Portuguese cuisine never came up on my radar. I was definitely in love with French, Italian, and Spanish gastronomy, but I had no idea what I was missing until I visited Porto.
From small pastel de nata and coffee shops and hole in the wall eateries serving Francesinhas swimming in sauce, to high-end Michelin star restaurants like Vila Foz, there are so many incredible dishes to try.
And whether you plan on visiting Portugal or you just want to try Portuguese food at home, being able to experience their cuisine is something I highly recommend. This seafaring country is filled with so much comforting and hearty food and amazing dining experiences.
So either book your tickets and keep these Portuguese dishes to try on your list, or try a few of these recipes this week to see how you like the food. It might just make you want to visit and get the read deal!
What is Typical Portuguese Food?
Typical Portuguese food is heavy in seafood and pork. And while there are plenty of other meats and ingredients used, you’ll find a lot of dishes revolving around these two key ingredients.
So when you visit Portugal, you’ll find seafood based recipes like bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes), or bacalhau com natas (cod baked with fried potatoes, cream, and more). Or you’ll see tasty pork dishes like leitão assado (suckling pig) and bifana (juicy pork sandwiches).
And beyond these things, you’ll get try incredible beef dishes, cheeses, and tasty sausages like morcela.
The cuisine of Portugal shouldn’t be skipped if you’re heading to Europe, so definitely take note as you scroll for more specific dishes to try.
1. Pastéis de Nata (Custard Tarts)
Being Portugal’s most famous dessert, pastéis de nata is a creamy rich egg tart with perfect flaky dough that melts in your mouth. And it tastes incredible with a bit of cinnamon on top and paired with a cappuccino.
These pastries have been around for centuries and were originally created in the Jerónimos Monastery. But they didn’t become a commercial product until the monks sold the recipe due to financial issues in the 1830’s, and this led to the opening of Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém in 1837 (which is open to this day).
Where to Try Pastéis de Nata: Manteigaria
2. Francesinha
Translating out as “little frenchie,” this thick sandwich is soaked in a hot beer and tomato sauce, stuffed with sausage, cured ham, steak (or roast beef), and topped with a LOT of cheese (and an egg in some restaurants). Oh, and it’s paired with fries just to be healthy.
It’s one of the most famous dishes you’ll find in Porto and it’s definitely more than filling.
Some people recommend spots like Lado B or Café Santiago to try this heart attack sandwich. But if you wanna go a little bit more fancy, the francesinha from Cantinho do Avillez is incredible and has an amazing black truffle sauce.
3. Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela is a creamy Portuguese cheese made from sheep’s milk in the Portuguese mountains. This cheese pairs so well with some fresh bread and is one of my favorite things to eat when in Porto.
Also, the name “Queijo Serra da Estrela” is a recognized PDO (or Protected Designation of Origin) in the EU and UK. So if you like trying local specialty cheeses when you travel, then this is one that shouldn’t be skipped.
Where to Try Serra da Estrela: You can get it at a local shop, but I did enjoy it at Restaurante Maria Rita as apart of an appetizer.
4. Doce de Abóbora (Pumpkin Jam)
Preserves are very popular in Portugal, and that includes doce de abóbora. It’s a wonderfully sweet jam that goes well on a slice of hot bread, and I’d even suggest putting it in or on a pastry.
Also, if you try it, you might notice it being spiced with ingredients like cinnamon and lemon or orange peel.
5. Bifana
I’m not a big sandwich person, but I’d have this one in a heartbeat. It consists of juicy pork or steak that’s been pounded down or sliced, and then simmered with wine and garlic.
It’s a very popular and inexpensive meal that you can also get at festivals. And depending on the region, you might get it served with pork that’s been roasted or marinated, or buns that have had sauce drizzled on top.
Fun Fact: You can see it in a Portuguese McDonald’s under the name, “McBifana.”
6. Pudim Molotof
Being described as a “soufflé cake,” it has my attention. Also, it sounds very simple since it mainly consists of sweetened whipped up egg whites that are then baked and topped with a glossy caramel sauce made from sugar and water.
It’s believed that the name originated from the Malakoff Fortress in Crimea and the battles that were fought there, which makes this an interesting part of Portuguese cuisine and history.
The recipe pictured above is the keto version of pudim molotof. But if you want the traditional Portuguese recipe, then you can find it here.
7. Piri Piri Chicken
This Portuguese barbecue chicken is made with a super flavorful piri-piri sauce, and depending on the region, you’ll either find it served with rice or fries and a salad.
The sauce itself originated from the Portuguese when they brought hot peppers over form the Americas and created their own chili pepper called piri-piri.
In this sauce, you’ll find other ingredients like citrus, garlic, herbs, and spices. Also, it’ll be a spatchcock chicken and it looks like it’s been grilled to perfection.
8. Leitão Assado (Suckling Pig)
I loved leitāo assado when I was in Portugual, and I wish I had gotten it more.
Named as one of the 7 Wonders of Portuguese Gastronomy, it’s an incredibly flavorful and juicy roasted suckling pig.
The dish is from the Bairrada region of Portugal, and the recipe might have originated in the 1700s from a convent.
You can get it as is or stuffed into an incredible sandwich (like what I got above).
Where to Try Leitão Assado: O Forno do Leitāo do Zé in Porto is an incredible spot ot enjoy this speicalty!
9. Prego Steak Sandwich
Having been created in a simple tavern in Sintra by a man named Manuel Dias Prego, it’s a delicious sounding dish that you can get on bread or as is.
Originally, it was made with veal and a tasty bread from a nearby bakery, but now you can also enjoy it with rice, egg, french fries, and a salad (and sometimes there’s ham inside).
The photo above comes from The Cinnamon Jar’s recipe, Prego Steak Rolls. But if you wanna make sure you’re getting the perfectly authentic version, then you can try this prego sandwich recipe here.
10. Arroz Doce (Rice Pudding)
Made with egg yolks, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon peel, and vanilla, this Portuguese rice pudding is thick and holds together.
And traditionally, you’ll find it decorated with a pattern on top using cinnamon (you have to use your fingertips to do this).
It’s enjoyed during Christmas, but the Portuguese will have it year round which means you can find it on your next trip to Portugal.
If you’d like to make it at home, this authentic arroz doce recipe looks like a great place to start. But A Mummy Too’s recipe (pictured above) also looks incredible.👌
11. Sardinhas Assadas
Another dish coming from the 7 Wonders of Portuguese Gastronomy, these grilled sardines can be cooked over coals and put on top of a thick slice of bread that’ll absorb their fats. You can also get it served with peppers and potatoes.
And while I was in Portugal, I did see sardines being commonly sold, but I had no idea about all the different ways they were served (sardines weren’t something I ever ate). So when I go back, I look forward to trying this traditional dish!
12. Bacalhau à Brás
If you go to Portugal, you can’t escape without trying or at least hearing about Bacalhau (cod). You’ll see it in a lot of dishes, and Bacalhau à Brás is one of them. It’s a very common Portuguese recipe that consists of shredded cod, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and onion.
It was first made by Brás, a tavern keeper in Lisbon, and you’ll find it throughout the country, but it’s also become popular just across the border in Spain. So it might be something to check off when visiting!
13. Porco Preto (Iberian Black Pig)
Whether you enjoy it grilled, cured and on some bread, or in sausage form (enchidos), porco preto is definitely something to try when in Portgual.
These pigs are fed acorns which makes them extra flavorful and they’re ranged freely in oak forests.
Also, if you’re curious about trying it before heading over to Europe, Black Iberian Pigs are primarily used in Jamon Iberico which you can get in most places.
14. Arroz de Pato (Duck Rice)
Being a typical dish from the Alentejo region in the southern part of Portugal, this dish feels like something you can really enjoy during the colder months (or whenever you want).
The duck for this dish has been stewed in garlic, fresh herbs, and vegetables. Then it’s shredded and added in with Carolino rice which has been cooked with stock and other tasty ingredients. And finally it’s baked, topped with sausage, and ready to enjoy.
Also, if you’d like to have this recipe at home without buying a plane ticket, then here’s an arroz de pato recipe you can try.
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.
wonderful recipes! thanks for putting these together,
You’re most welcome Hilda!