9 Traditional Portuguese Foods to Try
Portugal is a fantasy place to every tourist, more so to food lovers. You will see sun-kissed coastal towns and cobblestone alleyways that will bring you to local kitchens that are full of flavors that can be traced back to centuries of culture and history. Selecting a good Portugal Holiday Packages does not only enable you to see the beautiful sights in this country, but also get acquainted with its soul, its cuisine.
Food plays a critical role in any cultural experience, and by booking one of our best Portugal Tour Packages, you can enjoy traditional cuisine that has been enjoyed by the local population since time immemorial. Whether you are on a food tour of Lisbon or a beach holiday in Porto, the finest Portugal Travel Packages will ensure that you do not miss out on these classic Portuguese cuisine.
Here are the 9 Traditional Portuguese Foods to Try
1. Bacalhau à Brás
Bacalhau a Bras is one of the most popular ways of codfish consumption in Portugal, a dish that consists of shredded salted cod, finely chopped onions, matchstick potatoes and an egg sauce that binds everything together. It is garnished with olives and parsley and provides an ideal combination of salty, crunchy and creamy dishes.
2. Caldo Verde
Caldo Verde is a typical green soup made mostly with potatoes, shredded kale, olive oil, and thinly cut spicy Portuguese sausage known as chourico. It is a prerequisite for Portuguese celebrations and holidays, especially in the north. This is a rustic home soup, warming and nourishing, it is a typical meal served with crusty bread and thus an excellent meal to have when you want a light meal that is still satisfying.
3. Francesinha
Francesinha, or as it translates to: Little Frenchie, is an adventurous and meaty sandwich that was created in Porto. It is piled high with ham, linguica, steak or roast meat, and then covered with melted cheese and bathed in a hot, slightly spicy beer sauce. It is usually accompanied by fries and occasionally fried egg over the top and is a satisfying and decadent dish that is ideal after a hard day of sightseeing the city.
4. Sardinhas Assadas
Sardinhas Assadas otherwise known as grilled sardines are a must during the Portuguese summer, most particularly the St. Anthony Festival in Lisbon. Fresh sardines are spiced plainly and grilled in the whole and are accompanied with boiled potato or salad. Open grills with sardines cooking and emitting the smoky smell of the sea are a common sight in the streets during the festivals, and this is what makes the coastal part of Portugal so authentic. It is a recipe that embodies simplicity and richness of seafood food.
5. Arroz de Marisco
Arroz de Marisco is a delicious seafood rice dish that has the same idea as Spanish paella except with a creamier consistency. It is a prawn, clam, mussel and occasionally crab dish cooked with rice in a rich tomato, onion and herb sauce. The tastes are clean, assertive, and soothing, and it is among the most popular seafood dishes in Portugal. Seafood lovers must give a try to this when visiting the country.
6. Polvo à Lagareiro
Polvo a Lagareiro is one of the most popular Portuguese octopus recipes that are simple and full of flavor. The octopus is boiled until tender, then roasted in the oven with olive oil, garlic, and potatoes. The outcome is a crunchy and tender, plate with a lot of Mediterranean flavor. It is a typically Portuguese dish that is usually served on holidays or special occasions when families gather and is an example of the Portuguese love of seafood and good olive oil.
7. Alheira de Mirandela
Alheira de Mirandela is a tasty smoked sausage with a special place in the history of Portuguese cuisine. It was originally invented by the Jewish communities, to escape persecution and is composed of poultry, bread, garlic, and spices. It is usually fried golden and served with fried potatoes or an egg. It is a story-telling cuisine that is delicious and garlicky, with a pleasant texture, and is popular in northern Portugal.
8. Pastéis de Nata
Pastel de Nata is a delicious custard tart with a flaky, caramelized crust. These tarts are best served warm and dusted with cinnamon, and are popular in bakeries around the country. Their fluffy inside and crunchy exterior make the best dessert bite. They were created in a monastery in Lisbon, and now they are one of the most recognized and popular Portuguese sweets all over the world.
9. Piri-Piri Chicken
A Portuguese barbecue favorite is known as Piri-Piri Chicken or Frango Assado. The chicken is marinated in a fiery chili, garlic, lemon, and olive oil mixture before flame grilling till crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It is accompanied by fries, salad, or rice and has a spicy kick that would please the lovers of strong flavors. This is a Portuguese dish that features the affinity of the people towards spice and grilled food.
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Conclusion
Experiencing a culture is one of the most rewarding experiences, and experiencing traditional cuisine is one of the greatest. Portugal’s cuisine appeals to everyone, whether you’re looking for marine specialties, warm comfort meals, or irresistible desserts. When your taste buds are in need of an adventure, then it is high time that you Book Portugal Packages and have access to the most authentic and the most delicious food experiences.
Go Kite travel will take you to the most attractive places in Portugal where you will have a chance to visit not only sightseeing tours and historical monuments, but also gastronomic adventures. We will guide you to find out those flavors that make Portugal so special and tasty.
