When you dream of Europe’s great food destinations, Portugal might not be the first to come to mind, often overshadowed by its larger neighbors. But to skip Portuguese cuisine is to miss out on a rich culinary tradition where simple, high-quality ingredients are the real stars. 

In partnership with Visit Portugal

Portugal’s extensive coastline delivers an abundance of fresh seafood, while its rolling interior farmlands produce flavorful meat and vegetables. The food here isn’t about complicated presentation- it’s about letting the incredible quality of the ingredients speak for itself. After a day of self-guided hiking or biking in Portugal, you can look forward to grilled fish straight from the ocean and produce sourced from local farms. It’s a genuine taste of the country's heart and soul. 

Eating Out in Portugal: What to Expect 

Dining in Portugal comes with a few charming quirks. 

• The "Couvert": Shortly after you sit down, a plate of bread, olives, cheese, and perhaps sardine pâté will appear. This isn't a free appetizer! It’s called the couvert. You're charged for what you eat from it, and it's a local custom to share this among the table instead of ordering starters. 
• Dessert is a Must: It’s almost a rule to finish your meal with something sweet. Portugal’s history is rich with sugar and egg yolks, leading to a wonderful array of desserts. 
• Vegetarian and Vegan Options: While traditional Portuguese food is meat and fish-heavy, things are changing. In cities like Lisbon and Porto, plant-based options are becoming common. In smaller villages, you may find your choices are more limited, often to salads, omelets, and legumes, but the quality is always there. 

A Regional Food and Wine Tour of Portugal 

Each region in Portugal offers its own unique flavors. Here are some of the best food in Portugal to try, broken down by region. 

Lisbon 

Portugal’s capital is a hub for classic dishes. 

• Pastéis de Nata: These iconic custard tarts are a must-try. The flaky crust and creamy, caramelized filling are a true representation of Portugal national food. 
• Bifana: A simple yet satisfying sandwich of thinly sliced pork marinated in white wine and garlic, served on a fresh bread roll. It’s the perfect on-the-go snack. 

Porto & The Douro Valley 

Famous for its wine, this region also packs a culinary punch. 

• Francesinha: This is a sandwich like no other. It’s layered with ham, sausage, and steak, covered in melted cheese, and drowned in a rich, spiced tomato and beer sauce. 
• Port Wine: A trip to Porto isn't complete without sampling its most famous export. From ruby to tawny, take a recommendation from a local bartender. 
• Vinho Verde: From the nearby Minho region, this "green wine" isn't green in color but young, fresh, and slightly sparkling. It's the perfect light wine for a sunny afternoon. 

The Algarve 

The southern coast is all about fresh seafood and bold flavors. 

• Frango Piri-Piri: Authentic piri-piri chicken from the Algarve is grilled over charcoal and basted in a fiery, secret-recipe marinade. This is a hands-on meal! 
• Grilled Sardines: During the summer, the smell of grilled sardines fills the air. Seasoned simply with salt and cooked over an open flame, they’re a local favorite for a reason. 

The Azores Islands 

This remote archipelago has a culinary scene shaped by its volcanic landscape. 

• Cozido das Furnas: A hearty stew of meats and vegetables cooked underground for hours using volcanic steam. It's a unique dining experience. 
• Queijo de São Jorge: A sharp, aged cheese from the island of São Jorge that is intense and crumbly. 

Madeira 

This island offers its own distinct food and drink. 

• Espetada Madeirense: Skewers of beef rubbed with garlic and salt, grilled over an open fire on laurel branches, giving the meat a distinct, aromatic taste. 
• Bolo do Caco: A circular, flatbread traditionally cooked on a basalt stone slab. It's often served warm with garlic butter. 

Signature Portuguese Dishes 

No matter where your hiking or biking trip in Portugal takes you, keep an eye out for these popular food specialties in Portugal. 

• Bacalhau: Salted cod is the unofficial Portugal national food, and it's said there are 365 ways to cook it. Two popular versions are Bacalhau à Brás (shredded with potatoes and eggs) and Bacalhau com Natas (baked in a creamy sauce). You'll see this everywhere along the Camino Portugues Coastal Way. 
• Porco Preto: From the Alentejo region, this "black pig" pork is a rival to Spain’s famed Iberico. Its acorn-rich diet gives the meat an incredible, melt-in-your-mouth quality. 
• Pastelaria Treats: Portuguese convents perfected the art of pastry. With egg whites used for starching habits, nuns were left with a lot of yolks. They mixed them with sugar, and the result is a legacy of delicious sweets like the Bola de Berlim (a custard-filled doughnut) and Salame de Chocolate (a chocolate and biscuit log). 

Ready to Taste Portugal for Yourself? 

From the bustling food markets of Lisbon to the quiet vineyards of the Douro, Portugal offers a rich and authentic culinary journey. Every meal tells a story, and the best way to experience it is by immersing yourself in the local culture on a self-guided hiking trip. 

If you're ready to explore the delicious food in Portugal at your own pace, get in touch. Our specialists can help you plan the perfect hiking vacation or biking tour. Bom apetite.