Our Best Portuguese Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular dish in Portugal? ›

Bacalhau, which translates to cod in English, is Portugal's national dish, a symbol of the country's identity, and one of the most popular foods in restaurants across the country. Bacalhau is such a go-to staple in Portuguese cuisine that it even has an endearing nickname: fiel amigo, or faithful friend.

Bacalhau à Brás is one of the most famous Portuguese dishes and is considered the ultimate comfort meal in Portugal. The dish uses many of the quintessential ingredients found in Portuguese cooking: bacalhau (salt cod), eggs, potatoes, and black olives.

Bacalhau

The national dish of Portugal, bacalhau is dried and salted codfish, which is usually soaked in milk or water before cooking. The Portuguese have been eating bacalhau since the 16th century when their fishing boats brought it back from Newfoundland.

Cod (bacalhau) is one of Portugal's most important staple foods. Whether as a starter, main meal or even dessert – the edible fish from the Atlantic is to be found in every course. Pastéis de Bacalhau is one of the most famous starters with cod. The fish is processed in small cakes and then fried until crispy.

Fun fact: Caipirinha is Portugal's national co*cktail made from Cachaca. Cachaca is a liquor made in Brazil, and as Brazil and Portugal share history and customs, the drink is very popular in both countries. Known as a drink of the people, Caipirinhas are minimalist and are dangerously delicious.

Chicken, duck, turkey, red-legged partridge and quail are all elements of Portuguese cuisine. Dishes include frango no churrasco (chicken on churrasco), chicken piri-piri, cabidela rice, canja de galinha, and arroz de pato (duck rice), among others.

Many know Port wine, without a doubt, Portugal's most popular fortified wine. But, besides drinking the several varieties of existing Port wine as they are, did you know that we also tend to play around with Port for co*cktail making?

How expensive is Portugal for Americans? Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, with food available at affordable prices, cheap options for accommodation, and reasonable costs for transport.

What meats do Portuguese eat? ›

A lot of Portuguese dishes are made up of meat – especially pork and chicken. Pork is the most popular meat dish available, whether you want chops, ribs or legs! One of their most well liked meat dishes is Rojoes a Moda do Minho – chunks of pork loin that is cooked in pigs lard.

Cozido à portuguesa (pronounced [kuˈziðu a puɾtuˈɣezɐ]) or Portuguese stew is a type of cozido, traditional Portuguese boiled meal. Numerous regional variations exist throughout Portugal, and the dish is considered part of the Portuguese heritage, as well as one of the national dishes of Portugal.

Portuguese people love rice as it's been in our country between the 7th and the 8th centuries AD. Thanks to the Moorish settlers. There are a multitude of rice dishes throughout the country. It's also very common for white rice to be in the side of many dishes to go with stews and sauces.

In Europe tipping is not as habitual, but in Portugal it is fairly commonplace, especially in the tourist areas such as Lisbon or the Algarve. This is mainly due to tourists, as locals are less likely to tip, or at least do so in excess! There is no obligation to do so, however leaving something extra is customary.

Neutral colors, paired with stylish yet comfy shoes, work well. Also, avoid overly touristy outfits like “I Love Portugal” t-shirts. Opt for neutral colors, stylish yet comfy shoes (think flat shoes over heels), and a fashionable yet functional bag.