Portugal, with its stunning landscapes, warm people, and rich history, is a country that captures the hearts of travelers worldwide. But beyond its picturesque views and captivating culture, Portugal has a secret weapon that leaves an indelible mark on your senses – its delectable cuisine.
In this installment of my series, Obridaga, Portugal, we explore the Portuguese food that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Disclaimer: Apologies if some of the dishes here don’t have a photo. Some of them were just so good (and maybe I was super hungry) that I couldn’t resist digging in before I could snap a photo!
1. Bacalhau Espiritual (Spiritual Cod)
If there’s one dish that defines Portuguese cuisine, it’s Bacalhau. This dried and salted codfish is practically a national obsession. Bacalhau Espiritual, a heavenly blend of shredded cod, sautéed onions, julienned carrots, and garlic, mixed with creamy béchamel sauce, then baked to golden perfection, is a must-try. The combination of textures and flavours in this dish is simply divine.
2. Pastéis de Nata (Custard Tarts)
When you think of Portuguese pastries, Pastéis de Nata instantly come to mind. Originating from the historic neighbourhood of Belém, in Lisbon, these creamy, flaky custard tarts, often dusted with cinnamon, are an absolute delight. Served warm from the oven, they melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more while offering you a delicious slice of Belém’s history and the traditions that have made these tarts a global sensation. My personal favourites were from a charming place called Castro.
3. Fresh Fruit
Portugal’s local markets are a treasure trove of fresh fruits at prices that won’t leave your wallet empty. Think succulent peaches, velvety prunes, sweet blackberries, and even crisp, flavourful grapes, all celebrated for their exceptional taste. Whether you’re exploring Lisbon’s bustling Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market), you’ll discover a colourful array of fresh fruit, tempting you to savour their vibrant flavours — without breaking the bank!
4. Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice)
With its long coastline, Portugal is blessed with an abundance of fresh seafood. Arroz de Marisco is a seafood lover’s dream come true. A fragrant rice dish brimming with prawns, clams, mussels, and sometimes even lobster, it’s a symphony of oceanic flavours that will transport you straight to the shores of Portugal. I had the pleasure of savouring this dish at O Túnel in Sintra, a cozy restaurant that adds a touch of warmth and charm to this delicious coastal experience.
5. Massada de Peixe com Gambas (Fish Pasta with Shrimps)
I had the pleasure of dining at Azenhas do Mar, a charming coastal restaurant that perfectly encapsulates the country’s seaside allure. The highlight of my meal was undoubtedly the Massada de Peixe com Gambas, a seafood pasta masterpiece. In this dish, tender fish and succulent shrimp are gently simmered in a fragrant broth. The flavours are a symphony of the sea, and every bite transports you to Portugal’s coastal essence.
6. Piri-Piri Chicken
Portuguese cuisine isn’t all about seafood and pastry. Piri-Piri Chicken is a spicy grilled chicken dish seasoned with a piri-piri chili sauce. The result? A mouthwatering blend of heat and flavour that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. I was fortunate to savour this dish homemade, and there’s truly nothing better than enjoying Piri-Piri Chicken fresh from the kitchen, especially when it’s served the real Portuguese way: with potato chips!
7. Fofos de Belas
Fofos de Belas, translating to “cute things from Belas,” are these charming pastries I discovered while staying with a wonderful host family in Belas, just outside of Lisbon. These delightful treats feature a tender pastry, cradling a lemon-infused cream filling, all crowned with a sugary, caramelized top. Enjoyed with a strong Portuguese coffee, they encapsulate the essence of this quaint town that stole my heart.
8. Queijo de Azeitão
Queijo de Azeitão is a creamy delight with its own unique charm. This delectable cheese hails from Azeitão, a charming town just a short drive from Lisbon. Crafted from sheep’s milk and thistle flowers, it offers a milder yet equally enchanting flavour profile. For an authentic taste, make a stop at the Museu do Queijo de Azeitão, where you can savour this cheese straight from its source, delving into the rich traditions that make Queijo de Azeitão a true gem in Lisbon’s culinary treasure trove.
9. Porto Wine
Porto Wine, be it white or red, was a real treat during my time in Portugal. The white Porto is light and fruity, perfect for sunny days and mixing with all kinds of food. On the other hand, the red Porto is richer and velvety, which made it a fantastic match with cheeses and desserts. And fun fact: Despite its name, Porto wine doesn’t actually originate from the city of Porto; it comes from the picturesque Douro Valley!
10. Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (Clams in Garlic and Coriander Sauce)
For those who adore the harmonious marriage of garlic and seafood, Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato is a must-try dish, another one of Azenhas do Mar‘s delicacies. Plump clams are cooked in a garlic and coriander sauce that’s bursting with fresh flavours. It’s a dish that showcases the Portuguese passion for simple yet stunning ingredients, and the sauce is so good, I assure you you’ll be scooping it from the bowl like soup even when the clams are done!
11. Robalo (Stone Bass)
While savoring Portuguese cuisine in Azenhas do Mar, there’s another dish that stole my heart. The Robalo, also known as Stone Bass, has a delicate, white flesh that acts as a canvas for flavours. Its wonderfully buttery texture practically melts in your mouth. And when you add a hint of lemon, it’s like a burst of freshness. But what truly sets it apart is how it’s prepared: opened to the butterfly, seasoned simply with salt, and grilled whole over charcoal. This straightforward approach captures the essence of Robalo in the most delightful way.
12. Queijadas de Sintra (Sintra Cheese Tarts)
In the charming town of Sintra, where you’ll find old castles, beautiful beaches, and lush gardens, there’s a local favourite: Queijadas de Sintra. These tarts are made with simple ingredients like fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon, and they’ve got a lovely, rustic look with a crackly top and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth inside. Walking through Sintra’s stone streets, you’ll catch the delicious scent of these tarts coming from all the nearby bakeries!
13. Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines)
Sardinhas Assadas are a classic Portuguese dish that brings the flavours of the sea right to your plate. These little fish are a big deal in Portugal, especially during summer festivals when the air fills with the irresistible smell of sizzling sardines. Freshly caught sardines are seasoned with sea salt, grilled until they’re perfectly charred, and served with a squeeze of zesty lemon. It’s a delicious reminder of Portugal’s deep connection to the ocean and the joy found in the simplest of dishes.
14. Ginjinha (Cherry Liqueur)
Saving the sweetest for last, no culinary journey through Portugal would be complete without a toast with Ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur. Sometimes served in tiny chocolate cups or sipped straight from a shot glass, it’s the perfect way to raise a glass to the wonderful memories created in Portugal. I enjoyed this delightful liqueur with friends at Ginjilato, a place that also serves delicious Gelato, making it the perfect sweet finale to an unforgettable Portuguese experience.
Portugal has a culinary tradition that reflects the soul of its people and the bounty of its land and sea. From the coast to the hills, every region offers something unique and utterly delicious. So, as you explore this enchanting country, remember to savour every bite and say, “Obrigado, Portugal,” “Thank you, Portugal,” for the incredible food that has made your trip truly unforgettable.
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