Famous Portuguese foods include the iconic Pastel de Nata (custard tart), versatile Bacalhau (salted cod) prepared in hundreds of ways (like Bacalhau à Brás), grilled seafood (sardines, octopus), hearty stews like Caldo Verde, pork dishes (Bifana sandwich, Leitão), and seafood rice dishes, often accompanied by Port wine or Vinho Verde. Another famous item is the rich Francesinha sandwich from Porto.
The national dish of Portugal is bacalhau, also known as cod. This dried and salted fish has been a staple in Portuguese cuisine for centuries and is so beloved that it is said there are more than 365 different ways to prepare it—one for each day of the year!
The national dish of Portugal is bacalhau, or salted cod. Often referred to as the “faithful friend” (fiel amigo), bacalhau is so ingrained in Portuguese culinary culture that it's said there are more than 365 ways to cook it—one for every day of the year.
Papas de Sarrabulho is a traditional Portuguese dish that showcases a flavorful meat and vegetable stew. This delectable recipe combines ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, onions, bacon, and sausages, resulting in a hearty and satisfying medley of flavors.
Generally speaking, typical Portuguese home-cooked food revolves around proteins such as pork, chicken and fish, legumes, vegetables (particularly leafy greens used in stews and soups which we explore further below, or simple preparations which will have them boiled or steamed), bread, cheese, and cold cuts (including ...
Most commonly, the Portuguese will have something simple, like toast with butter and fruit jelly. But other options are: Croissants, either plain or with ham and cheese for more sustenance. The popular papo seco is a small roll that can be eaten as is or stuffed, like a small sandwich.
Authentic Portuguese Snacks
Bacalhau (salted cod)
The national food in Portugal is salted cod. There's literally a different way to cook this seafood staple for every day of the year however, bacalhau à brás (salt cod bras-style) is probably the nation's favourite dish. It's a heartfelt comfort food and very simple to create.
Chicken, duck, turkey, red-legged partridge and quail are all elements of Portuguese cuisine. Dishes include frango no churrasco (chicken on churrasco), chicken piri-piri, cabidela rice, canja de galinha, and arroz de pato (duck rice), among others.
These first billboards, picturing a simple sign-board with "Licor Beirão, the liqueur of Portugal" on a country landscape, became an icon of Portuguese advertising.
What to Eat in Lisbon: The Portuguese Dishes You Have to Try
🌶️ Forget what you've heard – Portuguese cuisine isn't all about the heat! While piri-piri chicken may steal the spotlight abroad, not all our dishes pack a punch. In fact, even our beloved roasted chicken doesn't have to be too spicy.
Port Wine. Port Wine is one of the most popular Portuguese drinks worldwide, and the market should continue growing. Its making has been regulated in the Douro Valley since 1756. This unique wine region is a UNESCO World Heritage that has harbored wine production for over 2000 years.
Depending on the season you'll see carapau, oily mackerel with high levels of Omega-3, robalo, white flesh seabass and dourada, mild-tasting golden bream. However, the two most often eaten fish types are sardinahas and bacalhau. They're so popular they get their own entries.
Grab a spoon, a fork or just use your hands to dig into the 12 most popular Portuguese desserts.
Portuguese people value quiet elegance and discretion. Loud conversations, boisterous behavior, or drawing unnecessary attention in restaurants, cafes, or historic sites can come off as disrespectful.
Street food in Lisbon: 10 incredible dishes to try
Spanish and Portuguese cuisines may share some ingredients, but the way each country approaches food is quite different. Broadly speaking, Spanish cuisine is often perceived as more expressive and somewhat bold. Portuguese cuisine, by contrast, is more understated and focused on comfort and tradition.
Good souvenirs from Portugal include tinned seafood and Portuguese wine. Also look for cork accessories (from cork trees grown in Portugal) and handmade ceramic tiles. You could also opt for anything featuring sardines or the Rooster of Barcelos, a traditional symbol of Portugal.
Pastel de nata is undoubtedly the most famous sweet in Portugal, a true symbol of local cuisine. But, to understand Portuguese confectionery, it is necessary to go (much) beyond the classic pastel de Belém.
Avoid demonstrations and public protests, monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities. Bag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from cars and accommodation occur. Keep valuables out of sight. Pay attention to your belongings at beaches, tourist spots, accommodation and public transport.
Lisbon dresses relaxed yet put-together. Think well-cut jeans or chinos, clean shirts or tees, and layers you can add or remove depending on the Atlantic breeze. Skip big logos and the “walking souvenir” vibe.