Trying new foods is all part and parcel of the experience of traveling. Exploring new culinary styles, sampling seasonal produce, and visiting local restaurants helps you immerse yourself in the culture of the place you’re visiting.
As fun and interesting as trying new foods might be, some travellers understandably become a bit overwhelmed with the possibilities, not to mention those times when you’re not sure what that particular thing on the menu actually is!
More often than not, language barriers make it difficult to ask for clarification on ingredients or preparation.
Whenever I’m travelling to a new destination, I love meeting locals who can take me to their favorite restaurants and help me order; this way, I can try out the food at a non-touristy location and still know what I’m eating.
However, it’s not always possible to have a local guide, in which case, some prior research can help you feel more confident in your culinary choices and excited for the new foods you’ll get to discover.
Portugal is one of the best countries for food. Learn why in this article.
Here’s my guide to trying the tasty foods in Portugal.
What Are Portuguese Foods?
Portuguese cuisine has a similar style to Mediterranean fare and uses seafood in many of the signature dishes. Combine the salty flavors of the Atlantic Ocean with olive oil and fragrant spices and herbs, and you’re set for a delicious Portuguese meal.
Traditional Portuguese food is very seafood and meat forward — if you love shellfish, fish, octopus, beef, and pork, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
In addition to seafood and meat, vegetables and legumes are used in the various soups, salads, sandwiches, and famous sausages found in Portuguese cuisine.
You can wash down your meal with a variety of beverage options, including the most famous — Port wine.
The Portuguese are big into wine varieties, so there are plenty of flavors to try, often with fruity tones. Start off with the zesty, fresh flavours of Vinho Verde (green wine), and you’ll no doubt thank me later.
To round off your meal (or start your day, no one will judge), Portuguese desserts offer some of the most delectable choices imaginable.
Think flaky, buttery crusts, creamy puddings, and fresh sweet rolls. In short, always save room for dessert when you’re travelling to Portugal!
The Best Food in Portugal
Although this list probably doesn’t even cover half of the great dishes found in Portugal, it does give you the highlights of the “must try” list.
Whether you’re passing through and staying in Lisbon on a short stopover, or as part of a longer road trip adventure through incredible Portugal, these are some of the best Portuguese foods to sample.
Trying new foods is all part and parcel of the experience of traveling. Exploring new culinary styles, sampling seasonal produce, and visiting local restaurants helps you immerse yourself in the culture of the place you’re visiting.
As fun and interesting as trying new foods might be, some travellers understandably become a bit overwhelmed with the possibilities, not to mention those times when you’re not sure what that particular thing on the menu actually is!
More often than not, language barriers make it difficult to ask for clarification on ingredients or preparation.
Whenever I’m travelling to a new destination, I love meeting locals who can take me to their favorite restaurants and help me order; this way, I can try out the food at a non-touristy location and still know what I’m eating.
However, it’s not always possible to have a local guide, in which case, some prior research can help you feel more confident in your culinary choices and excited for the new foods you’ll get to discover.
Portugal is one of the best countries for food. Learn why in this article.
Here’s my guide to trying the tasty foods in Portugal.
What Are Portuguese Foods?
Portuguese cuisine has a similar style to Mediterranean fare and uses seafood in many of the signature dishes. Combine the salty flavors of the Atlantic Ocean with olive oil and fragrant spices and herbs, and you’re set for a delicious Portuguese meal.
Traditional Portuguese food is very seafood and meat forward — if you love shellfish, fish, octopus, beef, and pork, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
In addition to seafood and meat, vegetables and legumes are used in the various soups, salads, sandwiches, and famous sausages found in Portuguese cuisine.
You can wash down your meal with a variety of beverage options, including the most famous — Port wine.
The Portuguese are big into wine varieties, so there are plenty of flavors to try, often with fruity tones. Start off with the zesty, fresh flavours of Vinho Verde (green wine), and you’ll no doubt thank me later.
To round off your meal (or start your day, no one will judge), Portuguese desserts offer some of the most delectable choices imaginable.
Think flaky, buttery crusts, creamy puddings, and fresh sweet rolls. In short, always save room for dessert when you’re travelling to Portugal!
The Best Food in Portugal
Although this list probably doesn’t even cover half of the great dishes found in Portugal, it does give you the highlights of the “must try” list.
Whether you’re passing through and staying in Lisbon on a short stopover, or as part of a longer road trip adventure through incredible Portugal, these are some of the best Portuguese foods to sample.
