Portuguese food doesn’t enjoy the international reputation that, say, Italian, French, or Chinese food does. However, this coastal country has plenty to offer when it comes to delicious things to eat. After all, wherever you go, food is an important part of the culture, so eating your way through what Lisbon has to offer is a great way to get in touch with the unique culture and history of the Portuguese nation.
Drop off your unneeded bags at a Lisbon luggage storage and try some of these local favorites. There’s probably no better place in the world to get acquainted with Portuguese food than the many bars and restaurants of Lisbon, and sampling these local delicacies will show you just how rich and varied Portuguese food can be.
https://unsplash.com/photos/FyvkGu6WcmA
Pastel de Nata
If you know anything at all about Lisbon, you probably won’t be surprised to see this at the top of our list. Pastel de nata, also known as Portuguese custard tart, is a traditional pastry that is a must-try when visiting Lisbon. These small tarts are made with a flaky pastry crust and filled with a creamy custard made from egg yolks, sugar, and cream. They are typically dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar and are often served warm. They can be found at most pastry shops and cafes throughout the city, but some of the best can be found at the historic Pasteis de Belem bakery, which has been making them since 1837.
Bacalhau
Bacalhau, or salt cod, is another traditional Portuguese dish that is a staple in Lisbon. It is made by salting and drying cod fish, then rehydrating it before cooking. The cod is often served in a variety of ways, such as in stews, fried with potatoes, or in a dish called bacalhau a bras, where it is shredded and mixed with onions, peppers, and eggs. The dish is often served with boiled potatoes and olives.
Caldo Verde
Caldo verde is a traditional Portuguese soup made with kale, potatoes, and onions. It is often flavored with garlic and a spicy sausage called chouriço. The soup is typically served with a slice of bread and is a comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter evening. As many of the traditional dishes of Lisbon are centered around meat and fish, try removing the sausage for a tasty vegetarian meal.
https://unsplash.com/photos/N8-bMqUMS8g
Sardinhas Assadas
Sardinhas assadas, or grilled sardines, is a popular dish in Lisbon that is often served as an appetizer or a main course. The sardines are typically marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before being grilled over hot coals. They are often served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt. Some of the best sardines can be found at the outdoor food markets and street vendors throughout the city.
Cozido
Cozido is a traditional stew made with a variety of meats, such as pork, beef, and chicken, as well as vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and beans. The stew is cooked in a clay pot and is typically served with a side of bread. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect on the rare occasion when it’s cold in Lisbon.
https://unsplash.com/photos/8YhMxwhuyQM
Polvo à Lagareiro
Polvo à lagareiro, or octopus in olive oil, is a traditional Portuguese dish that is a must-try when visiting Lisbon. The octopus is first boiled, then grilled and served with potatoes that have been cooked in olive oil, garlic, and parsley. Add a dash of paprika and a squeeze of lemon, and you have yourself one tasty meal.
Francesinha
Francesinha is a sandwich that originated in the city of Porto, but it can also be found in Lisbon. The sandwich is made with bread, ham, linguiça, steak, or roast meat and covered with melted cheese and a special beer-based sauce. Grab one from a street vendor or fast-food outlet, and get fries and a side of tomato and beer with it. You’ll be glad you did!
Cataplana
Taking its name from the clam-shaped pot it’s cooked in, Cataplana is a traditional seafood stew made with a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, clams, and fish, as well as vegetables like onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Aside from the flavor of the seafood, the spices added come through, and you’ll also taste bay leaves, paprika, and saffron. Use some of the bread you usually get on the table to sop up every last drop of this flavorful dish, and you’ll definitely leave the restaurant feeling full. Some of the best cataplana in the country can be found at seafood restaurants in Lisbon, particularly those near the coast.
https://unsplash.com/photos/MEW5M1WhMQE
Arroz de Marisco
Seafood rice, which is called arroz de marisco locally, is another dish your should absolutely sample when you’re in town. It’s made with whatever seafood is fresh, in season, or on hand, like shrimp, clams, and squid, as well as saffron and tomato. It is often served with a side of bread and is a great way to try a variety of different seafood in one dish. Think of this one as very similar to Spanish paella, although don’t tell the locals we said that!
Ginjinha
The first drink on our list, Ginjinha, is a liqueur made from sour cherries. It is typically served in a shot glass, and you drink it as an after-dinner digestif. Ginjinha can be found at many bars and liquor stores throughout the city, but some of the best can be found at the Ginjinha Sem Rival shop, which has been making the liqueur for over a century.
https://unsplash.com/photos/kK56i9fBi6g
Caracóis
For an appetizer or snack that you’ll likely either love or hate, give caracóis, or snails, a try. The snails are typically boiled in a flavorful broth, and you eat them by picking up the shell and sucking all the goodness out. If this feels a little too much for you, restaurants will usually give you toothpicks as an alternative to get the snail out.
Sopa da Pedra
Sopa da pedra, or stone soup, may not sound very appetizing, but it’s a common lunch or appetizer on a colder day. This food might have the most interesting backstory of the ones on our list. The story goes that whenever hungry travelers arrived in a new town and started begging for food, they didn’t get anywhere. So, they would start a pot of soup filled with inedible items like stones or wood. Then, as people became aware of the seemingly tasty concoction, they would contribute what little they had in the form of meat and vegetables for a chance at a share of the end product.
Nowadays, common sopa de pedra ingredients include a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and onions, as well as a variety of meats, such as pork, beef, and chicken.
Conclusion
As you can see from this list, Portuguese cuisine has plenty of surprising items you may have never had the chance to try before. As you’d expect from a seafaring nation, fish features heavily on menus in Lisbon, but it’s not the only thing you’ll get to try in Lisbon restaurants. Track down some of these items to have a memorable food trip to Lisbon.
