10 deliciously awesome things you must eat in Portugal
Your foodie checklist for Portugal sorted. Don’t leave without trying these.
Your foodie checklist for Portugal sorted. Don’t leave without trying these.
1. Bacalhau (dried and salted cod)
This might be the most popular Portuguese dish. Testament to the country’s history of maritime exploration, cod is native to the Portuguese coastline. It is served in a dizzying variety, but go for Pasteis de Bacalhau, which is crispy salted cod fritters usually made with potato, parsley
and onion.
2. Pasteis de Nata (egg custard tarts)
Unlike Cantonese egg tarts, Portuguese ones have a crispier pastry, and the egg custard is richer and caramelised. Head to Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon, where the recipe is said to have originated in 1837. They serve up to 50,000 a day, so join the queue — it is worth the wait.
3. Vegetable soup
Every Portuguese meal starts with vegetable soup, and it is almost impossible to avoid. Even McDonalds in Portugal serves it. Common versions are made of potato or kale.
4. Porco preto Alentejo (black Alentego pig)
The Portuguese love pork, and one of the finest varieties in the country comes from Alentejo. These free-range black pigs feed mostly on acorns, so they have a nutty depth of flavour. Order the local favourite — grilled pork cheeks.
5. Grilled sardines
Sardines make up almost 40 per cent of Portugal’s fresh fish catch, so they are inexpensive. This fatty and robust fish is usually seasoned simply with olive oil and sea salt, and grilled. It is usually served with boiled
potatoes.
6. Serra da Estrela cheese
This artisanal cheese is one of the best Portugal has to offer. It is made only with sheep’s milk that is coagulated with a mixture of water and thistle flower, giving the cheese its unique tangy and floral overtones. The texture is soft, gooey and springy, so you can spread it on bread or eat it with a spoon.
7. Port wine
Enjoyed as a start or end to a meal, the best way to get a 101 introduction to this sweet fortified wine is by visiting one of the many port wine lodges in Porto. Sandeman is the most high-profile label, and best of all, the educational tour of the cellar ends with a tasting of a white, ruby and
tawny port.
8. Ginjinha
Lisbon is party central, so you might as well know what to order when you hit the bars. Ginjinha is sweet liquor that is made with the sour cherry-like ginja berry, schnapps and sugar. It goes for around one euro for a shot, and all you have to decide is if you want it with or without berries.
9. Piri-piri
Unlike the version you find at Nandos, the variety most restaurants serve is simply the hot African pepper steeped in olive oil. Some boast a real kick, so use it sparingly!
10.Wine
You might recognise Mateus Rose but other Portuguese wines, especially red wines from the Alentejo region, are up and coming in the international wine scene. Look out for Touriga Nacional on the label, one of the finest grape varietals in the country. If you prefer whites, try the fresh and lively Vinho Verde.