27 Best Portuguese Foods You Need to Try

BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Prego (Steak Sandwich)

Best food in Portugal: prego
Portugal gastronomy is filled with Portugal popular dishes, like the Prego. (©  Photo: TimeOut Magazine)

One of the most famous Portuguese sandwiches, the Prego is a traditional sandwich made with thin slices of steak, typically from the rump or sirloin, and served on a Portuguese roll (or bolo de cacao). The steak is marinated in a mixture of garlic, vinegar, and spices and is then grilled or fried until it is tender and flavorful.

The sandwich is typically served with various condiments, such as mustard, tomato, lettuce, and cheese, and is often accompanied by french fries. Prego is a popular and satisfying snack or light meal found at many cafes and snack bars throughout Portugal.

BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Bolo de Caco

Portugal popular dishes? If you travel to Madeira, one of the best food from Portugal is the delicious bolo de cacao.

Bolo de caco is a traditional bread from the island of Madeira, Portugal. It is a circular, flatbread that is typically baked in a stovetop pan and served warm with garlic butter as an appetizer. In addition to being served as a standalone dish, bolo de caco is also often used as a base for sandwiches or as a side for soups and stews.

The origins of bolo de caco date back to the early 19th century, when Madeiran farmers would bake the bread in wood-fired ovens using sweet potato or cassava flour. Today, bolo de caco is made using wheat flour and is typically flavored with herbs and spices such as garlic and parsley.

BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Alheira de Mirandela

Best food in Portugal: Alheira de Mirandela
One of the best foods in Portugal includes this traditional Portuguese sausage that is both flavourful and savory

Alheira de Mirandela is a traditional Portuguese sausage native to the Mirandela region of northern Portugal. The sausage is made with a mixture of poultry, pork, and bread and is typically flavored with garlic and various spices. The sausage is flavorful and savory, with a unique blend of spices and a slightly crispy texture.

Alheira de Mirandela has a long and interesting history, dating back to the 15th century when Portuguese Jews were forced to convert to Catholicism or face persecution. Many converted Jews continued to practice their religion in secret, and Alheira de Mirandela was created as a way to avoid eating pork, which is forbidden in Judaism.

The sausage was made with poultry and bread, making it appear like non-kosher food and allowing the Jews to maintain their covert practice of Judaism.

Today, Alheira de Mirandela is enjoyed by Portuguese people of all religions (not only Portuguese Jews) and is considered a delicacy in Portuguese cuisine. 

It is typically grilled or fried and is often served as a tapa, or small plate, with various accompaniments such as olives, cheese, and bread. Alheira de Mirandela can also serve as a main course, typically with vegetables or potatoes.

BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Prego (Steak Sandwich)

Best food in Portugal: prego
Portugal gastronomy is filled with Portugal popular dishes, like the Prego. (©  Photo: TimeOut Magazine)

One of the most famous Portuguese sandwiches, the Prego is a traditional sandwich made with thin slices of steak, typically from the rump or sirloin, and served on a Portuguese roll (or bolo de cacao). The steak is marinated in a mixture of garlic, vinegar, and spices and is then grilled or fried until it is tender and flavorful.

The sandwich is typically served with various condiments, such as mustard, tomato, lettuce, and cheese, and is often accompanied by french fries. Prego is a popular and satisfying snack or light meal found at many cafes and snack bars throughout Portugal.

BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Bolo de Caco

Portugal popular dishes? If you travel to Madeira, one of the best food from Portugal is the delicious bolo de cacao.

Bolo de caco is a traditional bread from the island of Madeira, Portugal. It is a circular, flatbread that is typically baked in a stovetop pan and served warm with garlic butter as an appetizer. In addition to being served as a standalone dish, bolo de caco is also often used as a base for sandwiches or as a side for soups and stews.

The origins of bolo de caco date back to the early 19th century, when Madeiran farmers would bake the bread in wood-fired ovens using sweet potato or cassava flour. Today, bolo de caco is made using wheat flour and is typically flavored with herbs and spices such as garlic and parsley.

BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Alheira de Mirandela

Best food in Portugal: Alheira de Mirandela
One of the best foods in Portugal includes this traditional Portuguese sausage that is both flavourful and savory

Alheira de Mirandela is a traditional Portuguese sausage native to the Mirandela region of northern Portugal. The sausage is made with a mixture of poultry, pork, and bread and is typically flavored with garlic and various spices. The sausage is flavorful and savory, with a unique blend of spices and a slightly crispy texture.

Alheira de Mirandela has a long and interesting history, dating back to the 15th century when Portuguese Jews were forced to convert to Catholicism or face persecution. Many converted Jews continued to practice their religion in secret, and Alheira de Mirandela was created as a way to avoid eating pork, which is forbidden in Judaism.

The sausage was made with poultry and bread, making it appear like non-kosher food and allowing the Jews to maintain their covert practice of Judaism.

Today, Alheira de Mirandela is enjoyed by Portuguese people of all religions (not only Portuguese Jews) and is considered a delicacy in Portuguese cuisine. 

It is typically grilled or fried and is often served as a tapa, or small plate, with various accompaniments such as olives, cheese, and bread. Alheira de Mirandela can also serve as a main course, typically with vegetables or potatoes.

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