9 Must-Try Foods and Drinks in Portugal
Discover 9 must-try foods and drinks in Portugal — from iconic pastéis de nata and seafood rice to bold wines and cherry liqueur.
September 15, 2025
5 minute read
Golden custard tarts, garlicky pork sandwiches, fragrant seafood, full-bodied wines — Portugal’s culinary staples alone are worth crossing oceans for. Add to that the diverse landscapes, rich multicultural heritage, inviting locals and historic cities, and you easily have a must-visit destination.
Whether you’re planning a trip or in the dreaming stage, these delicious highlights will give you a tasty preview of Portugal’s food and drink scene.
Quick Answer — What Should You Eat & Drink in Portugal?
Take advantage of the abundance of seafood, opting for dishes like arroz de marisco and bacalhau à Brás. Or, if you want to taste a variety of dishes, go forPortuguese petiscos, or small plates. For sweets, start with pastéis de nata — bonus points if you can get it from Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon — and sip on local wines.
Experience it for yourself: Learn the secrets behind Portuguese petiscos at a cooking class on Flavors of Portugal & Spain.
Must-Try Foods in Portugal
1. Pastéis de Nata
Introducing Portugal’s most iconic pastry: a flaky shell filled with a perfectly sweet egg custard, baked until blistered on top. Created by monks in Lisbon’s Jerónimos Monastery, pastéis de nata were once a way to use up leftover egg yolks. Now, they’re a national treasure.
The most famous version comes from the Pastéis de Belém bakery in Lisbon, where the original recipe is still a closely guarded secret.
Pro Tip: If you’re trying Pastéis de Belém, go early to avoid the lines — and yes, they’re worth it.
2. Bacalhau à Brás
Portugal’s love for codfish shows up in hundreds of recipes, but bacalhau à Brás is one of the favorites. It’s a comforting mix of shredded salt cod, onions, and thinly cut fried potatoes, all bound together with scrambled eggs and topped with parsley and olives.
Flavorful but not overly salty, it’s a great introduction to bacalhau — the dried salted cod that’s widely considered the national dish.
3. Caldo Verde
If warm, comforting soups are your style, caldo verde is a must-try. This simple soup is made with thinly sliced kale (or collard greens), potatoes, garlic, and chouriço, a Portuguese smoked pork sausage. It’s a staple at family meals, festive gatherings, restaurants, and festivals, serving up big flavor with humble ingredients.
Pro Tip: Enjoy it with fresh bread for dipping.
4. Arroz de Marisco
A seafood rice dish that’s somewhere between paella and risotto, arroz de marisco is packed with shellfish like shrimp, clams, mussels, and sometimes crab or lobster. The rice is cooked in a rich broth, often with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
It’s especially popular in coastal towns, where the seafood is fresh and plentiful. The dish is traditionally served in a clay pot and meant for sharing.
5. Bifana
Meet the bifana: a quintessential Portuguese street food (that you can find in restaurants, too). Thin slices of marinated pork are simmered in garlic, wine, and paprika, then tucked into a crusty roll for a drool-worthy sandwich. Some versions are spicy, others more garlicky, and you’ll notice some slight differences in sauces and condiments depending on the region.
6. Queijo da Serra
Queijo da serra is just one of many Portuguese cheeses you should try. This creamy, buttery sheep’s milk cheese comes from the Serra da Estrela mountains. It has a rich, slightly tangy flavor and a soft, spoonable texture when young.
Pro Tip: Make sure it’s at room temperature before serving.
Must-Try Drinks in Portugal
1. Port Wine
Port is one of Portugal’s famous exports — and the Douro Valley is the only place in the world legally allowed to produce what’s labeled as “port wine.” Sweet and rich, styles range from ruby to tawny to vintage, each with its own aging process and flavor profile.
Experience it for yourself: Admire the Douro Valley as you cruise within it on Portugal’s Old-World Charms.
2. Ginjinha
This cherry liqueur is a Lisbon favorite. Made from infusing sour cherries in alcohol and adding sugar and other ingredients, it’s sweet, strong, and meant to be sipped slowly. You’ll typically find it served in a small shot glass, potentially with a cherry or two, or in an edible chocolate cup for an extra sweet twist.
3. Vinho Verde
Despite the name, vinho verde (“green wine”) isn’t green — it refers to the wine’s youth and the green, lush landscape it comes from. Produced in northern Portugal, it’s light and perfect for warm days. It pairs well with seafood and pestiscos, and is one of the wines locals reach for in summer.
Top Place to Try It: Northern Portugal, especially Minho region
Bonus Bites & Sips
Chouriço Assado: Flame-grilled sausage, often cooked tableside over alcohol.
Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato: Clams in garlic, olive oil, and cilantro — a coastal classic.
Pão de Ló: Airy sponge cake, sometimes with a gooey center.
FAQs About Food & Wine in Portugal
What is Portugal’s national dish? Bacalhau (salt cod) is widely considered the national dish, with seemingly endless ways to prepare it.
Is tipping expected in Portuguese restaurants? Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common.
Are vegetarian options widely available? While traditional cuisine is meat- and seafood-heavy, vegetarian options are increasingly common in cities and tourist areas.
What time do locals eat dinner in Portugal? Dinner typically starts around 8 p.m., though restaurants in tourist areas may open earlier.
Final Thoughts
Portugal’s food and wine aren’t just delicious — they’re deeply tied to place, history, and hospitality. Whether you’re sipping Port in the Douro or learning to cook pestiscos in Porto, each bite brings you closer to the culture.
Ready to taste your way through Portugal? Start your journey with Collette.
