By Monika
Delicious Foods to Try in Portugal: Your Guide to Portuguese Cuisine.
Portugal is known for delicious wines, but did you know that Portuguese food is just as delicious?
I’m not a foodie; on most of my trips, I eat to have energy for exploring and aside from always trying some local dishes, I don’t focus on my meals a whole lot.
But Portuguese cuisine took me by surprise – their food is amazing!
Here is a guide to the best traditional foods to try in Portugal that will make your taste buds sing!
From the famous pastel de nata and omnipresent sardines to bacalhau, ginja, and Porto’s legendary francesinha, this list covers the iconic dishes and local treats that you’ll be dreaming about long after your trip ends!
Bonus – trying traditional Portuguese food doesn’t require dining in fancy restaurants!
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TRADITIONAL PORTUGUESE DISHES
1. Bacalhau (dried & salted cod)
No trip to Portugal would be complete without trying bacalhau. It is a true staple in Portuguese cuisine.
This dried and salted codfish is considered the unofficial national dish of Portugal. It’s said that there are 365 different ways to prepare it – one for every day of the year.
You can have it as “bacalhau à brás” – shredded and baked with egg and potatoes
Or in the form of “pastéis de bacalhau” – crispy cod cakes:
We’ve tried cod dishes at a few places, but Peixaria do Rossio in Lisbon still remains our favorite! It’s a casual restaurant serving very tasty food near Restauradores Square.
No time to sit down to a cod dish? No problem!
Stop by any Casa Portuguesa Do Pastel De Bacalhau locations and grab a cod cake on the go! I’ve seen these shops on Rua Augusta in Lisbon, by Clérigos Tower in Porto, even in Óbidos!
They make them with and without Serra da Estrela cheese filling.
Serra da Estrela is a region of central Portugal famous for its pastures.
That’s also where you can try “cheesy sheep”, also made from the same cheese.
And if you got inspired by these dishes to learn more about cod and its tradition and history in Portugal, the best place to do that is the History of Cod Visitor Center in Lisbon (Centro Interpretativo do Historia Bacalhau).
2. Bifanas (Portuguese pork sandwiches)
Bifanas are traditional Portuguese sandwiches, made with thin slices of pork, marinated in garlicky white wine sauce, served on a warm, soft Portuguese roll. In their most classic version, they’re made with a dash of mustard.
You can grab one from a roadside stall, or a market, or – like we did from a tiny store in Restauradores Square.
They are simple, satisfying, and on that late night, it was just what we needed after a nightmare of arriving in Lisbon and not being able to access our apartment due to a management IT issue…
Good to know: I’ve heard later that THE PLACE to have one in Lisbon is “The Bifanas of Alfonso” (“As Bifanas do Alfonso”) in the Alfama neighborhood.
3. Francesinha (“a little French girl” in direct translation)
This signature sandwich of Porto is a meat-lover’s dream!
Layers of steak, ham, and sausage are stacked between bread, covered in melted cheese, and served with A LOT of tomato-based beer sauce.
It doesn’t look like it can make a meal, but trust me – it’s very filling!
We had Francesinhas at a restaurant in Gaia, the wine district of Porto, but I’ve heard that THE place to try it is Café Santiago. They have several locations, the most convenient when walking around Porto is probably the one on Rua de Passos Manuel (not too far from Rua de Santa Catarina).
4. Chouriço à Bombeiro (Flaming Chorizo)
Get ready for a show! This spicy Portuguese sausage is flamed at the table using alcohol and served in a small clay dish, called assador de barro.
Chouriço à bombeiro is smoky, sizzling, and a fun dish to share.
We had it at a small restaurant right across from the Church of St. Lawrence (Igreja de São Lourenço) in Porto and it was delicious.
5. Grilled Sardines (Sardinhas Assadas)
Sardines are the second most popular fish in Portugal.
The grilled ones are smoky, salty, and usually served with boiled potatoes and roasted peppers. Or in a street food version – on a slice of yummy Portuguese bread!
6. Cachorrinhos (Portuguese Hot Dogs)
Think of cachorrinhos as gourmet hot dogs. They’re spicy, cheesy, and served inside crispy baguette-style bread.
Even though it’s a traditional snack for Porto, we had cachorrinhos at a tiny place in Aveiro, and they were great!
7. Seafood Soups & Stews
We’ve tried a variety of Portuguese soups and stews during our visits to Portugal – seafood, vegetable, and meat-based – and they were all fresh, hearty and delicious.
You can’t go wrong ordering those meals at any Portuguese restaurant!
The one soup I haven’t tried is the traditional Caldo Verde – Portuguese “green soup” made from potatoes and kale and served with sausage. On my list for next time!
8. Octopus (Polvo)
Often grilled or served in rice dishes, like seafood rice (“Arroz de Marisco”), I’m told that Portuguese octopus is tender and flavorful. It’s one of the dishes I haven’t tried myself.
PORTUGUESE DESSERTS:
9. Pastéis de Belém & Pastéis de Nata
You HAVE TO taste the Portuguese most famous dessert: pastéis – delicious custard tart pastries with rich egg-yolk filling.
Many shops and bakeries sell them and you should definitely try them from more than one!
You may ask – what is the difference between Pastéis de Belém & Pastéis de Nata?
It’s actually very simple – Pastéis de Belém are only made in one bakery located in Belém, just a couple of minutes away from Jéronimos Monastery, called Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, nowadays better known just as Pastéis de Belém.
It is the most famous pastelaria in Lisbon!
They have been making their pastries since 1837, following a recipe created by the monks from the monastery.
The top-secret ingredient in the recipe has not been revealed, but the recipe itself has since been replicated and sometimes modified, so the same custards eaten outside Belem are called Pastéis de Nata.
Don’t be deterred by the line (ongoing) in front of the shop – it moves super fast, and the pastéis are worth waiting for. You even get little packets of sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle on if you choose to.
Best place to try them in Porto?
Manteigaria Fabrica de Pastéis de Nata right on Rua de Santa Catarina. It was recommended to us by a local and it didn’t disappoint!
Local treat tip: if you’re strolling along Rua de Santa Catarina in Porto, look for a bakery selling Port wine pastries (“Pastel Vinho do Porto”), infused with Porto’s famous wine and also delicious!
10. Queijadas de Sintra
These pastries are a specialty of Sintra and are cottage cheese and egg yolk-based custard mini-pies, shaped similarly to pastéis de nata.
11. Travesseiros
Also found is Sintra, they are puff pastries with almond-flavored filling.
You can get both at Fábrica das Verdadeiras Queijadas da Sapa or Casa Piriquita in Sintra.
Good to know: Fábrica das Verdadeiras Queijadas da Sapa is closed on Mondays!
If you’re short on time and can’t get to either place, the coffee shop across the setrret from Sintra train station, called Ca.fé Coffee House, sells nicely packaged Queijadas da Sapa.
12. Ovos Moles de Aveiro
These traditional local sweets are shaped like seashells and are made of a thin layer of wafer and rich egg yolk filling.
The recipe originated at the Convent of Jesus in Aveiro, and after the convent was dissolved in the 19th the local community continued making their signature sweets, passing the recipe through generations.
Want to learn how to make them? Take the Ovos Moles de Aveiro Workshop!
13. Other sweets from Portuguese monasteries
Many traditional Portuguese desserts were created by nuns and monks, using leftover egg yolks. Try anything labeled “conventual” for a delicious taste of history.
We had a tasting at a local bakery near a monastery in Arouca (see the photo above), right before we conquered the 516 Arouca bridge, and those sweet treats, along with the amazing Portuguese coffee, were a much-needed pick-me-up before that adventure!
13. Chestnut with port wine ice cream
This treat was recommended to us by a local tour guide and I’m so glad we tried it! It’s a unique and delicious flavor combination and very specific to Porto.
You can get it at Gelados de Portugal stand, right by the Gaia cable car lower station.
Need some Porto inspiration? Check out these Porto itineraries:
14. Ice cream at Santini’s in Lisbon
Have some ice cream at “the most famous Portuguese ice cream shop”
Established in 1949 in Lisbon, Santini’s served delicious gelato made from clean, natural ingredients and local fresh fruit.
TRADITIONAL PORTUGUESE DRINKS
15. Ginja (Cherry Liqueur)
Ginja (also known as ginjinha) is a sour cherry liqueur produced locally in the tiny, charming historic town of Óbidos, and it’s the town’s signature drink.
It’s sold in many shops and small wineries here, and often you can taste a sample before buying more.
The traditional recipe goes back to the 17th century when it was created by monks from a local monastery. These days, there are several varieties of the drink, some with chocolate or cinnamon added.
This sweet and slightly tart cherry liqueur is a favorite in Lisbon and Óbidos.
Traditionally served in a shot glass – sometimes inside a chocolate cup – ginja is a quick (and delicious) Portuguese cultural experience.
The best spot to try ginja in Lisbon? Ginginha do Carmo – a tiny bar near the Gloria Funicular.
16. Port wine
This list item does not need a lot of introductions, right? You simply have to try the port wine!
The best place for it is obviously Porto, however you can have it at any restaurant, anywhere in Portugal!
If you’re in Porto, I can’t recommend a wine cellar tour in Vila Nova de Gaia enough! Learn more about how to do that in this Porto guide.
You can explore more wine cellar tour options here.
Another amazing way to taste port wines and see how they are made is a Douro Valley vineyard tour. We took this tour and it was one of the highlights of our visit in Porto!
Read more about our experience in my detailed guide to visiting Douro Valley!
Check out more Douro Valley vineyards tour options below:
17. Vinho Verde (Green Wine)
Vinho Verde isn’t actually green, but it’s light, crisp, slightly fizzy, and incredibly refreshing wine made with grapes originating from the Minho region in northern Portugal.
It was a perfect companion to our meal we had after the Passadicos de Paiva hike (which was part of our tour to the Arouca suspension bridge – highly recommend!), and both the food and the wine were amazing!
18. Porto Tonic
This is a refreshing Porto cocktail made with dry white port wine and tonic water, served with an orange slice. A great alternative to gin & tonic!
We got a voucher to try one after our Wine Experience at WOW (World of Wine in Gaia), at one of the restaurants there, so if you’d like to taste it, the Golden Catch and Root & Wine definitely serve it.
It’s delicious!
Are there food tours in Portugal?
Yes, there are! There are many food & wine tours, both in Lisbon and in Porto.
Top 5 Must-Try Dishes in Portugal
If you’re short on time or overwhelmed by the choices, start with these five iconic Portuguese flavors:
1. Bacalhau à Brás
Shredded salted cod with potatoes, onions, and eggs. Portugal’s most beloved dish!
🗺️ Try it at: Peixaria do Rossio (Lisbon)
🍴 Tip: Cod cakes (pastéis de bacalhau) are a great on-the-go substitution.
2. Francesinha
A Porto specialty: layers of meat in bread, smothered in cheese and a spicy tomato & beer sauce. It’s rich, filling, and unforgettable.
🗺️ Try it at: Café Santiago (Porto)
🍴 Tip: Don’t underestimate how filling it is – it can make a full meal!
3. Bifana
Thin slices of pork in garlicky sauce, served on soft Portuguese bread roll. A simple but delicious street food classic.
🗺️ Try it at: As Bifanas do Afonso (Lisbon)
🍴 Tip: Add mustard for the most authentic taste.
4. Pastéis de Nata
Creamy egg custard tarts with a flaky crust – Portugal’s most famous dessert.
🗺️ Try it at: Pastéis de Belém (Lisbon) or Manteigaria Fabrica de Pastéis de Nata (Porto)
🍴 Tip: Sprinkle cinnamon and powdered sugar on top!
5. Ginja (Cherry Liqueur)
A sweet-tart cherry liqueur served in a shot glass or a chocolate cup!
🗺️ Try it at: Ginginha do Carmo (Lisbon) or in Óbidos
🍴 Tip: Buy a bottle to bring a taste of Portugal home.
FAQ:
At the very least, you should try a cod dish, a bifana, a francesinha, and pastéis de nata. And of course, have a glass of Portuguese wine!
The unofficial national dish is bacalhau (cod), particularly “bacalhau à brás”—shredded cod with onions, potatoes, and eggs.
It is mouthwatering! Everything is fresh and locally sourced, and the dishes are a definition of delicious, hearty comfort food.
Not at all! Eating out is relatively affordable. You can enjoy a nice meal with wine without breaking your travel budget.
Tipping isn’t expected, but it’s appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving € 5-10 for good service is fairly common.
Trying the traditional foods in Portugal is one of the best ways to experience Portuguese culture.
Whether you’re sipping port wine, biting into a pastel de nata, or savoring a francesinha, each meal tells a story and leaves you wanting more!
Need help organizing your Portuguese adventure? Follow this guide to planning your trip to Portugal and check this Lisbon – Algarve itinerary for inspiration!
👉 To learn about my trusted travel planning resources that help me (and will help you too!) plan trips easily and save money, read this guide: How to Plan a Trip to Europe: My Favorite Travel Resources Revealed.
Let me help you plan your trip!
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About Monika
An avid traveler and a passionate trip planner, mildly obsessed with being organized and prepared 🙂
Well aware of how precious travel time is, I’m here to share my experience and help you get the most out of your vacation time.
“Taking the hassle out of trip planning”