27 Best Portuguese Foods You Need to Try

BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Francesinha

Best food in Portugal: francesinha

Francesinha is a popular food in the city of Porto, in northern Portugal. It is a type of sandwich made with layers of meat, cheese, and a spicy sauce, and it is often served with a side of fries.

The origins of the francesinha are shrouded in mystery, with various stories about its creation. One theory is that it was created by a Portuguese immigrant who returned from France and was inspired by the French croque-monsieur sandwich. Another theory is that it was created by a Portuguese chef trying to replicate the flavors of the croque-monsieur in a Portuguese context.

Regardless of its origins, the francesinha has become a beloved and iconic dish in Porto and is often considered a symbol of the city’s culinary identity.

The sandwich is made with a variety of meats, such as ham, sausage, and roast beef, and it is topped with cheese and a spicy sauce made with beer and tomato sauce. 

The sandwich is then grilled or toasted until the cheese is melted and the meats are heated. The francesinha is typically served with a side of fries and is often accompanied by a cold beer.

BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Arroz de Pato

Arroz de pato, or duck rice, is a traditional Portuguese dish made with rice, duck, and various vegetables. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold day or as a comforting meal anytime.

To make Arroz de pato, the duck is typically roasted and then shredded or diced and added to a pot with rice and vegetables, such as onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

The ingredients are then simmered with broth or water until the rice is cooked and the flavors melded. Some variations of the dish include spices or other seasonings, such as paprika or garlic, to give it extra flavor.

Arroz de pato is typically served as a main course and is often accompanied by vegetables or a salad.

BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Chicken Piri Piri

Best food in Portugal: chicken piri-piri

Piri Piri Portuguese chicken, also known as frango assado or galinha à piri piri, is a popular Portuguese dish that consists of chicken marinated in a spicy piri piri sauce and grilled or roasted.

Piri piri sauce is made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and other spices and it gives the chicken a spicy and flavorful taste.

Piri piri chicken is believed to have originated in Angola and Mozambique, two former Portuguese colonies in Africa, and was introduced to Portugal in the 20th century.

BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Francesinha

Best food in Portugal: francesinha

Francesinha is a popular food in the city of Porto, in northern Portugal. It is a type of sandwich made with layers of meat, cheese, and a spicy sauce, and it is often served with a side of fries.

The origins of the francesinha are shrouded in mystery, with various stories about its creation. One theory is that it was created by a Portuguese immigrant who returned from France and was inspired by the French croque-monsieur sandwich. Another theory is that it was created by a Portuguese chef trying to replicate the flavors of the croque-monsieur in a Portuguese context.

Regardless of its origins, the francesinha has become a beloved and iconic dish in Porto and is often considered a symbol of the city’s culinary identity.

The sandwich is made with a variety of meats, such as ham, sausage, and roast beef, and it is topped with cheese and a spicy sauce made with beer and tomato sauce. 

The sandwich is then grilled or toasted until the cheese is melted and the meats are heated. The francesinha is typically served with a side of fries and is often accompanied by a cold beer.

BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Arroz de Pato

Arroz de pato, or duck rice, is a traditional Portuguese dish made with rice, duck, and various vegetables. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold day or as a comforting meal anytime.

To make Arroz de pato, the duck is typically roasted and then shredded or diced and added to a pot with rice and vegetables, such as onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

The ingredients are then simmered with broth or water until the rice is cooked and the flavors melded. Some variations of the dish include spices or other seasonings, such as paprika or garlic, to give it extra flavor.

Arroz de pato is typically served as a main course and is often accompanied by vegetables or a salad.

BEST FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Chicken Piri Piri

Best food in Portugal: chicken piri-piri

Piri Piri Portuguese chicken, also known as frango assado or galinha à piri piri, is a popular Portuguese dish that consists of chicken marinated in a spicy piri piri sauce and grilled or roasted.

Piri piri sauce is made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and other spices and it gives the chicken a spicy and flavorful taste.

Piri piri chicken is believed to have originated in Angola and Mozambique, two former Portuguese colonies in Africa, and was introduced to Portugal in the 20th century.

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