Portugal is not only known for its stunning coastline, historic cities, and warm hospitality, but also for its rich and diverse cuisine. Influenced by centuries of exploration, maritime traditions, and regional produce, Portuguese food offers a mouthwatering variety of flavors. From fresh seafood to hearty stews and sweet pastries, the country’s gastronomy is a central part of its cultural identity. Here are some of the best foods to eat in Portugal. If you like visiting Portugal enough you can get the digital nomad visa Portugal.
1. Bacalhau (Salted Codfish)
Perhaps the most iconic dish in Portugal, bacalhau is said to have over 365 recipes—one for each day of the year. This dried and salted codfish has been a staple in Portuguese kitchens for centuries. Popular variations include Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes), Bacalhau com Natas (cod baked with cream), and Bacalhau à Lagareiro (cod baked with garlic and olive oil). It’s a must-try for any visitor.
2. Francesinha
Originating in Porto, the Francesinha is a massive, indulgent sandwich filled with layers of cured meats, steak, and sausage, then covered with melted cheese and drowned in a spicy beer-based sauce. Often served with fries and a fried egg on top, this dish is a perfect example of Portuguese comfort food.
3. Grilled Sardines (Sardinhas Assadas)
During the summer festivals, especially in Lisbon and coastal towns, the air fills with the smell of sardinhas assadas grilling over open flames. These fresh sardines are simply seasoned with salt and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. Served with potatoes, salad, or bread, they offer a taste of traditional Portuguese seaside cuisine.
4. Caldo Verde
This green soup is made with kale, potatoes, olive oil, and thin slices of chouriço (Portuguese sausage). It’s a popular starter across the country and especially loved in northern Portugal. Caldo verde is both comforting and flavorful, often served during celebrations or family gatherings.
5. Cataplana de Marisco (Seafood Stew)
Cooked in a clamshell-shaped copper pot called a cataplana, this Algarve specialty is a seafood lover’s dream. It typically includes clams, shrimp, fish, and other shellfish simmered with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and white wine. The method seals in the flavors and creates a rich, aromatic dish.
6. Pastel de Nata (Custard Tart)
No culinary tour of Portugal is complete without tasting the pastel de nata. These small custard tarts, with flaky pastry and creamy, slightly caramelized filling, are often sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Originally created by monks in Lisbon’s Jerónimos Monastery, they are now enjoyed all over the country, especially with a strong espresso.
7. Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus with Olive Oil and Garlic)
This traditional dish features octopus boiled until tender, then roasted with garlic, potatoes, and plenty of olive oil. It showcases the Portuguese mastery of seafood and the central role that olive oil plays in their cooking.
8. Piri-Piri Chicken
While it has African roots, Frango Piri-Piri (spicy grilled chicken) has become a beloved Portuguese dish, especially in the central regions. The chicken is marinated with a spicy chili sauce and grilled over charcoal, often served with fries and salad.
9. Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice)
This dish is similar to Spanish paella but with a uniquely Portuguese flavor. It’s a soupy rice dish filled with fresh seafood such as mussels, clams, shrimp, and sometimes lobster, all cooked in a rich tomato and herb broth.
10. Queijo da Serra (Serra Cheese)
Portugal also has an impressive variety of cheeses. Queijo da Serra, a soft, creamy sheep’s cheese from the Serra da Estrela region, is one of the country’s best. It’s rich, slightly tangy, and often eaten spread on bread or as part of a cheese platter.
