yourself, I recommend buying them from Manteigaria or Fábrica da Nata shops.

Éclair

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.

Travesseiro de Sintra

Travesseiro, Portugal pastry
Travesseiro, Portugal pastry (photograph by Piriquita)

A puff pastry filled with almond cream and dusted with sugar, this pillow-shaped treat is a must-try when visiting Sintra.

Sericaia

Sericaia, Portugal Pastry (photograph by )

A traditional sweet from the Alentejo region, this spongy dessert is served with plums and is utterly unique.

Bolo dona Amelia

Originating from the Azores, this spiced cake is made with molasses and cinnamon, often served during festivals.

Pudim Abade de Priscos

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 Seafood Specialties

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:

Bacalhau

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).

 Bacalhau à Brás and  Bacalhau com Natas, Portugal fish
Bacalhau à Brás (down) and Bacalhau com Natas (up)

Polvo à Lagareiro

Polvo à Lagareiro, Portugal seafood
Polvo à Lagareiro

Tender octopus baked with olive oil, garlic, and potatoes. This dish is a true testament to the simplicity and richness of Portuguese cuisine.

Arroz de Marisco

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.

Sardines

grilled fish with vegetable salad on white ceramic plate
Grilled Sardines (Photo by Alex Teixeira / Unsplash)

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.

Cataplana

Cataplana dish
Cataplana (photograph by Cozinhaalacarte)

Named after the clam-shaped cookware it’s prepared in, this seafood stew is a medley of shellfish, fish, and sometimes pork.

Peixe Espada com Banana

A Madeiran specialty, this black scabbard fish is often paired with fried banana, giving it a surprising sweet-savory flavor.

Portugal Meat Dishes

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:

Piri-Piri Chicken

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.

Leitão

Leitão à Bairrada (photograph by Adriao)

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.

Porco Preto

Porco Preto, Portugal meat
Porco Preto

This succulent black pork comes from the Iberian black pigs. Served grilled or roasted, it’s rich in flavor and well-marbled.

Francesinha

Francesinha, Portugal meat dish
Francesinha

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.

Bifana

Bifana (photograh by Alberto González)

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).

Sande de Pernil

A sandwich made with slow-cooked pork shank, often served with pickled vegetables. It’s one of the most popular dishes in northern Portugal.

Bitoque com Ovo

Bitoque com ovo, Portugal meat dish
Bitoque com ovo

Lean fried steak with an egg usually accompanied with fires, rice, and salad.

Vegetarian and Vegan Food in Portugal

Though Portugal’s food culture is rooted in meats and seafood, there are growing vegetarian and vegan options.

Caldo Verde

Caldo verde, Portugal vegetarian food
Caldo verde (photograph by )

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.

Alheira

Hambúrgueres de Alheira e Espinafres, Portugal vegetarian food
Hambúrgueres de Alheira e Espinafres (photograph by Cozinahaalacarte)

Traditionally a chicken and bread sausage, some restaurants now offer vegetarian versions. It's served with rice, salad, or fried potatoes.

Bolo do Caco

Bolo do caco, Portuguese vegan flatbread
Bolo do caco (photograph by )

A flatbread from Madeira, often served with garlic butter. It's vegan and makes a great snack or side dish.

Vegan Food in Portugal

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.

Portugal Christmas Food

No list of traditional foods of Portugal is complete without mentioning the festive dishes enjoyed during holidays, particularly around Christmas.

  • Rabanadas sweet treats (similar to French toast)
  • Bolo Rei (a fruitcake-style dessert)
  • Queijo de Figo (fig cheese made from dried figs, almonds, and spices)
  • Sonhos (fried dough)
  • Lampreia de Ovos (an egg-based dessert)

Delicia de Arroios

A cozy local favorite, Delícia de Arroios serves traditional Portuguese dishes with a focus on hearty flavors and home-cooked style meals.

Adega do Domingos

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.

Marisqueira Uma

Famous for its seafood and located in the city center, Marisqueira Uma is a must-visit for those craving Lisbon’s iconic seafood rice.

FAQs

What is Portuguese food like in Portugal?

It’s diverse and flavourful, featuring fresh seafood, hearty meats, and an abundance of sweets.

Is food in Portugal safe?

Absolutely! Portugal has high food safety standards, and most places serve fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

What’s the cost of food in Portugal?

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€.

What’s the national dish of Portugal?

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.

What time do people eat in Portugal?

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.

Where to buy Pastel de Nata?

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.

Wrapping It Up: What must you eat in Portugal?

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.

  1. Pastel de Nata
  2. Travesseiro
  3. Bacalhau (com natas was my favourite)
  4. Sardines
  5. Porco Preto
  6. Francesinha
  7. Bitoque com Ovo
  8. Caldo Verde

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