4. Peixinhos da Horta
Peixinhos da horta translates to “little garden fish,” but don’t let the name fool you into thinking these are real fish. Simple but mouth-wateringly delicious, peixinhos da horta are small pieces of garden veggies chopped up, breaded, and fried.
Although many Portuguese foods rely heavily on seafood and meat, this is one vegetarian-friendly option you won’t want to miss.
The name only comes from the fact that once cooked, the veggie bits somewhat resemble small fish.
Green beans are the most traditional vegetable to use, but the method is used on a variety of other garden goodies, like peppers, squash, or carrots. It’s a great appetizer to try at a restaurant and is a great Portuguese street food snack.
5. Francesinha
The Francesinha is a quintessential food icon of Porto and makes for one hearty meal! Two thick, fresh slices of bread are piled high with different varieties of meat, usually some combination of ham, sausage, and steak.
It’s slathered in melted cheese and flavorful spicy tomato sauce. Most often topped off with a fried egg, for a delicious gooey topping.
There’s no doubt that this is one of the best things to try in Porto. Be warned though, you might want to attempt it with a friend, especially since this monster sandwich is usually accompanied by a heaping pile of potato fries and dipping sauce on the side.
6. Bolo Rei
Bolo Rei means “King’s Cake” and is the much-loved, traditional Portuguese Christmas food. Although it’s most common around the holidays, it’s possible to find it at other times of the year too.
Bolo Rei is a sweet bread made with eggs and filled with dried and candied fruits, nuts, and raisins, then formed into a donut shape and given a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
The most authentic versions are made with fava beans inside as well, but this isn’t as common in commercial varieties of this famous Portuguese dish.
7. Pastéis de Nata
Pastéis de Nata, delectable egg yolk custard pastries, are a staple Portuguese dessert (or snack, or breakfast…). They’re likely the best-known Portuguese sweet delicacy too.
The pastéis (or pastel in the singular) are made with puff pastry shells stuffed with yellow egg yolk custard. The custard is flavored with a bit of lemon and sugary goodness. It’s usually topped off with a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon.
One of the top places in Portugal to try the pastéis is in the Pastéis de Belém bakery in Lisbon. This historic venue has been open since 1837 and arguably makes the best pastries in the country. Alternatively, head to the Manteigaria chain of stores whose Pastel de Nata, in my opinion, are equally as good!
8. Port Wine
Port wine is the quintessential drink of Portugal. It’s sold worldwide, but there’s nothing quite like trying it in the country of its origin.
If you’re a true wine lover, make sure you schedule a wine tasting tour in the Douro Valley, the exclusive growing site for the grapes used in the wine.
Port wine is sweeter, richer, and has a higher alcohol content than other wine varieties. Most people love it, some people hate it, but make sure it’s at least on your list of drinks in Portugal to try!
If you don’t take to the bold flavours immediately, then be sure to try out a white Port tonic, a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy Port wine on a hot sunny day in Portugal.
4. Peixinhos da Horta
Peixinhos da horta translates to “little garden fish,” but don’t let the name fool you into thinking these are real fish. Simple but mouth-wateringly delicious, peixinhos da horta are small pieces of garden veggies chopped up, breaded, and fried.
Although many Portuguese foods rely heavily on seafood and meat, this is one vegetarian-friendly option you won’t want to miss.
The name only comes from the fact that once cooked, the veggie bits somewhat resemble small fish.
Green beans are the most traditional vegetable to use, but the method is used on a variety of other garden goodies, like peppers, squash, or carrots. It’s a great appetizer to try at a restaurant and is a great Portuguese street food snack.
5. Francesinha
The Francesinha is a quintessential food icon of Porto and makes for one hearty meal! Two thick, fresh slices of bread are piled high with different varieties of meat, usually some combination of ham, sausage, and steak.
It’s slathered in melted cheese and flavorful spicy tomato sauce. Most often topped off with a fried egg, for a delicious gooey topping.
There’s no doubt that this is one of the best things to try in Porto. Be warned though, you might want to attempt it with a friend, especially since this monster sandwich is usually accompanied by a heaping pile of potato fries and dipping sauce on the side.
6. Bolo Rei
Bolo Rei means “King’s Cake” and is the much-loved, traditional Portuguese Christmas food. Although it’s most common around the holidays, it’s possible to find it at other times of the year too.
Bolo Rei is a sweet bread made with eggs and filled with dried and candied fruits, nuts, and raisins, then formed into a donut shape and given a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
The most authentic versions are made with fava beans inside as well, but this isn’t as common in commercial varieties of this famous Portuguese dish.
7. Pastéis de Nata
Pastéis de Nata, delectable egg yolk custard pastries, are a staple Portuguese dessert (or snack, or breakfast…). They’re likely the best-known Portuguese sweet delicacy too.
The pastéis (or pastel in the singular) are made with puff pastry shells stuffed with yellow egg yolk custard. The custard is flavored with a bit of lemon and sugary goodness. It’s usually topped off with a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon.
One of the top places in Portugal to try the pastéis is in the Pastéis de Belém bakery in Lisbon. This historic venue has been open since 1837 and arguably makes the best pastries in the country. Alternatively, head to the Manteigaria chain of stores whose Pastel de Nata, in my opinion, are equally as good!
8. Port Wine
Port wine is the quintessential drink of Portugal. It’s sold worldwide, but there’s nothing quite like trying it in the country of its origin.
If you’re a true wine lover, make sure you schedule a wine tasting tour in the Douro Valley, the exclusive growing site for the grapes used in the wine.
Port wine is sweeter, richer, and has a higher alcohol content than other wine varieties. Most people love it, some people hate it, but make sure it’s at least on your list of drinks in Portugal to try!
If you don’t take to the bold flavours immediately, then be sure to try out a white Port tonic, a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy Port wine on a hot sunny day in Portugal.
