Rich maritime traditions influence Portugal’s unique cuisuine
Portugal’s ties to the sea are evident in its cuisine that features a diverse selection of seafood dishes. For centuries, Portuguese fishing fleets have trawled the North Atlantic for cod. The best fishing was far from home, in the waters off the coast of Newfoundland and Greenland. In the days before refrigeration, fishermen would salt their catch of cod to preserve it for the long journey back home. This salted cod, known as bacalhau, has traditionally been an essential part of the Portuguese diet. To prove that they eat bacalhau everyday, locals joke that there are 365 ways to prepare it.
Nowadays, visitors have lots of dining options that include other seafoods, local meat specialties and some decadent sweets. Some of my favourite dishes from Portugal are Cataplana, Iberian Pork and Pastel de Nata.
For drinks, it’s the refreshing vinho verde for me. And of course, a well aged port wine after dinner.
If you’re planning a visit make sure to try some of these Portuguese specialties:
Portugues Dishes to Try on your next trip
- Pastel de Nata – The beloved custard tart in a crispy puff pastry topped with cinnamon
- Caldo Verde – Soup of pureed, potato, onion and garlic to which shredded collard greens and slided chouriço sausage are added
- Bacalhau à Brás – Shredded salted cod, onions, thin-cut fried potatoes and scrambled eggs
- Arroz de Pato – Carolino rice with shredded duck and sliced chouriço sausage
- Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato – Clams with olive oil, garlic, cilantro, and lemon juice served with fresh crusty bread.
- Sardinhas Assadas – Grilled seasoned whole sardines.
- Polvo à Lagareiro – Octopus baked with potatoes in garlic and olive oil.
- Francesinha – Sandwich made with ham, steak, linguica sausage topped with melted cheese.
- Cataplana de Marisco – Seafood stew typically made with clams, shrimp, fish and bell peppers in a white wine broth.
- Frango Piri Piri – Spatchcocked chicken marinated in garlic, olive oil, salt, lemon juice, and piri-piri chilies then cooked on a barbecue grill.
- Porco Preto (Iberico Pork) – Considered a delicacy, the meat of the Iberian black pig has a distinct flavour due to its unique diet of acorns . It’s best cooked on the grill or thinly sliced, then pan fried.
Touring Portugal
Portugal is not a large country, so you can take in lots of its rich culture and history with a vacation here. It’s gorgeous beaches and recreational opportunities are the reason many visitors come. Make sure to take in its world heritage sights, cultural activities, and experience some extravant and memorable dining oportunities.
Enjoy this scenic and informative video that includes the best of Portugal. It features highlights of Lisbon, Belém, Sintra, Cascais, The Algarve Coast, Porto and the Douro Valley.
Planning a visit? Start with Portugal’s official tourism website: visitportugal.com
Originally published 11/23/2014. Revised and republished 5/29/2024