Our guide on what to eat and drink in Portugal for your next trip.
Portugal boasts a rich culinary tradition shaped by its geography, history, and diverse cultural influences. From fresh seafood to hearty stews, Portuguese cuisine is deeply rooted in local ingredients and simple preparation techniques that bring out the full flavor of each dish.
Whether you’re in bustling Lisbon, coastal Porto, or a charming rural village, there’s no shortage of delicious foods and beverages to try. Here’s a guide to the must-try dishes and drinks in Portugal.
Portugal’s culinary scene is a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions. From the freshest seafood on the coast to hearty stews in the mountains, every region offers something unique. Whether you’re indulging in a glass of Port in Porto, savoring grilled sardines in Lisbon, or trying a pastel de nata, Portugal promises a food and drink experience that will leave you craving more. Enjoy exploring the diverse flavors of this beautiful country!
Read here best things to know before visiting Portugal and the best Portugal sim card for tourist
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Regional Specialties
Alentejo: Known for carne de porco à Alentejana (pork and clams), and wines from the Alentejo wine region.
Douro Valley: Famous for Port wine and hearty dishes like posta à mirandesa (grilled beef).
Azores: Try cozido das furnas, a stew cooked in volcanic ground, and local cheese.
Read Here Best Traditional Portuguese Dishes and Best breakfast in Portugal
Must-Try Dishes in Portugal
1. Bacalhau (Salted Cod)
What It Is: Bacalhau is Portugal’s most iconic dish, with hundreds of variations. The salted cod is soaked, then cooked in many ways, including grilled, baked, or fried. A popular version is bacalhau à Brás, where the cod is shredded and mixed with eggs, onions, and potatoes.
Where to Try It: Bacalhau is available throughout Portugal, especially in traditional seafood restaurants.
Tip: Try bacalhau com natas, a creamy baked dish made with layers of salted cod and potatoes.
2. Caldo Verde (Green Soup)
What It Is: This comforting soup is made with finely chopped kale, potatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil, often served with slices of chouriço (Portuguese sausage). It’s a simple yet flavorful dish and a staple at Portuguese tables, particularly in the north.
Where to Try It: You’ll find caldo verde in many family-owned restaurants and at local festivals.
Tip: Caldo verde is often enjoyed as a starter during celebrations and family gatherings.
3. Pastéis de Nata (Custard Tarts)
What It Is: Portugal’s most famous dessert, pastéis de nata are creamy custard tarts with a flaky, buttery crust. The top is caramelized and slightly burnt, similar to crème brûlée, and the tart is often dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar.
Where to Try It: The best place to try this treat is at Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon, where the original recipe was created in the 19th century.
Tip: Eat them fresh from the oven for the best experience, and pair them with a strong espresso.
4. Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice)
What It Is: A rich, soupy rice dish packed with seafood such as shrimp, clams, mussels, and fish. The dish is often seasoned with garlic, cilantro, and tomatoes, creating a flavorful broth that the rice absorbs.
Where to Try It: Best enjoyed at coastal seafood restaurants in places like Setúbal and Aveiro.
Tip: It’s a great dish to share, and it pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine like Vinho Verde.
5. Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese Stew)
What It Is: A hearty and traditional Portuguese stew made with a variety of meats (beef, pork, chicken), sausages, and vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cabbage. The meats are simmered together until tender, creating a rich and flavorful broth.
Where to Try It: You’ll find this dish in the countryside and traditional Portuguese taverns, especially in the colder months.
Tip: Each region in Portugal has its own variation of cozido, so try it in different places to experience the nuances.
6. Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines)
What It Is: Grilled sardines are a beloved dish, particularly during the summer months. Fresh sardines are seasoned with salt, grilled over charcoal, and served with boiled potatoes, salad, or a slice of rustic bread.
Where to Try It: The Santo António Festival in Lisbon (June) celebrates sardines, but you can find this dish in coastal towns year-round.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to eat the sardines whole — bones and all. It’s part of the authentic experience!
7. Bifana (Pork Sandwich)
What It Is: A simple yet tasty sandwich made with thin slices of marinated pork, typically served on a fresh roll. The pork is cooked in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, white wine, and spices.
Where to Try It: Bifanas are popular street food and can be found at local snack bars and markets across Portugal, particularly in the city of Vendas Novas.
Tip: Add mustard or piri-piri sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
8. Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus with Olive Oil and Garlic)
What It Is: Tender octopus is roasted with olive oil, garlic, and potatoes, creating a simple yet flavorful dish. It’s a classic from the Portuguese coast and is often served at seafood restaurants.
Where to Try It: Coastal towns like Nazaré or Viana do Castelo are known for this dish.
Tip: This dish is best enjoyed when the octopus is cooked perfectly tender, and it pairs well with local white wines.
Must-Try Drinks in Portugal
1. Vinho Verde (Green Wine)
What It Is: Despite its name, Vinho Verde (literally “green wine”) isn’t always green. It refers to a young wine from the Minho region in northern Portugal. It’s light, slightly fizzy, and often has crisp, fruity notes, making it perfect for warm days.
Where to Try It: Best enjoyed in northern Portugal, but widely available across the country.
Tip: Pair it with seafood dishes like arroz de marisco or grilled fish for a refreshing combination.
2. Port Wine
What It Is: Portugal’s most famous fortified wine, Port comes from the Douro Valley and is typically enjoyed as a dessert wine. There are several styles, including ruby, tawny, and white port.
Where to Try It: Visit Porto and the nearby wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for tastings and tours.
Tip: For a traditional experience, enjoy a glass of tawny port with a dessert like pastéis de nata or a cheese plate.
3. Ginjinha (Sour Cherry Liqueur)
What It Is: A sweet, sour cherry liqueur made by infusing ginja (sour cherries) in alcohol, then adding sugar and cinnamon. It’s typically served in a small shot glass, with or without a cherry.
Where to Try It: Lisbon and Óbidos are the best places to try Ginjinha, with small shops like A Ginjinha in central Lisbon serving it traditionally.
Tip: Drink it as a quick shot for an authentic experience, and try it in a chocolate cup if you’re in Óbidos.
4. Portuguese Craft Beer
What It Is: While wine dominates the beverage scene, Portugal’s craft beer scene has been growing rapidly. Local breweries like Musa, Letra, and Lince are creating a variety of lagers, ales, and stouts with local ingredients.
Where to Try It: Major cities like Lisbon and Porto have a growing number of craft beer bars where you can sample local brews.
Tip: Pair your beer with Portuguese snacks like bifanas or petiscos (small plates) for a more complete experience.
5. Aguardente (Portuguese Brandy)
What It Is: Aguardente, meaning “firewater,” is a strong Portuguese brandy distilled from wine or other fermented fruits. It is often used in cocktails or enjoyed as a digestif after a meal.
Where to Try It: Available throughout Portugal, particularly in rural areas and traditional bars.
Tip: Try Aguardente Bagaceira, a type of brandy made from grape skins, especially after a hearty meal.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.