Dear Blanca,
I’m debating a move to Lisbon and the cuisine sounds incredible! I’d love to know what the main food is in Lisbon before I make that leap. I want to know — just in case I’m allocating enough of my travel budget for food-related expenses! Can you help me out?
Yumfully Yours, Patricia
Niagara NY
What is the main cuisine in Lisbon?
Dear Patricia,
Welcome to Lisbon! It’s the perfect place to embark on a culinary journey as the city is renowned for its flavorful and varied cuisine, featuring a wide range of traditional dishes.
Fish dishes like Bacalhau and Sardines are classic favorites, and hearty meats like Cozido à Portuguesa. Vegetarian dishes such as Peixinhos da Horta and Açorda de Legumes are available for those with a plant-based diet.
Of course, no trip to Lisbon is complete without trying the classic local treats, Pastel de Nata and Arroz de Marisco.
Other popular dishes to sample in Lisbon are:
What are the must-try dishes in Lisbon?
Cozido à Portuguesa
This is my mother’s favorite. Probably because it is so similar to Colombian dishes. Cozido à Portuguesa is a hearty, traditional Portuguese stew that is made with a variety of sausages, meats, beans, and vegetables. It is typically seasoned with herbs and spices, and is a popular choice for those looking for a filling, comforting meal.
This stew is flavorful and satisfying, and it’s a great way to enjoy a variety of meats and vegetables all in one dish. It’s made with ingredients that are readily available in Portugal, and it’s a staple in many Portuguese homes.
Cozido à Portuguesa is a dish that is loved by many in Portugal, and it’s something that you should definitely try if you visit. It’s the perfect meal for a cold, rainy day, and it’s sure to warm you up and fill you up.
If you want to give Cozido à Portuguesa a try when you visit Portugal, I say go for it! It’s a tasty, filling dish that’s sure to hit the spot. And if you want to really elevate the experience, I suggest pairing it with a bottle of Portuguese red wine – a good choice would be a bottle of Tinta Roriz from the Douro region. The combination of the flavorful stew and the full-bodied, fruity wine is sure to be a hit!
Bacalhau à Brás
Bacalhau à Brás is a traditional Portuguese dish that is made with shredded cod, thin-cut fried potatoes, and scrambled eggs. It is usually seasoned with onions, parsley, and other herbs and spices, and is often served with a side of rice.
Bacalhau à Brás is a popular dish in Portugal, particularly in the Lisbon area, and it is often served as a main course at family dinners and other special occasions. It is made with ingredients that are readily available in Portugal, and it is considered to be a classic example of Portuguese comfort food.
The origins of Bacalhau à Brás are somewhat disputed, but it is generally believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the Brás neighborhood of Lisbon. The dish is named after this neighborhood, and it has since become a popular part of Portuguese cuisine.
Carne de Porco Alentejana
absolutely love Carne de Porco Alentejana, which is a traditional Portuguese dish that is popular in the Alentejo region of the country. It’s made with pork, clams, and potatoes, and is seasoned with delicious herbs and spices like garlic, cilantro, and bay leaves.
This dish is a real comfort food for me – it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for special occasions like family dinners. And since it’s made with ingredients that are readily available in the Alentejo region, it’s a true representation of Portuguese cuisine.
The origins of Carne de Porco Alentejana are a bit of a mystery, but it’s generally believed to have originated in the Alentejo region, which is known for its rich soil and abundance of fresh seafood. The dish is named after this region, and it’s become a popular part of Portuguese culture.
If you’re a fan of pork and clams, I highly recommend giving Carne de Porco Alentejana a try when you visit Portugal. And if you want to really elevate the experience, I suggest pairing it with a bottle of Alentejo wine – I particularly enjoy a good bottle of Herdade do Esporão’s Reserva red wine with this dish. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
Polvo à Lagareiro
Polvo à Lagareiro is one of my absolute favorite Portuguese dishes. It’s made with octopus, potatoes, and olive oil, and is seasoned with delicious herbs and spices like garlic, parsley, and more. It’s often served with a side of rice, which makes it a complete and satisfying meal.
This dish is popular in many parts of Portugal, particularly in the Lisbon region, and it’s made with ingredients that are readily available in the country. It’s a classic example of Portuguese cuisine, and it’s definitely worth trying if you’re a fan of octopus and potatoes.
The dish is named after the lagareiro, or olive oil producer, who would cook octopus in olive oil as a way to use up leftover oil from the pressing process.
If you want to really elevate your experience with Polvo à Lagareiro, I suggest pairing it with a bottle of Portuguese wine – a good choice would be a white wine from the Alentejo region, like a Herdade dos Grous Viognier. The combination of the rich, flavorful octopus and the crisp, refreshing wine is sure to be a hit!
Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato
Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato is a traditional Portuguese dish made with clams, white wine, garlic, parsley, and other herbs and spices. It is typically served with a side of rice or potatoes, and is a popular choice for seafood lovers.
This dish is flavorful and satisfying, and it’s a great way to enjoy fresh clams. It’s made with ingredients that are readily available in Portugal (pork & Ccams), and it’s a classic part of Portuguese cuisine.
The dish is named after the Portuguese poet, Bulhão Pato, who is credited with popularizing the recipe.
If you want to give Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato a try when you visit Portugal, I highly recommend it. And if you want to really elevate the experience, I suggest pairing it with a bottle of Portuguese white wine – a good choice would be a bottle of Alvarinho from the Vinho Verde region. The combination of the fresh, flavorful clams and the crisp, refreshing wine is sure to be a hit
Frango no Churrasco
Frango no Churrasco is a traditional Portuguese dish that is made with grilled chicken and a variety of herbs and spices. It is typically served with a side of rice, potatoes, or vegetables, and is a popular choice for meat lovers.
This dish is flavorful and satisfying, and it’s a great way to enjoy juicy, grilled chicken. It’s made with ingredients that are readily available in Portugal, and it’s a classic part of Portuguese cuisine.
The origins of Frango no Churrasco are not well-known, but it’s definitely a popular choice all over Portugal. You can find it at churrasqueira restaurants, but some of the best Frango no Churrasco can be found at train stations and small, local restaurants.
If you want to give Frango no Churrasco a try when you visit Portugal, I highly recommend it. For a dish like this, you have to go with one of the local brews. They’re not the best, but they really are refreshing.
The dish is named after the Portuguese poet, Bulhão Pato, who is credited with popularizing the recipe.
Don’t forget to bring your appetite when you come to Lisbon – the local cuisine promises to tantalise your taste buds!
Wishing you delicious travels,
Blanca Valbuena
As for pricing. It has been going up steadily and there was a quick spike this year due to inflation.