When in Portugal, don’t skip the octopus and potatoes! Among the top Portuguese specialties are Polvo a Lagareiro and caldo verde. You can find these tasty dishes all over Portugal, including Porto and Lisbon. Here are 10 must-have Portuguese dishes to try on your next trip!
ALHEIRA DE MIRANDELA
When it comes to Portuguese cuisine, there are several things you can’t miss. Alheira de Mirandela is one of them. The sausage was originally made from chicken and bread, but is now made with pork, rabbit, or even vegetarian meat. In fact, the Portuguese Jews created alheira in 1497 and were spared detection and expulsion from the Portuguese Inquisition.
A traditional Portuguese sausage, alheira is often topped with fries and a fried egg. Historically, it played an important role in the history of Portugal. Jews who converted to Christianity used to cook alheira to prove that they were Christians. Today, alheira is a common ingredient in over 1,000 Portuguese recipes.
BACALHAU
Bacalhau is the national dish of Portugal, made from dried cod that’s typically soaked in water or milk before being fried. It was originally imported from Iceland or Norway and is now commonly found throughout the seafood-rich country. It is served in many delicious forms and is one of the most iconic foods of Portugal. In fact, it has its own folk song, “Field Friend,” and is eaten weekly. Typically, you’ll find it accompanied by fried potatoes and onions, or in a stew with eggs and vegetables.
If you’re craving something sweet, make sure you try the famous chocolate salami, which is found in Italy and Portugal. This delicious treat is made with dark chocolate and topped with nuts and broken-up cookies. Try it for an afternoon snack after a day of sightseeing or enjoying a chilly beer.
BIFANA
While Portugal is known for its rich seafood, the Atlantic is also a huge influence on the Portuguese cuisine. While the Portuguese love their fish, they also enjoy their meat, and pork is often their preferred choice. In addition to being a delicious meat alternative, pork is also highly seasoned and is often used to create different sausages and stews. It pairs well with cold Portuguese beer, and can be enjoyed as a snack. https://d.cosx.org/u/stevehacks
The bifana sandwich is a popular fast food in Portugal, and while many cafes claim to be the original creators of this dish, different regions have their own special ways of preparing it. Some northern cafes use beer and passata in the sauce, while southern cafes stick with white wine. Many cafes will serve the bifana with just a tender cutlet, while others will slice it into small pieces or serve it in shredded form. The variety of bifanas can vary greatly in each region, so try to ask your server for recommendations.
Bifanas are another delicious traditional Portuguese food. This rich and spicy snack is usually eaten for breakfast. It is delicious when served warm or cold and is accompanied with a cup of idê. A delicious, hearty snack, Bifaça is the perfect way to start the day.
CALDO VERDE
Whether you’re traveling to Portugal for work or pleasure, you’ll want to try out the renowned caldo verde. This simple soup is made of kale, potatoes, onions, garlic, and chourico. Originating in the north, this dish is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Gastronomy. Although it contains some meat, you can get a vegetarian version by removing the chourico. And don’t miss out on the bolinhos de bacalhau, which are deep-fried cod patties. They’re also a staple of Portuguese cuisine.
Besides chorico, caldo verde is one of the most popular traditional Portuguese dishes. This soup is typically served at dinner tables, and is usually made with potatoes, chourico sausage, thinly-sliced cabbage, and other vegetables. Although caldo verde is not an official national dish, it’s a dish that you shouldn’t miss while visiting Portugal. You can find this dish in high-end restaurants as well as in country-style farmhouses. And if you’re a vegetarian, you can use a turkey or chicken-based sausage in place of the chorico. https://twitter.com/stevehacks
CARNE DE PORCO ALENTEJANA
If you have never tasted Carne de Porco Alentejana, you need to visit Portugal right away! This traditional dish is made with a special breed of pig called the raca alentejana. It is found only in the Alentejo region, and its unique taste comes from the acorns and seeds of cork oak trees. The acorns give the meat a nutty earthy flavor and make it incredibly soft and melty. It is also healthier than most pork.
Port wine, made from the grape pomace, is another must-try. The wine grapes used to make it are grown in the Douro Valley, which was originally a Spanish port. These grapes were shipped to England via small wooden boats, or rabelos. The English saw Porto as a great harbor and a place to make wine.
PASTEIS DE NATA
If you love pastries, you can’t miss out on the Portuguese Pastel de Nata, a delicious flaky pastry topped with a cinnamon-infused egg filling. Popular in Lisbon, these pastries are best served with coffee or tea. Monks at the nearby Jeronimos Monastery invented the dessert in 1820, using egg whites to starch clothing, and then adding sugar and cream to them to make the pastry. Today, you can find them at bakeries all across Portugal.
Pasteis de nata, or puff pastry, is one of Portugal’s most iconic desserts. A classic Portuguese pastry, this dessert is so delicious that locals often request it with “por favor” – the Portuguese translation of the word “please” – to request a serving.
PEIXE GRELHADO
If you want to experience the authentic taste of Portugal, you have to try some of the must-have Portuguese foods. Here are some of the most popular dishes:
Sardinhas Assadas (grilled sardines): Sardinhas are small, flat fish seasoned with olive oil and salt. Locals will eat the entire fish, including the head and bones. They will serve you this delicious fish with rice or fried potatoes. The resulting flesh is brimming with flavor and is served in a steaming pot.
Polvo a Lagareiro: This dish is a classic in Portugal. The name comes from the word lagar, which means lagar, a place where grapes and olives are pounded and turned into wine. The olive oil gives the dish its distinct flavor. This dish is popular all throughout the country. The salty and tender octopus is a delicious and popular combination. It can be eaten with potatoes and salad or paired with a spicy sauce.
SALAME DE CHOCOLATE
You should not miss out on the delicious Salame de Chocolate when you visit Portugal. This Portuguese specialty is made from chocolate and broken cookies. Its rich taste and thick, cake-like consistency will impress your taste buds. It is also very easy to make and can be a perfect addition to a traditional charcuterie board.
Caldo Verde is another traditional dish in Portugal. Made from potatoes, onions, kale, pork sausage and a variety of herbs, this hearty soup is a popular dish in Portuguese homes. You can try this dish as part of your next meal or as a late-night snack before dinner.
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with Salame de Chocolate. The Portuguese are famous for their chocolate. They’ve been making it for centuries, and it’s a must-try on your next trip. It’s also a popular drink that can be found in many bars and restaurants.