They are best enjoyed warm with a dusting of powdered sugar. Pastéis de Belém is only available in Belém, Lisbon. Everywhere else, it’s known as a pastel de nata.
Fun fact: Custard tart were supposedly first made in the Jerónimos Monastery way back in the 13th century.
Cozido
Cozido à Portuguesa is a hearty stew made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and beans. Low and slow in a clay pot is the secret to creating rich and flavourful dish.
The ingredients vary depending on the region, but some common ones include beef, pork, chorizo, cabbage, carrots, and chickpeas. Cozido is usually served with rice or potatoes. After one taste you’ll see why this is one of the most popular traditional Portuguese dishes. Add a glass of red wine and you’ll have yourself a classic Portuguese meal.
Some say only the moms and grannies know how to cook a proper Cozido à Portuguesa, but if you’re lucky you might find a good one in a traditional restaurant.
Sardinhas assadas
Sardinhas assadas, or grilled sardines, are popular street food in Portugal, especially during summer. they’re typically served with a slice of lemon and a crusty roll. Such a simple but unbelievably delicious meal.
The sardines are marinated in olive oil, garlic and salt before being grilled over coals. As they hit the grill the oil drips down into the coals and the resulting smoke gives the fish a rich flavour with crispy skin.
Grilled sardines Photo by Olga Safronova
If you’re in Portugal in June don’t miss the Festas dos Santos Populares. The popular Saints Festival is also known as the Sardine Festival due to the fact that sardines are the highlight and you can eat as many as you’d like. There’s nothing better that enjoying sardines right off the grill with a nice cold beer.
They are best enjoyed warm with a dusting of powdered sugar. Pastéis de Belém is only available in Belém, Lisbon. Everywhere else, it’s known as a pastel de nata.
Fun fact: Custard tart were supposedly first made in the Jerónimos Monastery way back in the 13th century.
Cozido
Cozido à Portuguesa is a hearty stew made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and beans. Low and slow in a clay pot is the secret to creating rich and flavourful dish.
The ingredients vary depending on the region, but some common ones include beef, pork, chorizo, cabbage, carrots, and chickpeas. Cozido is usually served with rice or potatoes. After one taste you’ll see why this is one of the most popular traditional Portuguese dishes. Add a glass of red wine and you’ll have yourself a classic Portuguese meal.
Some say only the moms and grannies know how to cook a proper Cozido à Portuguesa, but if you’re lucky you might find a good one in a traditional restaurant.
Sardinhas assadas
Sardinhas assadas, or grilled sardines, are popular street food in Portugal, especially during summer. they’re typically served with a slice of lemon and a crusty roll. Such a simple but unbelievably delicious meal.
The sardines are marinated in olive oil, garlic and salt before being grilled over coals. As they hit the grill the oil drips down into the coals and the resulting smoke gives the fish a rich flavour with crispy skin.
Grilled sardines Photo by Olga Safronova
If you’re in Portugal in June don’t miss the Festas dos Santos Populares. The popular Saints Festival is also known as the Sardine Festival due to the fact that sardines are the highlight and you can eat as many as you’d like. There’s nothing better that enjoying sardines right off the grill with a nice cold beer.
