27 Best Portuguese Foods You Need to Try
BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL
Let’s talk about Portuguese Wine
Portugal is known for its diverse and high-quality wines. The country has 13 distinct wine regions, each with its own unique climate, soil, and grape varieties, resulting in a wide range of wines with different flavors and characteristics.
One of the most famous wines from Portugal is port wine, produced in the Douro Valley in the north of Portugal. This fortified wine is made from a blend of grape varieties and is known for its sweet, rich flavor and complex aromas. Port wine is typically enjoyed as a dessert or after-dinner drink.
Another popular wine from Portugal is vinho verde, which means “green wine” in Portuguese. This wine is produced in the Minho region in the northwest of the country and is known for its light, refreshing flavor and low alcohol content. Vinho verde is typically made from white grape varieties and is often served chilled as an aperitif or with seafood dishes.
In addition to port wine and vinho verde, other popular wines from Portugal include red wines from the Dão and Alentejo region and white wines from the Bairrada and Lisboa regions. With its rich wine-making tradition and diverse range of wines, Portugal is a great destination for wine lovers looking to explore and discover new flavors.
🍷🍷 Want to learn more about Portuguese wine? Read our article: The Wines of Portugal: An Introduction to Portuguese Wine or The 7 Best Wine Shops in Lisbon
Best Food in Portugal FAQs
what type of food is portugal known for
Portugal’s cuisine is celebrated for its variety and rich flavors, heavily influenced by its extensive coastline and historical ties. A quintessential staple is bacalhau (dried and salted cod), with locals claiming there are as many recipes as there are days in the year, often served grilled or baked in cream.
Another beloved delicacy is Pastéis de Nata, a creamy custard pastry with a flaky crust originating from Lisbon. For a comforting meal, Caldo Verde is a popular choice; this simple yet savory soup combines kale, potatoes, and onions, often enriched with slices of chouriço sausage.
Meat lovers revel in Francesinha, a hearty Porto sandwich loaded with various types of meat and smothered in melted cheese and a thick tomato-beer sauce. Additionally, grilled sardines are a summertime favorite, typically enjoyed on bread or with a fresh salad during festive occasions.
So what is Portugal known for? In terms of food, a lot!
BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL
What is Portugal’s most famous dish?
Bacalhau, or salted cod, is a staple of Portuguese local cuisine and can be found in many traditional dishes throughout the country. It is made by preserving cod in salt, a technique that dates back to before the use of refrigeration.
Most of the bacalhau consumed in Portugal is imported from Norway, with around 25,000 tons imported annually.
There are many different ways to prepare bacalhau, with some saying there are over 1,000 different Portuguese recipes. It can be prepared in various ways, from baked with potato and a fried egg to fried with onions and peppers. The key to making good bacalhau is to soak it extensively in water to remove the salt, which can give it a strong, fishy taste if not removed properly.
Despite its strong flavor, bacalhau is a beloved and integral part of Portuguese cuisine. Visitors to the country will not be able to escape trying it, as it can be found in many restaurants and homes throughout Portugal.
🐠🐟 Want to learn more about the history of Bacalahu (including some must-try dishes)? Read our article: Why Do the Portuguese Love Bacalhau? + 5 Dishes To Try
BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL
Let’s talk about Portuguese Wine
Portugal is known for its diverse and high-quality wines. The country has 13 distinct wine regions, each with its own unique climate, soil, and grape varieties, resulting in a wide range of wines with different flavors and characteristics.
One of the most famous wines from Portugal is port wine, produced in the Douro Valley in the north of Portugal. This fortified wine is made from a blend of grape varieties and is known for its sweet, rich flavor and complex aromas. Port wine is typically enjoyed as a dessert or after-dinner drink.
Another popular wine from Portugal is vinho verde, which means “green wine” in Portuguese. This wine is produced in the Minho region in the northwest of the country and is known for its light, refreshing flavor and low alcohol content. Vinho verde is typically made from white grape varieties and is often served chilled as an aperitif or with seafood dishes.
In addition to port wine and vinho verde, other popular wines from Portugal include red wines from the Dão and Alentejo region and white wines from the Bairrada and Lisboa regions. With its rich wine-making tradition and diverse range of wines, Portugal is a great destination for wine lovers looking to explore and discover new flavors.
🍷🍷 Want to learn more about Portuguese wine? Read our article: The Wines of Portugal: An Introduction to Portuguese Wine or The 7 Best Wine Shops in Lisbon
Best Food in Portugal FAQs
what type of food is portugal known for
Portugal’s cuisine is celebrated for its variety and rich flavors, heavily influenced by its extensive coastline and historical ties. A quintessential staple is bacalhau (dried and salted cod), with locals claiming there are as many recipes as there are days in the year, often served grilled or baked in cream.
Another beloved delicacy is Pastéis de Nata, a creamy custard pastry with a flaky crust originating from Lisbon. For a comforting meal, Caldo Verde is a popular choice; this simple yet savory soup combines kale, potatoes, and onions, often enriched with slices of chouriço sausage.
Meat lovers revel in Francesinha, a hearty Porto sandwich loaded with various types of meat and smothered in melted cheese and a thick tomato-beer sauce. Additionally, grilled sardines are a summertime favorite, typically enjoyed on bread or with a fresh salad during festive occasions.
So what is Portugal known for? In terms of food, a lot!
BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL
What is Portugal’s most famous dish?
Bacalhau, or salted cod, is a staple of Portuguese local cuisine and can be found in many traditional dishes throughout the country. It is made by preserving cod in salt, a technique that dates back to before the use of refrigeration.
Most of the bacalhau consumed in Portugal is imported from Norway, with around 25,000 tons imported annually.
There are many different ways to prepare bacalhau, with some saying there are over 1,000 different Portuguese recipes. It can be prepared in various ways, from baked with potato and a fried egg to fried with onions and peppers. The key to making good bacalhau is to soak it extensively in water to remove the salt, which can give it a strong, fishy taste if not removed properly.
Despite its strong flavor, bacalhau is a beloved and integral part of Portuguese cuisine. Visitors to the country will not be able to escape trying it, as it can be found in many restaurants and homes throughout Portugal.
🐠🐟 Want to learn more about the history of Bacalahu (including some must-try dishes)? Read our article: Why Do the Portuguese Love Bacalhau? + 5 Dishes To Try
