Flavours Of Portugal You Must Try

Usha Nalliah
Aug 10
3 min read

From Bacalhau to Piri-Piri to

Pastel De Nata

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." - Virginia Woolf.

From hearty stews to fresh seafood, from regional specialties to comforting desserts, Portuguese food reflects a rich culinary heritage deeply tied to Portugal’s culture and history. The most distinctive feature of Portuguese cuisine comes from the sea.

We didn't get to try all of the dishes but we had a few famous Portuguese dishes. There is no sincerer love than the love of food.There isn't a single, well-known quote specifically about "love" and Portuguese food.

Pastel De Nata:

When I had my first bite into a warm yellow custard tart, I was sold.

Portuguese cuisine is known for its love of sweet desserts, often featuring egg yolks, sugar, and almonds. The Pastel de Nata, a custard tart dusted with cinnamon, is a must-try, especially at Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon.

Sardines:

My love for grilled seafood knows no bounds, and these grilled Portuguese

sardines make the top of the list. These mild sardines are grilled until charred and topped with an spicy acidic green onion sauce.

Sardines have become a symbol of Portuguese identity, representing simplicity, authenticity, and the country's coastal heritage.The grilled sardines will be served with rather plain boiled potatoes, a simple salad, a grilled green and red pepper salad, and bread.

Portugal has a long and renowned tradition of canning sardines, with many factories using artisanal methods. Canned sardines are not just a simple snack; they are considered a gourmet treat and are even featured in restaurants like Can The Can in Lisbon.

If we had to pick just one symbol to represent Portugal, it would probably be the sardine. It’s a way of life in Portugal to grill sardines over charcoal, especially in the summer.

Sardine exports boomed in the 19th and early 20th centuries when canning factories were established along the coast. In a short time, fishing techniques and boats evolved and, along with Portugal’s great location, made the country famous for their sardines.

Bacalhau:

To say the Portuguese are all about the cod is an understatement. There is cod — bacalhau — on every menu, everywhere. Bacalhau isn't like anything you've ever tried. Its flavour isn't salty as you would expect, but in fact mild, yet still fishy, with a hint of sweetness to it.

Bolinhos de Bacalhau:

Portuguese Cod Fish Fritters (Bolinhos de Bacalhau) Bolinhos de Bacalhau is a traditional Portuguese recipe that is loved by many for its crispy exterior and :, flaky interior. Made with salt cod, potatoes, onions, and parsley, these cod fish fritters are a popular appetizer or snack in Portugal

Polvo à Lagareiro:

A dish featuring tender octopus, roasted with olive oil, garlic, and potatoes, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavours.

Cataplana:

A popular Portuguese mixed seafood platter is called Cataplana. It's a dish traditionally cooked in a special copper pot also called a cataplana. The cataplana is a unique Portuguese cooking vessel that resembles a clam shell and seals tightly to steam the seafood.

Mixed Sea Food Platter:

In Nazaré, Portugal, a popular shrimp dish is Gambas ao Alho, also known as Portuguese Garlic Shrimp. This dish features shrimp sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and a touch of spice, often served with rice or potatoes.

Piri Piri Chicken:

Grilled chicken marinated in a spicy chili sauce, offering a fiery and flavourful experience.

Bifana:

A simple yet satisfying sandwich featuring thinly sliced pork marinated in a flavourful sauce, often enjoyed as a quick and tasty snack.

Ginjinha:

Everywhere you go in Portugal, you’ll find a certain iconic local liqueur. Your trip isn’t complete until you’ve tried it—but what is ginjinha, and why is it so special?

Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur made by infusing sour cherries (Morello cherries) in Aguardente which is a Portuguese Brandy.

We had this cherry liqueur for the first time when we were in Lisbon. Ginjinha is served in a small glass with a cherry inside and is a typical drink in Lisbon.

Ginjinha in Óbidos is a unique experience where a traditional Portuguese cherry liqueur, Ginja, is served in a small, edible dark chocolate cup. The sweet liqueur, made from Morello cherries and brandy, is enjoyed with the chocolate cup as a final treat. This combination of flavours and the novelty of the edible cup make it a popular and memorable experience in Óbidos.

While not directly about food, the Portuguese concept of "saudade" (a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing) is often linked to memories of food and special meals, further emphasizing the emotional connection to Portuguese cuisine.