What to Eat in Portugal: Famous Portuguese Foods
Sharing the Iberian Peninsula, the Spanish and Portuguese cuisines have many similarities, but they also bare great differences. Both have been influenced by the Greek cuisine, though, but the Celtic, Moorish and Beriberi ways of cooking can also be found in the Portuguese dishes. The Portuguese dishes are closely related to the Mediterranean cuisine.
A rule of thumb is to stay away from the touristy places and choose a restaurant which is popular among locals. That’s where you’ll find the best foods. Cooking is simple and the ingredients used are fresh and local.
Açorda
It is the classic Portuguese dish, featuring a simple broth which is thickened with bread and egg. Garlic is used for seasoning and, in costal areas, seafood may be added to it.
Bacalhau
It is salted, dried cod. To be used, it’s soaked in milk or water then cooked in many ways (about 365 ways to be exact). Sardines, octopus and anchovies are also popular and used in cooking.
Chouriço
It’s a pork sausage with distinct garlic and paprika seasoning in it. It’s eaten alone, or cooked with vegetables, beans or eggs.
Cozido
It’s a slowly simmering meat (or sea food) dish, cooked with vegetables in a special pot.
Sopa seca
You can find it in northern Portugal and features leftover bread, meats, vegetables, added in layers and moistened with broth.
Caldeirada
It is a stew made with a variety of fish, shellfish, tomato, potatoes and onion.
Caldo verde
This is a green soup made with green cabbage, mashed potatoes and served with sausage.
Tripas à moda do Porto
It is tripe with white beans and , if you are not familiar with tripe, you can pretty much put in the bizarre foods category. The recipe dates from the 14th century.
Leitão assado
This is roasted suckling pig and is a dish popular in Central Portugal.
Feijoada
This is a meat stew made with beans (kidney or butter) and is popular all over Portugal.
Gazpacho
It is a cold soup made with fresh tomatoes, chilies, cucumber, onion, garlic and vinegar.
Wine
Wine is the traditional Portuguese drink. Port wine is a fortified wine, but “green” (young) wines are also very popular here.
Arroz doce
This is a desert, a rice pudding seasoned with cinnamon and lemon.
Pão de Ló
It is a sponge cake which can be flavored with a lot of things, depending on the region: lemon, cinnamon, orange juice or Porto wine.
Photo credits: Acorda , Bacalhau , Chourico , Caldo verde , Feijoada , Gazpacho , Port Wine , Arroz doce , Pão de Ló , Tripe ,Caldeirada ,Cozido