What Do Portuguese People Eat? – Discovering Portugal Part 1

Taste Atlas considered Portuguese cuisine the 5th best in the world by Taste Atlas in the 2024/25 season. It is known for its hearty dishes and sweet treats with rich flavors. It includes seafood, meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, and olive oil, considered the Mediterranean liquid gold.

With so many delicious dishes, Portuguese food offers something for every palate. In fact, one of the aspects that most resonates with tourists visiting the country is the rich food culture. Still, with so many tourists wanting to try the most iconic national dishes, few dive into the local culture.

But what do the Portuguese eat every day? What are the dishes they most prepare at home? And which are the recipes you can take home with you? Discover all that and more in this post!

This is part one of a three-part article series about Portuguese food and wine. Stay tuned to discover a side of the country you have not seen yet!

An Introduction to Portuguese Cuisine

Portuguese cooking is a unique blend of the Mediterranean diet, seafood, and international cuisine. It emphasizes fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. As such, it reflects the country’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. The history of exploration and colonization has influenced the local culinary scene.

The Mediterranean climate provides incredible fresh ingredients that shape local cooking styles. You will find hearty dishes, delicate seafood preparations, and sweet pastries. Additionally, many regional specialties showcase the local culinary diversity. Each area has its distinctive flavors and traditional recipes.

Learning Portuguese is one of the best ways to dive into the local culture. It allows you to communicate with the natives and learn the best food tips from those who know best. Does it sound like something you would like to do?

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Below, explore more about Portuguese cooking. Learn about everyday dishes you will not want to miss when you visit Portugal. Plus, dive deeper into the local food culture to discover all about the Portuguese culinary scene.

Culinary History

Portuguese culinary history is long and complex, with many influences from other cultures. Over the centuries, new ingredients and cooking techniques were introduced into the country. For example, the Portuguese Discoveries Era brought spices like pepper, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.

Learning about local history is an incredible way to explore the culture. It will make your trip more interesting and shine a new light on Portuguese traditions. For example, did you know Pastéis de Nata were first sold close to the convent where they were created in a nearby sugar refinery?

Seasonal Ingredients

Portuguese food reflects the principles of the Mediterranean diet. Most dishes are made with seasonal, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients. With over 800 kilometers of ocean shore, the local cuisine includes a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood.

It also uses lots of fruits and vegetables, some meat, and generous amounts of olive oil. Then, there is the famous bacalhau, or salted cod, which is desalted before being cooked. Many dishes include cured sausages and hams, which are traditional in Portuguese cooking.

Everyday Portuguese Dishes

Most tourists learn about iconic dishes like Bacalhau à Brás, made with salted fish, and Francesinha, with its spicy sauce, even before they visit Portugal. These dishes have become a staple in the local cuisine and are usually served in restaurants. They represent some of the country’s most ancient traditions and are favorites among the natives.

Still, you will not find them so often in Portuguese tables. How so? Like any other country, the Portuguese do not always eat the famous dishes tourists crave. To get the true Portuguese experience, you must learn about the local comfort foods and the quick meals. For example, how would you feel about a delicious bifana (pork steak sandwich) or a warm Caldo Verde (green soup)?

Explore the common Portuguese foods the natives love!

Seafood Dishes

Seafood is a significant part of Portuguese cooking. The most popular dishes include the famous arroz de marisco (seafood rice), the cataplana (seafood stew), and octopus salad with peppers and boiled potatoes. These dishes showcase the variety of fresh seafood available and often reflect the regional traditions. Here are some Portuguese seafood dishes you will likely find at native homes.

Grilled Sardines

Sardines in Portugal are commonly served grilled. Also called Sardinhas Assadas, they are a staple of Portuguese summer cuisine. They are especially popular during the Santos Populares festivals in June across Portugal. Fresh sardines are seasoned with sea salt and grilled over open flames.

The skin blisters and crisps while the inside remains juicy and flavorful. Sardines often come with boiled potatoes, grilled peppers, or a slice of Portuguese bread. The smoky aroma and rich taste reflect the essence of traditional Portuguese street food.

Xarém De Conquilhas

Xarém de Conquilhas is a traditional dish from the Algarve region of Portugal. It is made with cornmeal, similar to polenta, and simmered to a smooth texture. It has garlic and fresh coriander as aromatics.

The Conquilhas are small clams caught on local beaches. They bring a briny flavor that balances the soft cornmeal base. Some versions include bits of cured pork or chouriço for extra depth of flavor.

Xarém is hearty yet delicate, reflecting a deep connection between land and sea. This dish is a comforting, rustic option often enjoyed in coastal villages and homes.

Petingas Fritas Com Arroz de Tomate

Petingas are small sardines that are seasoned, lightly coated in flour, and fried. They become crisp on the outside while staying tender and flavorful on the inside. They are perfect, topped with a light squeeze of lemon juice.

The dish is often served with tomato rice, which is rich, tangy, and aromatic. The rice has garlic, onions, ripe tomatoes, and a bay leaf. The crispy sardines and saucy rice create a satisfying, home-style Portuguese meal.

Bacalhau Com Natas

No list of Portuguese seafood dishes would be complete without codfish. Bacalhau com Natas is a delicious bake that pairs the traditional Portuguese cod with cream, onions, and potatoes. It is simple yet satisfying and comforting.

Less famous than Bacalhau à brás, another Portuguese staple, it is baked and made with fried potato cubes instead of crispy potato sticks. If you can find salted cod where you live, you can try to cook this recipe at home.

Peixe assado

One dish you can find in almost all Portuguese homes is roasted fish. Peixe Assado à Portuguesa is a classic dish found across coastal Portuguese towns. It typically features whole fish, such as sea bream or sea bass.

The fish is seasoned with olive oil, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs like parsley. Alongside it, the natives usually add sliced potatoes, bell peppers, and sometimes tomatoes. The ingredients cook together, creating a rich, savory sauce full of natural flavors. This dish is simple but elegant, highlighting the freshness of the fish. It pairs perfectly with a glass of crisp white wine.

Meat Dishes

Meat is a staple in the Portuguese diet, cooked according to local traditions. You will come across meaty soups, like the comforting caldo verde. Depending on the regions you visit, you will find options like carne de porco à alentejana (pork with clams) or leitão assado (roasted suckling pig). These dishes usually come with sides like French fries and a salad or vegetables. Check out some everyday Portuguese foods!

Bitoque

Bitoque is a classic Portuguese dish that brings comfort and flavor. It is a thin, pan-fried steak usually topped with a fried egg. Before cooking, the steak is often marinated with garlic, vinegar, or white wine for extra flavor. It is then served with crispy fries, a mixed salad, and white rice. A savory gravy made from pan drippings is often poured over the steak.

This dish is hearty and satisfying. You will not find it in most posh Portuguese restaurants, but it will be common in local cafés and diners. It is one of the national comfort foods.

Arroz de Pato

Arroz de Pato is a rich and comforting duck rice dish. You start by slow-cooking duck meat until tender, then shredding it by hand. The duck is then mixed with rice cooked in its flavorful broth. Finally, you top it up with slices of chouriço before baking the dish until golden.

The result is a crisp, aromatic top and a moist, savory interior full of flavor. Some love to accompany it with slices of fresh orange. The natives love to serve this dish during family gatherings, holidays, and festive occasions. However, it is also an everyday favorite.

Frango Assado

Frango Assado is a beloved Portuguese dish known for its bold, smoky flavors. It typically features a whole chicken or pieces marinated in garlic, paprika, and lemon. The chicken is roasted or grilled over charcoal until the skin is crisp and golden.

The locals often brush a sauce on it during cooking. You can usually choose between garlic, lemon, and olive oil or spicy piri piri sauce. This last sauce adds heat and tang, making it especially popular with spice lovers.

Frango Assado is commonly served with fries, rice, and a fresh salad. It is a favorite in homes, restaurants, and roadside churrasqueiras across Portugal. If you ask us, the aroma alone is enough to draw people in from blocks away.

Alheira Com Ovo

Alheira com Ovo is a flavorful dish with a fascinating history. The alheira is a stuffed spicy sausage created by Portuguese Jews during the Inquisition. Smoked sausages were already popular in Portugal as a way of conserving the meat.

Thus, they made sausages without pork, using poultry, bread, and spices instead. This way, they could appear Christian and avoid persecution by the church. Though now made with various types of meat, the dish still honors its clever, resourceful origins. It is a powerful example of how cuisine can tell stories o identity and survival.

Today, alheira is often pan-fried until golden and served with a fried egg or sautéed with onion and scrambled eggs. The smoky and garlicky flavor of the sausage pairs beautifully with the richness of the egg. It usually comes with fries, sautéed greens, or a simple salad.

Snails

At least one dish in this list should be something that would surprise you. Yes, the French are not the only ones eating snails. Many Southern European countries enjoy this unique delicacy, especially during the summer months.

Caracóis à Portuguesa, or Portuguese snails, are small land snails. After washing, they slowly simmer in a broth with different aromatics like garlic, onion, oregano, and bay leaves. Oftentimes, a splash of beer or white wine adds more depth and aroma.

The result is a savory, herby dish served hot and eaten with toothpicks. Caracóis are typically enjoyed as a petisco or snack alongside a cold beer. Snail season brings locals together in cafés and tascas across the country.

Desserts

No good meal is over without an outstanding dessert, and Portugal has plenty. A bit of cured cheese on Portuguese bread helps to prepare the way for a delicious end-of-meal. Then, traditional Portuguese confectionery is made of all things good for you, including butter, eggs, cream, and lots of sugar.

The first sweet treat that pops into everyone’s mind when thinking about Portugal is the pastel de nata. It is a favorite of natives and tourists alike. Nothing beats a warm basket of crispy, buttery puff pastry filled with delicious custard. Yet, many other Portuguese desserts end up staying in the shadows.

Arroz Doce

Arroz Doce (Sweet rice pudding) is a traditional Portuguese rice pudding, often served at family gatherings and holidays. You can make it by slowly cooking rice in milk, sugar, lemon peel, and a pinch of salt. Once thick and creamy, stir in egg yolks to give it a rich golden color.

The dessert is usually topped with a dusting of cinnamon, often in decorative patterns. Its texture is smooth and comforting, with a delicate balance of sweetness and spice. Arroz Doce can be served warm or chilled, which makes it the perfect sweet regardless of the season. It is a humble dessert, deeply loved across all regions of Portugal.

Baba de Camelo

Baba de Camelo is a rich and indulgent Portuguese dessert with a smooth and velvety texture. It has only three ingredients: condensed milk, eggs, and sugar. The mixture is whipped until thickened and then chilled, resulting in a luscious, creamy dessert.

Its name means Camel’s drool. Despite not seeming attractive, it refers to its rich consistency and golden color. Baba de Camelo is typically served in individual portions.

Bolo de Bolacha

Bolo de Bolacha is a no-bake Portuguese dessert that layers Maria biscuits soaked in coffee and a buttery cream. The cream is typically a mix of butter, sugar, and egg yolks, whipped until fluffy. Each layer is carefully assembled and then chilled until the cake sets.

The result is a soft, rich dessert with a balance of sweetness and bitterness. Often topped with crushed biscuits or cocoa powder, it has a simple, elegant finish. Bolo de Bolacha is a staple at holidays and Sunday family lunches. There are two versions of this dessert: the European and the Brazilian. With slightly different ingredients, you will find both melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Serradura

Serradura translates to sawdust pudding. It is a beloved Portuguese layered dessert made with sweet whipped cream and finely crushed Maria biscuits. The crushed biscuits resemble sawdust, giving the dessert its name.

The cream often includes vanilla or condensed milk. Each layer is carefully built in a glass or dish and then chilled until firm. The contrast between the airy cream and the biscuit crumbs creates a satisfying texture.

Serradura is light, sweet, and incredibly easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. It is commonly served in individual portions at cafés, restaurants, and family gatherings. This no-bake treat is especially popular during the warm season for its sweet and refreshing taste.

Tarte de Nata

Tarte de Nata is a creamy Portuguese custard tart. It features a buttery crust filled with a rich, smooth cream made from cream and eggs. The filling is lightly sweetened and often flavored with vanilla or lemon zest.

Once baked, the top develops a golden color and a delicate, slightly caramelized surface. Unlike the iconic Pastéis de Nata, this tart is bigger and usually served in slices. Yet, the custard has the same silky texture and adds a satisfying contrast to the crust.Tarte de Nata is a favorite at bakeries, cafés, and home dessert tables across Portugal.

Regional Specialties

Portugal has many regional specialties. Different areas of the country offer unique dishes and ingredients. The Algarve region is known for its seafood, while the Alentejo region is famous for its pork and bread. You might have heard about or even tasted some of these absolutely delicious foods.

For example, the Francesinha is typical of Porto. It is a hearty sandwich with steak or roast meat, ham, spicy sausage, and fresh sausage, topped with melted cheese, covered in a beer sauce, and served with French fries. The Azores are known for the incredible Portuguese cheese produced on the São Jorge island.

More About Food Culture in Portugal

As you will have noticed by now, food is a crucial part of Portuguese identity. Mealtimes are a time to socialize and share happy moments with family and friends. Traditional Portuguese cuisine is the central point of family gatherings and special occasions.

As a visitor, tasting local food is one of the best ways to experience the culture. Tasting local dishes will teach you about the ingredients of each region and its traditional cooking methods. In many cases, it will also give you an insight into local history.

Local Drinks

Portugal has a wide variety of drinks that match its rich food culture. You will find everything from light, bubbly Vinho Verde to strong and sweet Port wine. Locals also enjoy favorites like Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup, and Licor Beirão, a herbal spirit. The locals enjoy their favorite drink as an aperitif, digestive, or to complement their meals. Sometimes, they also have it as a standalone during the day.

Local soft drinks like Sumol are also popular. Other drink options include coffee, tea, and fresh orange juice. These are common in Portuguese cafés and restaurants. Check out Your Essential Guide to Portuguese Drinks to learn more about Portuguese beverages.

Food-Related Events and Activities

Food-related events and activities are a crucial part of the local culture in Portugal. The best way to enjoy these events is by exploring the local language. After all, knowing how to communicate with the locals will open the door to incredible experiences.

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Cooking Classes

The second best thing to tasting delicious food is learning how to make it. Cooking classes are a great way to learn about Portuguese cuisine and try your hand at cooking local dishes. It is a fun activity that will make your time in Portugal more memorable.

You can book a culinary experience with a native. It usually includes a visit to the local market and a get-together to cook a regional dish. Otherwise, you can also befriend a native and ask them if they would be willing to teach you their favorite dish.

Food Festivals

There are dozens of food festivals and fairs in Portugal every year. Food festivals are a popular event everywhere in the country, with most municipalities hosting festivals throughout the year. These events often feature traditional foods, live music, and local products.

Inform yourself about which festivals will happen at the time and place of your visit. Then, in most cases, you only have to show up and enjoy. However, some of the most famous festivals require a ticket that might be free or paid. For example, the Óbidos Chocolate Festival is free, but you must book your ticket.

Attending these festivals is a great way to experience the local food culture. There, you can try new dishes and drinks and meet regional producers. Sometimes, you can also meet famous chefs and watch them cook live.

Food Tours and Travel

Food tours are another incredible activity to learn more about the local traditions while visiting Portugal. Companies and individuals offer different types of tours focused on food and drinks. They often include visits to local markets, restaurants, and food shops.

During a tour, you taste traditional Portuguese dishes and beverages. But you learn more about their history and how to make them at home. For example, you can take a Green Wine tour in Northern Portugal to discover the vineyards and taste delicious wines.

Modern Portuguese Cuisine

Modern Portuguese food is a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles. The natives are creative by nature. Chefs incorporated new ingredients and techniques into their dishes. Especially in the big cities, they have developed an innovative atmosphere, creating the Portuguese version of many foreign dishes.

In the last few years, there has been a major increase in trendy restaurants and bars. This new wave of Portuguese gastronomy is not part of everyday living. However, it marks special occasions and brings a new take on tradition and flavor you will not want to miss.

Eat How Portuguese People Eat!

When visiting Portugal, you will discover many delicious dishes. Some come from centuries-old traditions, while others are contemporary recipes made with fresh ingredients. The country has a rich food culture. Thus, you will have more than enough occasions to taste local cuisine.

Still, you can not say you have had the real Portuguese experience until you have eaten like a native. The simplest yet most traditional dishes are still part of everyday Portuguese living. These are the recipes you must try. Learning about their history will give you incredible insight into the culture.

What is your favorite typical Portuguese dish? Share a food memory you treasure in the comments below!

Now that you know about the traditional dishes most beloved by natives, stay tuned for part two of this series. In it, explore the Portuguese wine regions, and learn about the variety of delicious wines that are produced in the country!

Plus, keep an eye on our YouTube channel! We are preparing a series of vlogs about Portugal to loop you in on the best foods of each region. You will learn Portuguese directly from us and the natives we interact with. Come with us to discover the most authentic side of the country!