If you can’t think of a better reason to visit Portugal, food could be the one. Portuguese food is, most certainly, going to become one of your favourites. Every region has its own typical recipes and deserts. Cot fish is cooked in every possible manner all around the country. By the sea, the grilled fresh fish and seafood are a must, as well as the Cataplana, a fish stew cooked in a typical pan. At least once, don’t skip the soup. Portuguese soups are in general very rich, creamy and tasty. “Sopa da Pedra” is one of the most famous, as well as the Seafood Cream Soup. Meat recipes are also very creative and delicious. The most famous is “Cozido à Portuguesa” which means: several types of meat boiled with vegetables. Tastes much better than it sounds. Snacks are very common in Portugal and includes simple things like sandwiches or more elaborated recipes called “Petiscos”. This includes the “Choco Frito” a.k.a. deep-fried squid, typical in Setubal area. All kinds of seafood as well as snails are also served as “Petisco”.
But the best comes at the end of your meal. Portuguese love sweet flavours, so they make wonderful deserts and pastry. The internationally recognized “Pastel de Nata” is a small pastry cake you should try in you first day in Portugal. It is available in any pastry shop in the country and you don’t want to find out how good it is in your last day! In restaurants and typical places, ask for traditional pastry. There are thousands of breath-taking ancient recipes. Most of them are egg and sugar based.
Portuguese Food Glossary
Bitoque (reads beetok) – Fried or grilled beef with French fries, white rice and one fried egg)
Frango Assado – Chicken B-B-Q. It is usually available in restaurants and take-away’s.
Feijoada (fay-jo-ada) – It’s a bean stew and it can be transformed in numerous recipes depending on the meat, fish or seafood you want with it. The meat recepies usually also include cabbage.
Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato (a-may-ju-az ah bullaom pah-tu) – Witch are fried clams in olive oil and herbs. It is usually a starter or an afternoon snack (Petisco).