Portuguese Food: 25 Popular Dishes + 4 Secret Recipe Tips
Diana Barkley
(Senior Editor)
From flaky egg tarts to mouthwatering seafood platters, traditional Portuguese food is the reason many travelers fell in love with this country. These hearty dishes combine Atlantic and Mediterranean influences to create a unique taste you won’t find anywhere else. Find here the most popular dishes.
Portuguese cuisine is full of hidden gems waiting for you to indulge. In this article, we’ll take you on a trip to Lisbon and explore all the popular dishes. We’ll also let you in on secret recipe tips for an authentic taste. Let’s dive into the details right away.
Traditional Portuguese Cuisine: More Than Pastel de Nata and Bifanas
Traditional Portuguese Cuisine: More Than Pastel de Nata and Bifanas
Whenever someone mentions Portuguese cuisine, everybody thinks of the famous pastel de nata and street bifanas. But there’s much more to the cuisine than just these two dishes. Let me take you on a trip to the magical land of Portugal and uncover the mysterious food scene in the country.
The Most Popular Street Foods in Portugal
The Most Popular Street Foods in Portugal
Walking down the streets of Portugal, the smell will make your mouth water. The street food scene in the country is unlike any other. You won’t find many trucks and vendors on the street. Instead, you have to dig a little deeper, as many hidden gems are located inside coffee shops, markets, and malls.
Pastel de Nata
Pastel de Nata
The most popular street food in the country is none other than the unique pastel de nata. These custard tarts are super delicious, and we can’t get enough of them, but you don’t want to fill up on them. There are tons of other options you need to try that are just as good.
Sardinhas Assadas
Sardinhas Assadas
Portugal is heaven for any seafood lover, and the street food is full of amazing options. But these grilled sardines are out of this world, and the best part is that they are always fresh, especially in the summertime.
In fact, the streets of Lisbon tend to be packed with the delectable aroma of grilled sardines in June. On the 12th and 13th of June, the capital city organizes the biggest sardine festival, which marks the beginning of the season of Festas de Sardinha.
Cachorro Quente
Cachorro Quente
Not big on seafood? You can find cachorro quente vendors all around the country. This sandwich might look familiar, as it’s an upgraded version of the good old American hot dog.
With extra lettuce, corn, potato sticks, and mayo, this will forever change your perspective on hot dogs. You’re probably thinking that with all these toppings, it’ll be a messy meal, but that’s not the case.
The cachorro quente comes in a large bun to fit all the extra ingredients, making it the perfect on-the-go meal for locals and tourists alike.
Bifanas
Bifanas
We can’t talk about Portuguese street food without mentioning the classic bifana sandwiches that you can find at most vendors. The original recipe is made with two simple ingredients: Fresh bread roll and pork steak.
You won’t need any add-ons, as the steak is simmered with garlic and signature spices, so every bite is a burst of flavors. Still, a sautéed onion topping can spice up the flavor more. Pair that with an ice-cold drink, and your taste buds will thank you.
Castanhas Assadas
Castanhas Assadas
While you explore the breathtaking streets of Portugal, don’t forget to grab a bucket of chestnuts to snack on. They sell these salty snacks around November, and they’re always hot and fresh. They’ll surely warm up your tummy in the cold weather.
Portuguese Food in the World
Portuguese Food in the World
Are you familiar with Nando’s Piri-Piri chicken? Well, we bet you didn’t know it’s an authentic Portuguese recipe. Although they don’t call it Peri-Peri or Piri-Piri in Portugal, they do it the same way, with cooked open chicken in a butterfly shape. The Portuguese call this dish "frango de churrasco.”
The only difference between the two recipes is that in Portugal, they add the spicy sauce at the end, making it optional.
So, they don’t marinate the chicken beforehand, which is, in our opinion, a better option. After all, everyone has their own preference when it comes to the spice level of their food.
Further, you might’ve heard the word “tempura” in Japanese cuisine, which refers to seafood or sushi lightly battered and deep-fried. Spoiler alert: This cooking method originates from the seafood kingdom of Portugal.
It all started when the Portuguese made it to Nagasaki in 1543 and introduced them to the tempura. At that time, it was a revolutionary experience, and the Japanese people loved it so much to the point that it’s now a staple in the cuisine.
Honestly, the Japanese took it to the next level—but Portugal is still where it all started.
How Healthy Portuguese Food Is
How Healthy Portuguese Food Is
The answer to this question can be a little complicated. The thing is, many of the ingredients in Portuguese cuisine are healthy, from seafood to vegetables and grains.
But the problem is that some of these healthy ingredients end up fried rather than baked. Still, most of the street food is healthier when compared to other options in different countries.
It’s also worth mentioning that Portuguese people love olive oil, and they use it in many dishes. Olive oil is a healthier option, and it’s full of benefits. Generally, if you want to keep it 100 percent healthy, you’ll find a lot of options around the country.
Famous and Popular Portuguese Dishes You Have to Try
Famous and Popular Portuguese Dishes You Have to Try
Portuguese restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes and sides that satisfy every taste—even the picky ones. We’ve included different types of meals that you must try while you’re visiting Portugal.
You can even make them on your own, and to get that authentic taste, we’ve added some secret tips to help you out.
Soups and Salads
Soups and Salads
Let’s kick things off with some must-try soups and salads to warm up for the main course.
Caldo Verde Soup
Caldo Verde Soup
Finding a healthy soup that tastes delicious can be hard, but the caldo verde checks all the boxes. Caldo verde means green broth in Portuguese, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. The soup contains thin slices of green kale mixed with mashed potatoes and garlicky chorizo sausage.
Of course, Portuguese restaurants have different takes and variations of this soup. Some of them use their signature spices, while others prepare the soup differently, but in all cases, the result is a tasty, guilt-free broth.
You don’t want to miss out on this one, especially if you’re having a heavy main course and want to balance your meal with some greens.
Sopa de Pedra
Sopa de Pedra
Sopa de pedra is one of Portugal’s most popular soups for two reasons: It’s super easy to make and incredibly delicious. Fun fact: Sopa de pedra means the soup of the poor. But don’t let that name fool you, as you can find this soup at the classiest restaurants in the country.
The soup is mainly made with beans, cured meat, and potatoes. Combine that with some cornbread dipped in olive oil, and you’ve got yourself a full meal that’ll keep you warm all day. This is the go-to option for the locals when they want a quick meal during wintertime.
Salada de Polvo
Salada de Polvo
Octopus might be an acquired taste. Yet, one of the best ways to get acquainted with this tasty seafood is through a traditional Portuguese octopus salad. This salad is spicy, tangy, and sweet. What more could you want in a dish?
Many beginners are apprehensive about making seafood dishes, particularly octopus. However, with some of our helpful tips, you can whip up this salad in a few minutes. First, make sure that you don’t overcook the octopus, as this might result in a chewy texture.
Instead, you should scare the octopus before cooking. This professional technique involves dipping the well-cleaned octopus into boiling water. Then, transfer it immediately to an ice bath, and the result will be tenderized meat. As for the ingredients of the seafood platter, the sky’s your limit.
We generally love adding carrots, lime juice, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, peppercorns, and cilantro. All in all, octopus tends to have a unique taste that compliments any salad.
Caldeirada
Caldeirada
If you have some leftover seafood, make sure to seize the opportunity and prepare this mouthwatering Portuguese fish stew. This recipe uses whatever fish you have on hand. It’s best to use firm fish that won’t crumble in the stew, such as sea bass, halibut, shrimp, and salmon, though.
The key to this tasty caldeirada is thickening the body of the soup with extra potatoes. Then, ladle in a pinch of saffron for a hearty taste and an irresistible color.
The best part about this dish is that it only takes minutes to prepare, which includes sautéing the onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Once you add the fish stock and the seafood, you can let the stew do its thing.
And you’ll have a hearty dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Sopa de Cacao
Sopa de Cacao
A delicacy you’ll only find in Portugal, sopa de cacao is a broth made of seafood, particularly dogfish shark. It’s infused with many herbs and spices, such as coriander, pepper, and garlic, for a taste that’ll have you grabbing unlimited servings.
If you’re not a fan of light soups, you can also thicken this dish by adding potatoes or flour.
As with most Portuguese platters, sopa de cacao is effortless. The dish gets all its flavor from the dogfish steak. Accordingly, marinating the fish in water, vinegar, bay leaves, and the herbs we’ve mentioned is an indispensable step.
From there, the preparation takes minutes. Just sear the steak in a saucepan along with garlic and thyme. Then, add fish stock or the marinade water and let them simmer for around 20 minutes. Finally, serve while hot and enjoy this delicious dish.
Starters, Sandwiches, and Sides
Starters, Sandwiches, and Sides
Are you looking for a delicious starter or side to round up your meal? Here’s a list of our favorite Portuguese starters, sandwiches, and sides.
Bacalhau
Bacalhau
Bolinhos de Bacalhau is Portugal’s national dish, and you can find it on any menu, from small cafeterias to fancy restaurants.
For that reason, there are tons of variations out there, with different ways to prepare and serve it. Most of the variations are simple, yet astoundingly flavorful. So, what exactly is this Bacalhau?
Well, Bacalhau is a dried and salted codfish dish. You can find this national dish fried, baked, and even boiled. One of our favorite variations has to be the Bacalhau a Gomes de Sa.
They make it with milk, potatoes, eggs, onions, garlic, and lots of olive oil. Then, it goes into the oven, et voilà.
Peixinhos da Horta
Peixinhos da Horta
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a delicious appetizer, peixinhos da horta is a must-try. The Portuguese prepare it by chopping small pieces of garden veggies. Then, they bake the veggies and fry them, making it a vegetarian-friendly option you don’t want to miss.
Traditionally, they use green beans for this recipe, but other garden goodies, like carrots, pepper, and squash, are good options. The best part is that this recipe is surprisingly easy to make.
Arroz de Pato
Arroz de Pato
Arroz de pato, or duck rice, is the most iconic and emblematic side dish in the country. Originating from Braga, it combines many symbolic elements of Portuguese culture, including white wine, rice, and the famous bay leaf.
Unlike any duck rice you’ve tried, this one has smoked pork meat that elevates the taste of the rice. They also garnish the dish with some meat on top. It might not be the quickest duck rice variation you’ll make, but it’s definitely worth the try.
Although the recipe is pretty straightforward, it tends to be time-consuming. Preparing this dish can take up to two hours, as you’ll need to brown the dock and slow-cook it. The result is a flavorful broth that you’ll use to cook the rice.
Queijo
Queijo
Cheese pairs well with almost any dish you can think of, and Portuguese cheeses took us by surprise. In many markets and restaurants, you’ll find cylindrical torta cheeses served with a spoon, so you can eat the cheesy goodness right away.
What’s unique about this cheese is that it tends to be silky smooth with a distinctive fragrance. When it comes to the taste, it tends to be a little tangy and sour. So, it pairs well with many meals and drinks.
Accordingly, you can serve queijo cheese as it is, whether you’re making it the star of the show or a part of a charcuterie board. Alternatively, this rich cheese makes for an excellent dip.
If you want to add a cheesy twist to any recipe, simply grate some queijo on top for a one-of-a-kind Portuguese taste.
Prego no Pao
Prego no Pao
You can’t visit Portugal without trying the one and only prego de pao. This addicting sandwich is served at every street corner, pub, restaurant, and home.
Luckily, the locals were generous enough to let us in on the secret behind the recipe, and it’s pretty straightforward. So, you can enjoy this tasty meal even if it’s your first time stepping food in the kitchen.
Prego no pao is a steak sandwich, no more or less. There are no fancy toppings or sandwich spreads. The key is to get the perfect tenderloin steak.
Then, prepare it so that it’s tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Further, using fresh white bread for this sandwich is essential to get that authentic Portuguese taste you desire.
Main Dishes
Main Dishes
If you’re looking for a way to break free from boring dinner staples, or you want to impress your guests with an array of flavors, look no further than Portuguese main dishes.
Not only are these meals flavorful, but they’re rather easy to make, despite their complex flavor profile. That said, here are our top picks for Portuguese dishes.
The Francesinha
The Francesinha
Here comes the star of the show and one of Porto’s most iconic plates, the francesinha, or as we like to call it, the meat cake. We bet you won’t be able to leave room for dessert with this one.
Here’s why: It consists of two thick slices of bread, sandwiching a tower of meat. The meat is usually a combination of steak, sausage, ham, and minced beef.
That’s not all. They cover this hearty dish with melted cheese and a spicy tomato sauce. Then, for the cherry on top, they put a gooey fried egg to compliment the dish. This dish is more than just a meal.
You might want to attempt it with a friend, especially since it comes with a side of potatoes. That’s a “Man v. Food” challenge right there.
Alheira de Mirandela
Alheira
If you love sausage, this one’s for you. Alheira de Mirandela is a Portuguese take on the original sausage, but it doesn’t contain any pork.
To make this mouthwatering recipe, you need to combine bread with tiny pieces of meat. Traditionally, the Portugues smoke this sausage using oak wood and olive oil, which gives it a one-of-a-kind aroma and color.
Pro tip: To make an authentic dish of alheira de Mirandela, you need the meat percentage to be at least 60 percent. The bread should be around 15 to 25 percent, while it’s best to keep the olive oil between 4 and 8 percent.
Cataplana de Marisco
Cataplana de Marisco
Cataplana has two meanings in Portuguese: A clam-shaped copper frying pan or a dish made in this metal vessel, and the Cataplana de marisco is one of those dishes.
This seafood main course is made by sautéing onions, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Then, we add a variety of fresh seafood, including shrimp, squid, clams, and mussels.
Most restaurants in the country let the ingredients simmer in a delicious broth made with white wine and spices.
With low to medium heat, all the flavors come together and create a unique, fragrant seafood stew. Combine that with a side of white rice or bread, and you’ve got yourself a full meal.
Polvo a Lagareiro
Polvo a Lagareiro
If you haven’t tried octopus before, this is the perfect chance to do so since this dish serves it fresh and tasty. Polvo a lagareiro has two main ingredients: Octopus and olive oil. As simple as it may sound, this dish will take you by surprise.
The plate comes with the tentacled cephalopod sitting on top of roasted potatoes and covered with the unique Portuguese olive oil.
With some bay leaves, onion, garlic, and a sprinkle of spices, you’ll enjoy every bite of this heavenly, chewy meal. Typically, this dish is popular on Christmas Eve, so don’t miss out on this one if you’re in Portugal around that time.
Cozido a Portuguesa
Cozido a Portuguesa
The Cozido a Portuguesa isn’t just a main dish; it’s a mini feast that’s not for dainty diners. This dish contains a lot of complex ingredients, including slow-cooked ribs, Portuguese sausage, pork belly, ears, and chourico.
All that covers a bed of rice, potatoes, and cabbage. So, you might need a hand to finish this one.
There are numerous variations of this dish in the country. But the one that got our attention is the one in São Miguel Island of Azores. In this variation, they cook the meat underground using the heat coming from the volcanic phenomena.
Gambas Al Ajilo
Gambas Al Ajilo
For all prawn lovers out there, this hearty dish will make its way to your all-time favorites. The Gambas a L’Anjilo is nothing but a showstopper.
It might seem like a simple dish, but the secret is the quality of the ingredients. With fresh prawns, tasty garlic, and Portugal’s signature olive oil, you’ll be devouring this dish in a matter of minutes.
The best part is that you can make it at home, and it’ll taste just as good. However, to get the best result, you want to pick fresh prawns, not frozen ones.
We highly recommend being generous with the olive oil in this recipe. After finishing your prawns, you’ll enjoy sopping up your bread with the shrimpy olive oil.
Ameijoas à Bulhao Pato
Ameijoas à Bulhao Pato
For locals and fans of Portuguese literature, Bulhao Pato is the last name of a famous poet. Yet, for foodies, it’s a tasty dish of garlic clams. Weird coincidence? Well, it’s not. Pato’s poems inspired a lot of people, including the chef who came out with this recipe, so he named it after him.
With a dish as tasty as this one, he must’ve been a great inspiration. The Ameijoas a Bulhao Pato is simple, yet full of flavors.
It’s made with fresh steamed clams, olive oil, garlic dressing, lemon, coriander, and white wine (optional). This combination is a treat for your taste buds, and once you start munching on these clams, you won’t be able to stop.
Porco Preto
Porco Preto
Porco Preto, or black pigs, live a happy life munching on acorns and roaming around the captivating countryside.
As a result, Porco Preto meat tastes out of this world, with an intense flavor and nutty hints. This meat basically melts in your mouth, making it some of the best pork we had on our trip.
You can find this marvelous meat everywhere you go, from markets and grocery stores to restaurants that cook it in many ways. Whenever in doubt at a Portuguese restaurant, go for the Porco Preto. It never disappoints. Nonetheless, finding this meat in the U.S. can be a little hard.
Bread, Pastries, and Desserts
Bread, Pastries, and Desserts
When it comes to bakeries and desserts, Portugal will take you by surprise. Thanks to them, we get to enjoy the one-of-a-kind pastel de nata, but there’s more to Portuguese bakeries than that. Here are some must-try recipes you need to check out.
Bolo Rei
Bolo Rei
Bolo rei, or king’s cake, is one of the most iconic dishes you’ll come across in Portugal. It’s popular during the holiday season, but this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find it at other times of the year, though. You’ll just need to dig a little deeper.
This delectable Portuguese dessert is filled with a variety of nuts and candied fruit. They always top it off with a dust of powdered sugar, and it looks irresistible. So, step up your game and crown your Christmas dinner with the king’s cake.
Farturas
Farturas
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll enjoy every bite of this delicious variation of Churros. Just like good old Churros, the farturas are made with flour, yeast, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. The difference between these two pastries is that farturas are larger and softer.
So, you won’t get the same crunch that many people enjoy in Churros. For us, we prefer the softer version. It tastes like a cinnamon donut with a little crunch, which is super delicious.
We highly recommend eating farturas while it’s still hot. It doesn’t taste as good when it’s cold.
Travesseiros
Travesseiros
This is hands down our favorite baked product from Portugal. It combines puff pastry with a rich cream that contains almonds and egg yolks. These sweet treats are airy and soft. In fact, travesseiros translates to pillows or cushions, so you get the idea.
The travesseiros is the signature dessert of Sintra. You can find them at the Piriquita, the bakery that invented them in the 1940s. You can also find them in different bakeries around the country or make them yourself.
Arroz Doce
Arroz Doce
Even if you’re not a fan of Portuguese food, arroz doce is a unique delicacy that you must try at least once. Arroz doce, or Portuguese rice pudding, is a sweet treat that can be eaten for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert.
You can have it warm or cold, and there are tons of add-ons that can take it to the next level. That includes ice cream, chocolate, fruit, and grains. No matter your taste, you’ll fall in love with the arroz doce.
Making this Portuguese rice pudding is easier than you think. The ingredients are in the name. All you have to do is cook the rice in equal parts milk and add lemon zest along with sugar to taste.
After that, let the mixture simmer, adding more milk as it thickens. In true Portuguese fashion, adding egg yolks to your recipe makes for a richer, creamier dish, and that’s how we like it.
Beverages
Beverages
Wine is the traditional Portuguese drink, and for that reason, you’ll find an abundance of brands there. But the star that rises among the beverage culture in Portugal is surely the port wine.
Vinho do Porto is a fortified wine produced in northern Portugal. It’s typically a sweet red wine, and they love to pair it with desserts.
If they’re not drinking wine with their meal, they’re definitely indulging in the popular soda brand, Sumol. It comes in a wide variety of flavors, including orange, pineapple, and lemon.
Luckily, this brand is available in the U.S. So, grab a couple of these cans and serve them cold with your Portuguese dishes to get the full experience.
Secret Recipe Tips
Secret Recipe Tips
Want to nail that authentic Portuguese taste? Here are some secret recipe tips that’ll help you impress your guests.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Use Fresh Ingredients
Portuguese food is incredibly delicious due to the unique spices and ingredient pairing. That said, if you want to elevate your dish, using fresh ingredients is the way to go.
Fresh ingredients will enhance any dish, making it taste like you’ve spent hours preparing it. That’s the secret of the tasty Portuguese cuisine. It relies on seafood and vegetables, which taste exceptional when fresh.
Taste As You Go
Taste As You Go
When it comes to Portuguese cuisine, you should always season to your heart’s desire. As with most ethnic foods, the ratio of ingredients is a mere suggestion.
After all, each person has their own individual palate and unique preferences. So, it’s best to add your favorite spices and herbs as you cook, even if the ingredient list doesn’t call for them. Still, make sure your seasonings complement the main dish.
Pair With the Right Wine
Pair With the Right Wine
Wine is a crucial element of the Portuguese dinner table. However, not all wines are equal. Choosing the right beverage is crucial to the meal, as it brings out distinct flavor notes in your dishes.
Since Portuguese meals are hearty and seafood-based, we recommend fragrant white wines or zesty red wines with hints of lemon.
Share Your Dinner Table
Share Your Dinner Table
Portuguese food is made to be shared. You simply can’t make a small batch of Polvo a L’Agareiro or eat leftover Caldeirada. The recipes call for large quantities.
Accordingly, inviting your friends and family over for a Portuguese batch will ensure all this mouthwatering food doesn’t go to waste.
Portuguese Food Popular Ingredients
Portuguese Food Popular Ingredients
If you want to prepare various Portuguese dishes, you might want to stock up on the following items:
Olive oil
Olive oil
Olive oil is widely used in Portuguese cuisine. You’ll rarely find a recipe that doesn’t call for this staple ingredient. In fact, due to the wide popularity of olive oil, Portugal has its own classification of the oil based on its acidity.
Certain grades are meant for cooking, while others are for dressing and garnishes. The best part is that you can find a wide variety of Portuguese olive oil in the U.S. market.
Beans
Beans
Portuguese cuisine is unimaginable without legumes, particularly beans. This ingredient is the base for many Portuguese stews and dishes. It’s also a main dish, a side, and a breakfast. You can deep-fry them, use them in salads, or add them to meat dishes. The possibilities are endless with beans.
Bacalhau
Bacalhau
There’s a saying in Portugal that there are 1001 ways to serve bacalhau, and each one will taste different. We couldn’t agree more. Dry and salted cod is the main ingredient in many traditional dishes.
In fact, it’s part of the country’s identity. More importantly, with a pack of cod, you can make tons of Portuguese recipes.
Herbs and Spices in Portugal
Herbs and Spices in Portugal
Portugal has its signature herbs and spices. Here are some of them:
- Bay leaves: You can find louro, or bay leaf, in almost any Portuguese savory dish and side. We can’t blame them for that, as bay leaves can add extra layers of flavor to any recipe. Not only that, but it also prevents gastric discomfort and increases appetite, so its benefits go beyond flavor.
- Rosemary: The Portuguese love their vegetables well-seasoned, and rosemary is one of their secret ingredients to achieve that. It deepens the flavor of any dish and adds a delightful herbal punch, making it an essential part of many recipes.
- Paprika: You can’t prepare a seafood dish without a sprinkle of paprika. And since Portugal is big on seafood, it’s among the most popular spices there. However, they tend to use sweet smoked paprika rather than the hot one.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is one of the main ingredients in Portuguese desserts and bakeries. Usually, it’s just a topping, but it takes the flavor to another level. If you’re a fan of the famous pasties de nata, try it with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, and thank us later.
Portuguese Food Culture
Portuguese Food Culture
It’s no secret that the Portuguese are foodies. Their love for food started before the country had a defined border.
But this border didn’t stop Portugal from taking inspiration from other cultures throughout its history. You can easily tell that most of their modern dishes have strong Mediterranean and French influences.
It all started in the 15th century when they discovered new ingredients during the Great Navigation. With spices, such as black pepper, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon, coming from Asia, they managed to revolutionize their cuisine.
Eating Habits
Eating Habits
The Portuguese love to start their day with a slice of fresh bread, butter, ham, and cheese. Those with a sweet tooth might replace the cheese with jam.
Additionally, they love to have a cup of coffee with breakfast. Bica, which is a small espresso coffee, is very popular during breakfast and after lunch.
Walking around the city, the locals love to grab a quick bite, from grilled sardines to bifanas. In all cases, both tourists and locals can resist the smell of freshly baked pastel de nata. Combine that with a shot of espresso, and you have enough energy until dinner.
One of the most impressive things about Portuguese eating habits is that meals can last for hours. They like to gather around and enjoy their food for as long as they want, and it’s considered a family affair.
Meal Structure
Meal Structure
Portuguese meals are well-structured. A typical Portuguese dish consists of a main, which is usually a hearty stew. The main platter is warm, containing lamb, shellfish, or other seafood. The main gets its flavor from a blend of rich Portuguese spices, including parsley, coriander, and bay leaf.
That’s not all. No Portuguese meal is complete without an array of sides. These can be plain, or well-prepared with herbs and spices. The basic side dish is a trio of rice, potatoes, and a garden salad. However, this differs from one household to another.
Etiquette
Etiquette
Dining etiquette in Portugal is similar to most other Western countries. There’s a strong emphasis on using proper utensils.
As for seating, the head of the table is reserved for the host or the most important dinner guest. Portuguese diners usually don’t start dining until the head of the dinner indicates that it’s time to dig in.
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