The Portuguese are professionals when it comes to eating well and below we will reveal which are the most famous typical Portuguese dishes.
The 5 best typical Portuguese dishes that you can’t miss
Pastéis de Bacalhau (Cod croquettes): the best known of the typical Portuguese dishes
The number one obsession of the Portuguese is undoubtedly cod … it is no coincidence that they say that there are more cod based recipes than days of the year! These small fish croquettes are crunchy on the outside, but very soft on the inside and can be eaten as an appetizer, or as a main dish accompanied by rice and salad.
Francesinha: among the typical Portuguese dishes of the north
Today it is possible to find good Francesinha all over Portugal, but the Portuguese will tell you that you have to go to the northern regions to taste the best one, so Porto could be the ideal city. The sauce that accompanies this specialty can vary from area to area, but the juice of the dish is always the same: a subspecies of super toast stuffed with ham and sausages, covered in cheese and with an egg on top. It is usually served on a fries base, to be used to eat the sauce. Do not order this dish if you are not very hungry or if you are on a diet, because it is not just a sandwich, but a calorie bomb!
Soupa da Pedra typical of Almeirim
The capital of the so-called stone soup is certainly the town of Almeirim, in the Ribatejo region (roughly halfway between Lisbon and Coimbra). It is one of the very rich typical Portuguese dishes, based on sausages, potatoes, meat and beans and takes its name from a series of ancient legends and myths.
Sardinhas assadas of Sant’Antonio
The best time to eat sardines is undoubtedly June, during the traditional celebrations for Saint Anthony that take place all over the country. The most spectacular celebration is the one that takes place in Lisbon. And right in Lisbon you can eat these typical Portuguese dishes. Eat them with bread, peppers, a drizzle of olive oil and a nice cold beer in your hand.
Arroz doce, typical Portuguese sweets
All the grandmothers in Portugal know how to cook this dessert: it is made with rice, milk and cinnamon and is a much loved recipe in Portuguese culture!