10 Portuguese Dishes You Have to Try
Portuguese cuisine is a dynamic blend of Mediterranean influences, robust tastes and soothing, substantial dishes. Whether you’re wandering the narrow alleys of Lisbon or looking for Portuguese cuisine in Sydney, there’s a delightful world of foods waiting to be discovered. From fresh seafood to rich stews and enticing desserts, here are ten traditional Portuguese cuisine, you must eat.
- Bacalhau à Brás
Bacalhau à Brás is one of Portugal’s most famous recipes, combines shredded salty codfish with thinly sliced potatoes, onions, eggs and parsley. It’s creamy, salty, and pleasant making it a popular comfort meal in Portugal.
- Caldo Verde
This classic green soup from northern Portugal has kale, potatoes, garlic, olive oil and pieces of chouriço (Portuguese sausage). It’s simple but wonderfully flavorful, and ideal for cool evenings.
- Francesinha
This delectable sandwich, which originated in Porto, is layered with cured meats, sirloin, and sausage, topped in melted cheese, and served with a creamy, spicy tomato and beer sauce. It’s often served with chips and is a must try for all meat aficionados.
- Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice)
Similar to Spanish paella, Arroz de Marisco is a delicious seafood rice dish made with prawns, mussels, clams, and sometimes crab. It’s rich, slightly soupy, and full of coastal flavour; perfect for fans of fresh seafood.
- Piri Piri Chicken
The Authentic Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken which known for its fiery kick, is marinated in a blend of chilli, garlic, lemon and oil before flame grilling. It’s a mainstay in many Portuguese households, and a fundamental component, of Portuguese cuisine in Sydney, served with chips, rice or salad.
- Cozido à Portuguesa
This substantial stew exemplifies Portugal’s fondness of slow cooked meals. It usually consists of a combination of meats such as beef, pork, chicken, sausages and a variety of vegetables, all cooked together to produce a deeply flavourful and gratifying meal.
- Pastéis de Nata
No Portuguese food list is complete without the famous custard tarts. With a flaky, buttery pastry and silky egg custard filling, Pastéis de Nata is often served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon. You’ll find them in bakeries all over Portugal and increasingly in spots serving Portuguese food in Sydney.
- Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato
A beloved clam dish made with garlic, olive oil, white wine, coriander and lemon juice. This recipe emphasises the simplicity and freshness, that is at the core of Portuguese cuisine. It pairs very well with some crusty bread, which soaks up all of the delicious sauce.
- Bifana
Bifana is a marinated pork sandwich made with thin slices of pork cooked in a garlicky white wine sauce and served on a fresh bread roll. It’s basic, quick and commonly available at food stands or tiny cafés.
- Polvo à Lagareiro
This recipe includes roasted octopus with olive oil, garlic and potatoes. Polvo à Lagareiro is a popular holiday dish that exemplifies how Portuguese cuisine celebrates fish.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re planning a trip to Portugal or trying Portuguese food in Sydney, these dishes are a delectable introduction to a cuisine steeped in tradition and flavour. From hearty soups to decadent desserts, Portuguese cuisine brings people together with each meal, and it’s absolutely worth delving into, one dish at the time.