TOP 5 dishes you must try while in Portugal

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One of the most interesting aspects of any country is the local cuisine. When traveling in a new region, it is always a good idea to try typical specialties. Portuguese cuisine offers unique flavors that are definitely worth testing. Discover our top 5 Portuguese cuisine dishes that you definitely have to try while in this hot country.

Bacalhau com natas orBacalhau à Brás or cod in a million ways

Cod (Bacalhau) is a fish that reigns supreme in Portuguese cuisine. According to some sources, there are more than 365 types of cod dishes. We don’t know if this number is correct, but there are certainly quite a few dishes with bacalhau.

Portuguese dishes bacalhau a bras cod
Bacalhau à Brás Portuguese Cuisine

Portugal’s most popular cod dish is Bacalhau com natas which is a casserole of fish with potatoes, onions and cream. It is a delicious, creamy composition that you can try in most Portuguese restaurants.

Another popular Portuguese dish is the Bacalhau à Brás which is cod with small pieces of fried potatoes, onions and an egg garnished with black olives. Both dishes use salted cod, huge slices of which can be obtained at any major supermarket.

Top Portuguese dishes bacalhau com natas reached with cream
Bacalhau com natas or cod in cream

Polvo a lagareiro or octopus with potatoes

Polvo à Lagareiro is one of the favorite dishes of Portuguese people. It is cooked and then baked octopus with lots of olive oil, potatoes and garlic. Polvo à Lagareiro is a great option for seafood fans.

Portuguese dish polvo a lagareiro octopus with roasted potatoes and garlic
Polvo a lagareiro or octopus with potatoes

Sardinhas assadas or grilled sardines

Grilled fish, the smell of which spreads throughout the area, is one of the most common dishes served in Portuguese restaurants. The most popular grilled fish in season is the sardine. Sardinhas assadas are often served with boiled potatoes or fries and a salad. The sardine has also become a symbol of Portugal. It can be found not only on the plate but also in the form of souvenirs in various forms.

Portuguese cuisine sardinha assada grilled sardines
Portuguese sardines grilled on the grill

Francesinha or fast food sandwich for real carnivores

Francesinha is a real feast for meat fans. It is a sandwich originating from Porto, consisting of toasted bread on the outside and various meats as filling (pork sausage, ham, sirloin, salami and beef steak) on the inside. The whole thing is covered with beer or wine-tomato sauce, melted cheese and a fried egg. Depending on the restaurant, the filling and serving method may vary.

Portuguese cuisine dish francezinha sandwich
Portuguese fast food sandwich francezinha

Caldo verde or green Portuguese soup

Caldo verde is a traditional, simple Portuguese soup cooked with potatoes, cabbage and sausage (chouriço). It originated in the north of Portugal and is often served as an appetizer.

portuguese cuisine green broth caldo verde
Green Portuguese caldo verde broth

Let me know if you have tried my suggestions or if you have any of your other favorite Portuguese dishes.

If you are planning a trip to Portugal then you may find the following information useful:

If you want to learn more about how I live in the Algarve, then observe me on my TikToku (@fabricakorka), where I talk about my daily life in Portugal.

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