🇵🇹 Taste of Portugal: Must-Try Local Eats in Lisbon 🐟

Ok, Lisbon is not just cod, potatoes, and egg tarts (though let’s be honest – those pastéis de nata are heavenly! 😋). There are so many other delicious traditional meals and sweet treats that deserve your attention, and I’ve put together some local food recommendations to share with you here.

If you haven’t already, check out my other blogs about pre-travel tips & advice and full itinerary & expense breakdown to make the most of your time in Lisbon.

🍹 Drinks

Ginjinha: A traditional Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries. Often served in chocolate cups.
Port Wine: While port wine is more associated with Porto.
Vinho Verde: A crisp and refreshing white wine from northern Portugal.

🥭 Fruits

Pêra Rocha: A type of pear native to Portugal, prized for its crisp texture and sweet flavor.
Figs: Portugal produces delicious figs.
Oranges: Portugal is known for its sweet and juicy oranges.

🍲 Dishes

Bacalhau (Salted Cod): Portugal’s national dish. Prepared in various ways, such as Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with onions, potatoes, and eggs), Bacalhau com Natas (cod with cream), or Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (codfish casserole).
Pastel de Bacalhau: Also known as “salt cod fritters” or “salt cod croquettes”. Made with salted cod, potatoes, eggs, and parsley, they are deep-fried to perfection and best enjoyed piping hot.
Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines): A summertime favorite in Lisbon, especially during the popular Festas de Lisboa (Lisbon Festivals) in June. Enjoy them with a squeeze of lemon and a side of crusty bread.
Francesinha: A Portuguese sandwich originating from Porto, typically consists of layers of cured meats, steak, and sausage, covered with melted cheese and spicy tomato and beer sauce. Often served with french fries.
Piri Piri Chicken: Marinated in a spicy sauce made from Piri Piri peppers, also known as African Bird’s Eye chili peppers.
Prego no Pão: A Portuguese steak sandwich features thinly sliced beef marinated in garlic and spices, served on a crusty roll with mustard, sometimes topped with a fried egg.
Pão com Chouriço: Marinated beef steak or slices of chouriço sausages in a Portuguese roll, baked until golden brown.
Bifana: Thinly sliced pork marinated in garlic and spices, served in a bread roll.
Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco): Featuring a flavorful broth infused with fresh seafood like shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid, served over aromatic rice.
Caldo Verde: A comforting Portuguese soup made with potatoes, collard greens, and slices of chouriço (sausage).

🍰 Snacks & Desserts

Pastéis de Nata (Custard Tarts): Portugal’s iconic pastry, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Bolo de Arroz: Rice muffin flavored with lemon zest.
Queijo de Azeitão: A creamy and flavorful sheep’s milk cheese produced in the Azeitão region near Lisbon. Pair it with crusty bread, honey, or fruit for a delightful snack or appetizer.
Queijo e Presunto (Cheese and Ham): A platter of queijo (cheese) and presunto (cured ham), accompanied by crusty bread and olives, for a simple yet satisfying snack.
Arroz Doce: Portuguese rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest, served warm or chilled.
Pastéis de Bacalhau: Codfish cakes, made with salted cod, potatoes, onions, and parsley, and deep-fried until crispy and golden.

Enjoy every bite as you explore Lisbon – there’s no better way to understand a culture than through its food. 😊 Also keep in mind, some of the best food experiences come from those unexpected discoveries in hidden corners of the city. Until next time, enjoy your trip! 🇵🇹

📚 Related Posts

📍 Plan Your Own Lisbon Adventure!

I’ve created a detailed Notion travel planner template that includes everything you need to explore this charming city! Inside you’ll find:

✈️ Flight tracker
📝 Customizable packing lists
🏰 City must-see spots
🍽️ Local food & restaurant recommendations
💰 Expense tracker (with dirham conversion)
🗺️ Interactive Google Maps with all locations

Get Your Planner Here: 🚃 Lisbon, Portugal 5-Day Travel Itinerary Planner