What to try in Portugal?

What to try in Portugal?

Portugal is not only stunning landscapes and rich history, but also a true paradise for foodies.

Portugal is not only stunning landscapes and rich history, but also a true paradise for foodies. This country is famous for its diverse and flavourful cuisine that will satisfy any taste preference.

Jintravel has arranged for you an exciting culinary adventure into Portuguese cuisine.

1. Francesigna

Francesigna is a traditional sweet dish that impresses with its delicacy and flavour. This dessert has the form of small tartlets resembling mini pies. The main ingredient is a delicate cream filling made of eggs, cream and sugar, which gives Francesigne its unique softness. The specialty of Francesigne is the crispy crust, which gives a balance between texture and flavour. This dessert is also caramelized on top, which adds delicate caramel notes.

2. Cataplana

Cataplana is a unique Portuguese dish and, at the same time, the name of the traditional utensil in which it is prepared. This dessert incorporates influences from different cultures, including Moorish and Mediterranean. The main ingredients are seafood such as mussels, squid and fish, mixed with tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices. In preparing the cataplana, all ingredients are placed in a special flat-bottomed copper dish and covered with a lid. The dish is then braised over low heat to allow the aromas and flavours to fully combine.

3. Aros de Marisco

This is a traditional Portuguese seafood dish that is amazing in its richness of flavours and aromas. Literally translated as "sea rice", this dish includes a variety of seafood such as shrimp, mussels, squid and crayfish that are cooked with rice combined with tomatoes, onions, garlic and aromatic spices. Aros de Marisco is the perfect dish for lovers of seafood and authentic Portuguese cuisine. It is often served in restaurants located by the sea, which adds to its special atmosphere and the freshness of the ingredients.

4. Bacalhau

Bacalhau is one of the national dishes and it is deservedly considered a symbol of the country. Despite the fact that Portugal is far from the ocean, bacalhau is a popular and important dish in the local cuisine. This dish consists of salted cod, which is thoroughly soaked before cooking. There are many recipes, but the most famous is "Bacalhau with Mashed Potatoes" which also includes onions, garlic, olives and eggs. This dish is so popular that there is even an expression in Portugal, "There are a hundred bacalhau recipes for every day of the year". Bacalhau is distinguished by its unique flavour and the many variations of its preparation methods.

Read also: The most visited places in Lisbon, Portugal

5. Pâchetel de Nata

Pâchetel de Nata is a magnificent Portuguese dessert that has won the hearts of gourmets all over the world. This small puff pastry filled with delicate vanilla cream has become a symbol of Portuguese cuisine. The history of Pâtel de Nata dates back to the monastic kitchens of Lisbon, where monks used leftover egg yolks to create this magnificent dessert. Today, Pasztel de Nata is a national treasure and a must-have for a Portuguese breakfast or snack. The mixture of the crunchy texture of the puff pastry with the delicate, lightly caramelized top and the flavourful filling makes this dessert unique. The best way to try an authentic Pâtel de Nata is to visit a café in Lisbon and enjoy it with a cup of coffee.

6. Grilled sardines

Sardines are an authentic Portuguese dish that epitomizes the country's coastal culture and Mediterranean flavour heritage. This exquisite delicacy consists of fresh sardines that are prepared over an open fire or grill. The secret of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. The sardines are marinated in oil with garlic, lemon and spices, which gives them a fragrant and rich flavour. Served with mashed potatoes or fresh vegetables, grilled sardines become a real gastronomic find. This dish is especially popular during summer festivals and holidays on the Portuguese coast, where you can enjoy its unique flavour in an atmosphere of local tradition and fun.

7. Meat casserole

Meat casserole is a classic dish that will enrich your table and satisfy the appetite of any meat eater. This hearty and flavourful dish consists of layers of meat, often beef or pork, with cheese, potatoes and vegetables, finished with a savoury sauce. To make a meat casserole, the meat is marinated or fried to enhance the flavour, then cut into thin slices and layered with the rest of the ingredients. This whole ensemble is baked in the oven until golden crust, creating an inexpressible aroma and taste.

8. Caldu verde

Caldo verde is a delicious Portuguese soup that is sure to captivate your taste buds and give you an authentic experience of Portuguese cuisine. This soup consists of the main ingredients: chorizo sausage, potatoes, cabbage and olive oil, but the real magic lies in the aromatic herbs and spices. Caldo verde is famous for its rich flavour and traditional serving. It is cooked over low heat to allow the ingredients to fully combine and create a harmonious bouquet of flavours. This soup is often served with homemade bread and olives to complement its irresistible flavour.

9. Bolo Rey

Bolo Rey is a traditional Christmas treat that literally means "King Cake". This sweet dessert is a symbol of Christmas celebrations in Portugal and is prepared with special care and attention to detail. Bolo Rey is a round, richly decorated cake made of soft dough with dried fruits, nuts and aromatic spices such as anise and cinnamon. A special feature of this dessert is the presence inside it of one or more symbolic favours, usually small figures or beans. Whoever finds a favours in their slice of Bolo Rey is considered lucky and given the next pie the following year.

10. Feijoada

Feijoada is a great Portuguese dish that has won the hearts of foodies all over the world. Despite its Brazilian origins, Feijoada is also popular in Portugal and is considered an important part of its culinary heritage. This hearty dish is made of black beans, meat (most often pork and sausage), as well as seasonings and spices. Feijoada is cooked for several hours to allow the ingredients to fully combine and create a rich bouquet of flavours.  Feijoada is usually served with white rice, and orange slices, which add freshness and contrast to the flavour.

You might be interested in: The most visited places in Lisbon, Portugal

And this is just a small part of Portuguese cuisine. Traveling through this country, you will enjoy not only its beautiful nature and culture, but also its rich and varied flavours.

Bon appetite and have a good time!