Not solely is Portugal a stupendous nation with superb historic cities, quaint small cities, and gorgeous seashores, nevertheless it additionally boasts various and flavorful delicacies and the perfect Portuguese meals is a legitimate motive to go to the nation in its personal proper.
A Fast Overview of Portuguese Delicacies
Though Portuguese meals is probably not as well-known as a few of its European counterparts, comparable to French or Italian delicacies, there’s so much to like about it. Portuguese delicacies is strongly rooted in custom and influenced by the nation’s location on the Atlantic Ocean. That explains why you’ll get pleasure from plenty of contemporary seafood in Portugal.
Along with scrumptious seafood, the perfect Portuguese meals additionally options hearty meat dishes and loads of desserts. The Portuguese love their sweets, as evidenced by the recognition of muffins and tarts all through the nation.
Meals in Portugal is usually steeped in custom, using native components and strategies of preparation. And but there’s additionally loads of world affect and flavors in Portuguese delicacies, due to Portugal’s standing throughout the Age of Discovery and the unique recipes the Portuguese explorers introduced again dwelling with them.
Like in neighboring Spain, mealtimes are a social event in Portugal, and dinners typically don’t begin till 9 PM and even 10 PM. Lanche can be fashionable in Portugal. That is a day snack between lunch and dinner that always consists of sandwiches, cured meats, cheese, and pastries.
There’s little doubt that foodies will get pleasure from a visit to Portugal, however the place do you have to start with the perfect Portuguese meals? Listed here are 15 of the perfect dishes to attempt in Portugal.
High 15 Dishes To Strive in Portugal
Seafood Dishes
With greater than 1100 miles of shoreline alongside the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no shock that seafood is closely featured in conventional Portuguese delicacies. These are just a few of the perfect seafood dishes to attempt in Portugal:
1. Bacalhau à Brás
One of the best place to begin in terms of seafood in Portugal is with Bacalhau or salted cod. This can be a staple in Portuguese cooking, and there are tons of various methods to organize it.
One of the vital fashionable is Bacalhau a Bras. This hearty dish consists of shredded salt cod, matchstick fried potatoes, onions, and eggs, all topped with black olives.
It’s the final word consolation meals that it’s important to attempt at the very least as soon as whereas in Portugal and exemplifies the kind of dwelling cooking you will discover all through the nation if you’re craving one thing filling.
You’ll be able to get pleasure from this dish with a glass of Vinho Verde, which interprets on to inexperienced wine however really means younger wine. This tart and crisp wine may be very fashionable in Portugal and it originates within the far northern area of Minho.
2. Polvo à Lagareiro
One other nice seafood dish to attempt in Portugal is Polvo a Lagareiro. Should you’re a fan of octopus, you’ll love this straightforward but scrumptious dish.
Polvo a Lagareiro is an octopus cooked generously in olive oil and garlic. The phrase Lagareiro refers back to the employees who produce olive oil, so that ought to clue you in as to how necessary olive oil is to this dish. Accompanied by garlic, it offers the octopus a wealthy taste and enhances the feel.
This dish is usually accompanied by small potatoes. You could find Polvo a Lagareiro all all through Portugal, however particularly in Lisbon the place the seafood is contemporary and plentiful. You’ll be able to eat it at any time of the yr, however it is a dish that Portuguese households sometimes put together round Christmas as a particular vacation meal.
3. Sardinhas Assadas
Another easy seafood dish you shouldn’t overlook is Sardinhas Assadas or grilled sardines. It is probably not probably the most unique dish, nevertheless it’s extraordinarily fashionable in Portugal as a standard summertime meals.
Go to any small city in Portugal throughout the summer time, and also you’ll scent contemporary sardines on the grill. It’s additionally a staple throughout native celebrations, such because the Santos Populares, a sequence of conventional road festivals that happen all through the nation throughout June.
The way in which grilled sardines are ready in Portugal can be distinctive. The sardines are seasoned with coarse salt after which grilled over an open flame to present them a smoky, barely charred exterior. They’re sometimes served with a drizzle of olive oil and roasted peppers and potatoes on the aspect.
Meat Dishes
Transferring on from seafood, let’s discuss meat dishes in Portugal. Whereas seafood tops the listing of the perfect Portuguese meals, meat is simply as necessary, particularly pork. Right here’s a take a look at a number of the most mouthwatering meat dishes in Portugal:
4. Francesinha
Though its identify means Little French, the Francesinha is a scrumptious dish that originated in Porto. A Francesinha is a sandwich, nevertheless it’s not simply any sandwich. That is the final word meal for meat lovers. It’s stated to have been tailored from the French Croque Monsieur sandwich however loaded with much more components.
A typical Francesinha consists of two slices of white bread stuffed with layers of quite a lot of meats, comparable to cured ham, sausage, and steak. And if that wasn’t sufficient for you, the entire thing is smothered in melted cheese and a particular tomato and beer sauce.
Generally a Francesinha comes with a fried egg on high, too. The sandwich is normally accompanied by French fries to take in the wealthy sauce. Should you’re in search of a tasty and filling lunch in Portugal, you possibly can’t go unsuitable with one among these sandwiches. Add a chilly Tremendous Bock – the most well-liked beer in Portugal – and also you’re all set.
5. Leitao Assado
Leitao Assado, or oven-roasted suckling pig, is likely one of the most well-known conventional Portuguese dishes. This can be a dish that’s fashionable for particular events and celebrations.
A younger piglet, sometimes 4 to 6 weeks previous, is chosen for its tender taste. The meat is seasoned with a combination of components, together with garlic, salt, pepper, and typically a contact of chili pepper, then roasted in a wood-fired oven to present it a smoky taste.
You could find Leitao Assado in eating places throughout Portugal, however the city of Mealhada in central Portugal is very well-known for its roasted suckling pig. Vacationers and locals alike flock to this small city to get pleasure from a hearty dish of Leitao Assado.
This can be a nice dish to get pleasure from with a glass of Espumante (Portuguese glowing wine) as a result of it cuts via the richness of the suckling pig with a crisp, gentle taste.
6. Porco Preto
Another meat dish you possibly can’t miss in Portugal is Porco Preto or Iberian black pork. The Iberian black pig, also referred to as the Alentejo pig, is native to Portugal. Though the Portuguese love all types of pork, Iberian black pork is probably the most extremely regarded.
This kind of pork is thought for its distinctive nutty taste. The latter comes from the Iberian black pigs’ weight loss program as they feed on acorns from the oak timber of Alentejo.
There are a number of other ways you’ll see Porco Preto ready in Portugal. One of the vital frequent strategies of preparation can be the only: grilled with a sprinkle of sea salt and served with potatoes and a light-weight salad.
Bread, Starters & Aspect Dishes
7. Broa de Milho
A typical accompaniment to many meals in Portugal is Broa de Milho or cornbread. Comprised of a combination of cornmeal and both rye or wheat flour, this bread is thought for its dense texture and barely candy flavoring. It’s been a part of the Portuguese weight loss program since Roman occasions.
This kind of bread is a staple in Portuguese households, and also you’ll additionally discover it in lots of eating places. Cornbread is usually served alongside soups and broths in Portugal. It’s additionally served with meat dishes so you possibly can take in the juices and wealthy flavors of the meat.
Alternatively, you possibly can merely get pleasure from some Broa de Milho with a diffusion of butter whilst you’re ready to your most important dish to come back out at a restaurant.
8. Açorda
One other frequent aspect dish you’ll typically see in Portugal is Açorda, a bread soup consisting of cubed or sliced stale bread soaked in broth with loads of garlic, coriander, and poached eggs.
When you’ll discover this throughout the nation, Açorda is extraordinarily fashionable in Alentejo and it’s thought-about a staple of the area’s delicacies. Nevertheless, you’ll additionally see Açorda on menus alongside the coast, however typically with seafood added to it.
Due to its wealthy flavors, Açorda is typically served as a most important course and never only a aspect dish. It’s an incredible instance of Portuguese consolation meals that’s fashionable within the winter months because it warms you proper up. That is additionally meal for vegetarians because it doesn’t sometimes embrace meat or fish.
9. Caldo Verde
Originating within the Minho area in northern Portugal however now a preferred dish all through the nation, Caldo Verde is one more scrumptious soup. Its recognition is so nice that it’s thought-about one among Portugal’s nationwide dishes.
Caldo Verde is a soup with leafy greens, comparable to cabbage or kale. Extra components are added, like potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and onions, whereas some variations name for the addition of meat items or sausage.
When locals dine out, they hardly ever begin a meal and not using a bowl of heartwarming Caldo Verde, accompanied by contemporary bread and paired with a glass of white wine.
10. Prego
The Prego sandwich is usually eaten as a fast chew in Portugal, typically as a part of the Lanche afternoon snack or as a late-night snack. It’s a preferred road meals that you will discover in cities and cities throughout the nation. What began as a fast and sturdy working-class meal has change into a beloved dish throughout Portugal.
The straightforward however scrumptious Prego is basically only a steak sandwich served on a bread roll and flavored with quite a lot of garlic. The phrase Prego means nail and certain refers back to the approach the garlic is nailed into the meat. To boost the sandwich, a slice of cheese or a fried egg is typically added.
Should you’re in search of one thing filling however don’t need to sit down for a full meal, get pleasure from a Prego sandwich and a chilly bottle of Tremendous Bock beer.
Rice-Primarily based Dishes
As a substitute of being a mere aspect dish, rice in Portugal takes middle stage because it’s featured in a number of fashionable Portuguese recipes. Listed here are the 2 most beloved rice dishes in Portugal:
11. Arroz de Marisco
A staple of Portuguese delicacies, Arroz de Marisco – or seafood rice – is a favourite amongst locals and guests alike in Portugal. Usually topping anybody’s listing of the perfect Portuguese meals, Arroz de Marisco will be discovered all through the nation, however nowhere does it style higher than Portugal’s Atlantic Coast.
The dish is straightforward but mouthwatering. Flavorful rice is cooked to perfection alongside the contemporary catch of the day, comparable to shrimp, crab, mussels, and even items of fish.
When ordering Arroz de Marisco, don’t be stunned if a whole pot of seafood goodness lands in your desk as an alternative of only a plate. That’s the best way Arroz de Marisco is served in Portugal, and it’s customary to be shared by everybody sitting on the similar desk.
12. Arroz de Pato
For meat lovers, Arroz de Pato is one more fashionable rice-based Portuguese dish. As its identify suggests, duck rice is a comforting dish consisting of rice cooked in wine and a wealthy duck inventory earlier than items of duck meat and smoked pork sausage are added.
Arroz de Pato originates in Portugal’s north, and extra particularly, the quaint metropolis of Braga. Nevertheless, you possibly can get pleasure from it all through the nation.
Pastries & Desserts
No meal in Portugal is full with out dessert. The Portuguese have a little bit of a candy tooth, and there are many conventional pastries and desserts you possibly can attempt. Don’t miss tasting these candy treats in Portugal:
13. Pastel de Nata
Pastel de Nata is by far probably the most well-known dessert in Portugal. It’s primarily the nationwide dessert of Portugal. This tasty dessert is a creamy custard tart with a caramelized high. The crusty, flaky pastry is the proper distinction to the creaminess of the egg custard filling.
This dessert originated on the Jerónimos Monastery in Belem, a district in Lisbon, within the late 18th century. In keeping with the story, Catholic monks on the monastery had plenty of leftover egg yolks available (since egg whites have been used for starching clothes) they usually developed the Pastel de Nata recipe.
At the moment, among the best locations to attempt Portuguese custard tarts is true throughout from Jeronimos Monastery at Pastéis de Belém. This bakery is extraordinarily fashionable, so that you’ll need to arrive at 8 AM when it opens or put together to attend in line to get your arms on the unique Pastel de Nata.
14. Portuguese Croissants
You may consider France if you crave croissants, however Portugal has its personal distinctive variation. Whereas Portuguese croissants resemble French croissants on the outside, they’re really fairly completely different when it comes to taste and the way they’re made.
Whereas French croissants are gentle and flaky, Portuguese croissants are made with a denser brioche dough. Portuguese croissants are additionally normally sweeter than French croissants, which makes them extra of a dessert deal with.
Not solely is the dough candy, however Portuguese croissants are sometimes additionally glazed with a candy sugary syrup. You may as well discover croissants with fillings like chocolate and egg cream at many bakeries in Portugal, making this the proper candy to get pleasure from with a cup of espresso within the morning or as a part of your afternoon snack.
15. Bolo de Bolacha
Another dessert you could attempt in Portugal is Bolo de Bolacha or biscuit cake. It’s a easy no-bake dessert, and but it’s extraordinarily scrumptious.
The cake is made by layering flat Marie biscuits with buttercream frosting and soaking the entire thing in espresso, typically topping it with grating chocolate or biscuit crumbs. The biscuits soften as they take up the espresso, leading to a light-weight and engaging dessert.
Bolo de Bolacha is a well-liked dessert in lots of Portuguese households due to how simple it’s to organize. That stated, you’ll typically discover it at pastry outlets or on the menu at Portuguese eating places, too. This can be a nice dessert to get pleasure from with a cup of espresso or a glass of candy port wine after a meal.
Savor The Finest Portuguese Meals With JayWay
If, after going via this listing of Portuguese dishes, you’re now hungry for a journey via the tastes of Portugal however unsure the place to begin, you’re in the perfect arms. At JayWay Journey, we all know Portugal fairly properly and we’ll be very happy to craft the proper Portugal itinerary for you.
From a visit via the culinary traditions and delights of Portugal to an journey that showcases the highlights of the Iberian Peninsula and combines the perfect Portuguese meals with the staples of Spanish delicacies, the sky’s the restrict in terms of the choices you’ve for a memorable Portuguese trip.
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s captivated with journey and storytelling, a mix that makes her splendid for her function as our content material supervisor.