7 Must-Try Portuguese Dishes to Savor on Your Next Trip

alana074
Apr 29
3 min read

Portugal’s culinary landscape is as rich and diverse as its history, offering a mix of fresh seafood, rustic meats, and indulgent pastries. Whether you’re wandering through the cobblestone streets of Lisbon, soaking in the sun in the Algarve, or exploring the charming towns of Porto, tasting the local food is an essential part of your journey.

Here are seven Portuguese dishes you simply must try during your next trip:

Caldo Verde

For a truly comforting Portuguese dish, caldo verde is a must. This traditional soup from the northern region is made with mashed potatoes, onions, garlic, kale, and spicy chouriço sausage. It’s a simple yet hearty meal that is often enjoyed with a side of cornbread. The warm, savory broth is perfect for a chilly evening and a quintessential part of Portuguese cuisine.

Polvo à Lagareiro

If you’re a fan of seafood, then polvo à lagareiro is a dish you can’t miss. This octopus dish is popular along Portugal's coastline, particularly in the Algarve. The octopus is roasted with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, often served with tender roasted potatoes. The result is an irresistible combination of flavors that showcases the freshness of the sea.

Piri-Piri Chicken

Known for its bold and spicy flavors, piri-piri chicken is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a bit of heat. This dish has its roots in Africa but became a Portuguese staple after sailors brought bird’s eye chilies to Portugal. The chicken is marinated in a fiery piri-piri sauce made from chilies, garlic, lemon, and vinegar, then grilled to perfection. Ask for it mild, medium, or extra spicy depending on your tolerance.

Bacalhau

No list of Portuguese dishes is complete without bacalhau—dried and salted cod. It’s said that there are over 1,000 different ways to prepare bacalhau, and every region in Portugal has its own specialty. One of the most popular ways to serve it is bacalhau à Brás, where the fish is shredded and mixed with eggs, potatoes, and onions to create a comforting fishcake.

Alheira

A fascinating historical dish, alheira sausage is a unique part of Portugal’s culinary tradition. During the Inquisition in the 1500s, many Jewish people in Portugal secretly avoided eating pork to appear as though they had converted to Christianity. bInstead, they created sausages made with meats like chicken, duck, or veal, which became known as alheira. Today, this savory sausage is enjoyed grilled, often served with a fried egg or alongside vegetables.

Pastel de Nata

No visit to Portugal is complete without sampling a pastel de nata, the famous Portuguese custard tart. This sweet pastry consists of flaky, buttery pastry filled with a creamy, egg-based custard that’s slightly caramelized on top. It’s a perfect treat to enjoy with a coffee while watching the world go by, and you’ll find these tarts in bakeries all over the country.

Porco Preto

For meat lovers, porco preto (black pork) is one of Portugal’s finest dishes. Made from a unique breed of pig that roams freely in the oak forests of Alentejo, this pork is known for its rich flavor and tenderness. The most common way to enjoy it is grilled, often served with sides like roasted potatoes or vegetables. If you're in Alentejo, the region renowned for its culinary offerings, this is a dish you won’t want to miss.

Portugal’s food is more than just fuel for the body—it’s a rich experience, tied to history, culture, and tradition. From the hearty caldo verde to the sweet indulgence of pastel de nata, each dish offers a taste of what makes this country so special. When planning your next trip to Portugal, be sure to indulge in these authentic flavors. Let the culinary adventure begin!