7 Portuguese Foods You Should Try

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Pastel de Nata: Portuguese food does not disappoint. Sweet and savory delights await. Let's look at seven Portuguese foods and drinks you must try!

Portugal is a beautiful country with amazing people, landscapes and cities. But if you’re like me, when you travel it’s all about trying the local food and drink.

Luckily Portuguese food does not disappoint. Sweet and savory delights await. Let’s look at seven Portuguese foods and drinks you must try!

Ginjinha

Made of Morello cherries steeped in alcohol, ginjinha is a sweet liqueur from Lisbon and the surrounding area. Try it in one of the small shops in the Rossi district of Lisbon, here are a few of our favorite places to try it. But beware, once you try it you might get hooked!

A Ginjinha - 7 Portuguese Foods You Should Try
Ginjinha! Portuguese food does not disappoint. Sweet and savory delights await. Let's look at seven Portuguese foods and drinks you must try!
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Pasteis de Nata

Sweet, custard pastries that pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, Pasteis de Nata are a popular Portuguese treat. Probably the most famous ones can be found in Belem at the lovely Pasteis de Belem with their signature blue and white tiles. A strong contender for favorite is also Manteigaria. If you have a sweet tooth at all you must try these. But skip the grocery store versions. They are best fresh from the oven.

pasties de nata
Portuguese food does not disappoint. Sweet and savory delights await. Let's look at seven Portuguese foods and drinks you must try!

Bifana

This hearty pork sandwich is not a gourmet delight. It’s more of a tummy filling street food. But man oh man is it delicious! Find your favorite bifana by visiting corner sandwich shops, delis and even some bars. Watch this short video to see what Anthony Bourdain has to say about the bifana. Hint: “that’s @$%^-ing good!”

Bifana - 7 Portuguese Foods You Should Try

Bacalhau

Dried and salted codfish known as bacalhau is a staple ingredient in Portuguese cuisine. Many Portuguese dishes contain the fish, from fried croquettes to savory pastries. If you’re not a fan of fishy flavors you might not enjoy it, but we think you should at least sample this very common fare known as the “faithful friend”. Codfish is not a local catch so you won’t likely find it fresh, but be sure to try some bacalhau croquettes with a glass of Portuguese wine.

Vinho do Porto

You’ve heard of port wine before of course. This specialty from the north of Portugal was invented by the Brits but is made from truly Portuguese ingredients. Wine from the Douro region is fortified with aguardente, raising the alcohol content and stopping further fermentation. Port is typically sweeter than regular wine and is commonly served after the meal with cheeses or desserts. Head to the city of Porto and go across the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia to explore the port wine cellars and taste all the varieties from white to ruby. We have lots of tips for Porto here on our Weekend Guide. Better yet, visit Vila Nova de Gaia and then make your way from Porto to the Douro Valley region for a day trip.

port barrels
pink port

 

Caldo Verde

A hearty stew made from kale, potatoes and sausage, caldo verde will warm you up on a cold winter evening. It’s a simple and satisfying dish that can serve a crowd. The kale is finely chopped and the potatoes are pureed to give the soup a smooth consistency. It really sticks to your ribs!

vinho verde - 7 Portuguese Foods You Should Try
vinho verde - 7 Portuguese Foods You Should Try

Vinhos Verdes

When warmer weather arrives it’s time to break out the fresh “green wines”. These are wines that are young, and can be red, white or rose. The grapes are grown in the northwest corner of Portugal. Alvarinho is one of the more popular white varietals of vinho verde. It’s the perfect type of wine to drink in the sunshine. Especially with views like the one above!

 

We hope you’ve enjoyed this quick guide to a few Portuguese foods you should try. Of course there are many many more delicious delicacies to enjoy in Portugal. Hopefully you will discover some of your own favorites!

7 places to visit in Portugal - Obidos - A medieval town on a hillside, Obidos is simply breathtaking. Walk the old city walls and get views over the village. Wander the streets and see the charming shops and houses covered in flowering vines.

Portugal is a wonderful country! Check out our list of 7 places to visit in Portugal. Don’t miss a trip to the Douro Valley for some wine tasting and a boat ride on the river.

 

 

 

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