Top 10 Most Popular Foods in Portugal You Must Try

• Written by Bhawika Khushlani

  Reviewed by Nidhi Goyal

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Have you just finished exploring Portugal's famous landmarks, and now you feel hungry?

But as you stand on a charming street, surrounded by the delicious aromas of garlic, grilled fish, and sweet pastries, the choice can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry. Whether you are seeking a vibrant vegetarian dish or a classic meat-filled delicacy, we have prepared a menu tailored to your taste buds. It includes all the must-try Portuguese food in Portugal, along with places to hunt for Indian food.

Let’s start digging into the Portuguese food treasure!

Best Portuguese Dishes for a Delightful Culinary Experience

Treating yourself to a delicious delicacy is a must, especially when you are travelling abroad. Food experiences allow you to explore the flavours of the region’s traditions. Here is a list of delicious Portuguese meals.

Pastel de Nata

Pastel de Nata is a famous food in Lisbon, Portugal, first created by monks of the Jerónimos Monastery. Originally, this famous Portuguese dish was a simple custard tart, cleverly prepared with leftover egg yolks from a secret monastic recipe. Over time, it has evolved into the delicacy we know today: a delightful puff pastry that attracts dessert lovers with its mouthwatering taste. To make it even more delicious, the tart is baked at a very high temperature, resulting in a beautifully caramelised top that provides the perfect finishing touch.

Peixe Grelhado

Seafood is a vital component of Portuguese cuisine, and Peixe Grelhado is among the most renowned dishes. It's a delicious grilled fish that celebrates its natural flavours and is seasoned with coarse salt. It is cooked and grilled with olive oil over hot charcoal to bring that authentic taste. It is one of the best foods in Portugal, served with a squeeze of lemon, boiled potatoes and a salad.

Polvo à Lagareiro

One of the most famous Portuguese octopus dishes, Polvo à Lagareiro, is available at small local eateries as well as large restaurants. The key ingredients are fresh octopus, garlic and crushed potatoes, which are cooked in garlic-infused olive oil. It is usually served with rapini and onion sauce to add extra flavour. It is also one of the most popular foods in Portugal for dinner.

Bacalhau

Bacalhau, or Fiel amigo, is among the most famous foods in Portugal cuisine. It is a dried and salted cod, which sailors earlier carried on long voyages because of its long shelf life. There are over 1,000 Portuguese food recipes prepared with bacalhau, known for their rustic taste and delighting the taste buds of seafood lovers.

Bifana

Known for its elaborate preparation, Bifana is among the famous dishes in Portugal, enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. It is a flavourful pork sandwich prepared with thin slices of pork marinated in a potent mixture of garlic, white wine, paprika, and other spices and then fried and served in a crusty bread roll. It is counted among the list of delicious street fast foods in Portugal, which you will find at almost every food street. This dish is affordable and perfect for an evening or late-night snack craving.

Arroz de pato

Arroz de Pato, or duck rice, is a delicacy that offers divine taste and is a popular choice in Portuguese food in Portugal. It is a comforting food that originated in the northern city of Braga. The tender, shredded duck meat is layered with the savoury rice, baked to perfection, and then served with a topping of sliced chouriço (a smoked pork sausage). If you want to indulge in the authentic traditional food of Portugal, then don’t let this dish slide away from your plate.

Vegetarian Portuguese Food

If you are a vegetarian and want to have the flavours of Portugal's traditional food, there are plenty of options on the menu for you. Take a look!

Peixinhos de Horta

Peixinhos de Horta is a delicious Portuguese dish, referred to as the ancestor of Japanese tempura. It is prepared with fresh green beans and dipped in wheat flour batter, and then fried until golden brown.

Cenouras à Algarvia

If you like dishes full of veggies and herbs, then Cenouras à Algarvia is a must-try food in Portuguese. It is a starter prepared with boiled carrots, sliced and marinated in a vibrant mix of olive oil, white wine vinegar, plentiful garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Migas

Migas is one of the popular dishes in Portugal, which is prepared with stale bread, yet it brings zesty flavours for food lovers. This Portuguese dish has diverse variations, including Migas de Espargos (with asparagus) or Migas de Couve (with kale), creating a dish substantial enough to be a main course. During cooking, the breadcrumbs are pan-fried with olive oil, garlic and a handful of vegetables.

Azeitonas e Tremoços

It's a classic combination that you can find in almost every cafe and bar. It is prepared with a simple bowl of marinated olives (azeitonas) and brined lupini beans (tremoços). This salty, savoury snack is a perfect start to any meal and offers a delectable taste.

Indian Restaurants in Portugal

Craving the flavours from your home country? Numerous Indian restaurants in Portugal serve vegetarian Indian cuisine. 

• India Gate: Known for offering an excellent variety of Indian Lisbon food. Dishes like Butter Chicken, Lamb Tikka Masala, and various vegetarian options are frequently highlighted as standouts.
• Turmeric Restaurant: It is one of the best Indian restaurants in Porto, known for its delicious Pakistani and Indian grill, BBQ, curry, and naan dishes.
• Ola Nepal House: A perfect place to have authentic flavours of Nepali and Indian cuisine. They delight customers with their cuisine and warm hospitality.
• New Himalaia Restaurante: This restaurant is famous for offering a diverse variety of cuisine, including vegetarian Indian food in Portugal. Here, you can also try flavourful Portuguese meals.

A Final Toast to Portugal's Tastiest Traditions

We have mapped out Portugal's most delicious treasures. From the coasts of the Algarve to the kitchens of Lisbon, a world of unforgettable flavour awaits, with incredible options for both veggie lovers and meat connoisseurs.

As you plan your menu of must-try Portuguese dishes, there's one essential ingredient for a perfect trip that isn't on any restaurant's list: International travel insurance. Think of it as your passport to culinary freedom. It ensures that an unexpected event, whether it’s a minor tummy bug from a new spice or a major flight cancellation, doesn't spoil your trip. It protects your health and your investment, so you can focus on what matters: making delicious memories.

Now the only question is, what will be your first bite? Try these recommendations on your trip and drop a comment below with your absolute favourite!

>> Also Read: How do you follow a diet while travelling?

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