Travel Jones

5 Must Try Foods in Portugal: A Culinary Journey Through Tradition and Flavor

When one thinks of Portugal, visions of picturesque landscapes, historic cities, and stunning coastlines come to mind. But nestled within its cultural tapestry is a culinary tradition rich in flavors, history, and variety. Portuguese cuisine, a reflection of its maritime heritage and agricultural bounty, offers food lovers an array of tastes to explore. Today, let’s embark on a gastronomic journey to discover the 5 must-try foods in Portugal (featuring a bonus taste tour from my travels in Lisbon), each with its unique story and savory essence.

Bacalhau (Salted Cod Fish)

Bacalhau, often dubbed “the faithful friend,” is more than just a national dish — it’s an integral part of Portuguese culture and identity. Despite Portugal’s extensive coastline, salt cod became a staple due to its shelf life, vital for long sea voyages. There are said to be over 365 ways to prepare Bacalhau, one for each day of the year. From Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with onions, potatoes, and eggs) to Bacalhau com Natas (cod with cream), each recipe offers a unique taste experience. The slow infusion of flavors through traditional methods creates a dish that is both hearty and comforting. Keep reading for a more extensive list of Bacalhau dishes at the end of this post.

Pastéis de Nata

No visit to Portugal is complete without indulging in Pastéis de Nata, the iconic Portuguese custard tart. Originating from Lisbon’s Jerónimos Monastery in the 18th century, this sweet treat combines flaky pastry with a creamy, egg custard, often sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Each bite is a sublime blend of textures and flavors, embodying the simplicity and richness of Portuguese sweets. I can tell you first hand, if you walk around Lisbon, you’ll find many, many, many bakery’s. You won’t have a choice of whether or not you can find these. When you do, stop in and treat yourself to these delectable delights!

Francesinha

Hailing from Porto, the Francesinha is not for the faint-hearted. This opulent sandwich is a culinary homage to French toasts but with a Portuguese twist. Layered with various meats like ham, sausage, and steak, then covered in melted cheese and drenched in a spicy tomato and beer sauce, it’s a testament to Portugal’s creativity in food. Served with fries, it’s a meal that combines flavor, tradition, and the love for hearty eating.

Caldo Verde

Originating from the Minho province, Caldo Verde is a comforting kale soup that epitomizes the spirit of Portuguese home cooking. Made with thinly sliced kale, potatoes, onions, and often garnished with a slice of “chouriço” (Portuguese chorizo), this soup is both nourishing and flavorful. Its simplicity and reliance on fresh, local ingredients showcase the essence of Portuguese cuisine.

Cozido à Portuguesa

Cozido à Portuguesa is a gastronomic journey in a pot. This traditional stew combines a variety of meats, including pork, beef, and chicken, with vegetables like cabbages, carrots, and turnips, simmered slowly to meld the flavors. Every region has its variant, reflecting the diversity of this dish. Cozido represents the communal aspect of Portuguese eating, where sharing and conviviality are central to the experience.

Bonus Taste Tour

If you’ve made it this far, you’ll want to check this out! While in Lisbon, I took it upon myself to go on a little taste tour. Here you’ll see samples of Port wine, Ginjinha (the exact same place that our dear Anthony Bourdain had many samples of!), Bifana amongst a few other delights.

If you ever find yourself in Lisbon and would like check out this tour, you can book it here! Be sure to bring thirst and an appetite! If you’re anything like me, you’ll likely want to double back for seconds and possibly thirds, haha!

Honorable Mentions

Earlier I mentioned a more extensive list of Bacalhau dishes. It’s my opinion that Bacalhau seems to be a staple of Portugal, very similar to what burgers and hotdogs are to us (Americans). I had help from native Portuguese making this list. So not only am I going to give you a list of those but a few others you might want to consider! Special thanks to my friend, Gonçalo! Super cool guy. Give him a follow! Okay, let’s check out this list:

 

• Sardinhas Assadas
• Alheira
• Açorda à Alentejana
• Peixe Grelhado
• Piri-Piri Chicken
• Pataniscas de Bacalhau
• Bacalhau Assado na Brasa
• Bacalhau à Brás
• Bacalhau com Natas
• Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá
• Bacalhau à Lagareiro
• Bacalhau Espiritual
• Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo
• Bacalhau Cozido

 

Note: I know you’re looking at this list and thinking, “what does that say!?”. Haha, don’t worry… here is your first lesson in Portuguese. As stated earlier, Bacalhau is cod. Peixe is fish… Sardinhas is sardines. So if you haven’t realized it yet, there’s a lot of fish here! 

Final Thoughts

Portuguese cuisine is a rich mosaic of flavors, each dish telling its story of tradition, culture, and natural bounty. From the hearty warmth of Bacalhau to the sweet delight of Pastéis de Nata, Portugal offers an array of flavors waiting to be explored. This culinary journey through Portugal not only satisfies the palate but also connects us to the history and heart of this beautiful country. So next time you find yourself in Portugal, remember to dive into its culinary world and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable adventure. Until next time, travelers… cheers!