Olá, food enthusiasts! Prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey through Portugal, a country where even the simplest meal feels like a celebration. Join me on this brief culinary adventure, as I merely skim the surface of the unique flavors and dishes from the various regions of Portugal, and how to pronounce each for perfect table service. Vamos lá (vah-mosh lah) – let's go! Table of Contents Portuguese Cuisine: A Melting Pot of Influences The Welcoming Start: Bread and Olives, More Than Just an Appetizer Northern Portugal: The Land of Vinho and Bacalhau Central Portugal: Cheese, Cherries, and Sardines Lisbon: A Melting Pot of Flavors Alentejo: The Soul of Portuguese Cuisine Algarve: A Seafood Haven A Sweet Finale: The Delectable Desserts of Portugal Portuguese Cuisine: A Melting Pot of Influences Portuguese cuisine is a fascinating blend of influences, reflecting the country's rich history and its encounters with various cultures over the centuries. I'll take you on a brief journey through the historical and cultural origins of Portugal's culinary traditions. What I love most about the cooking in Portugal is its simplicty and the quality of local ingredients. From the land or from the sea, Portugal has a wonderful selection of produce, meat and fish, and hard years past made the people very resourceful in preparing excellent meals in a frugal way. One of my very favourite meals is fresh caught and charcoal grilled fish. Three ingredients: line caught fish, salt and a searing hot grill. I've never had better anywhere else in the world! A Legacy of Exploration and Discovery Portugal's history as a seafaring nation has profoundly influenced its cuisine. The Age of Discovery, starting in the 15th century, opened new culinary worlds for Portugal. Explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan brought back spices and ingredients from Africa, India, and the Far East. These included peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes, which have become staples in Portuguese cooking. Moorish Influence: The Spice Trail Before the Age of Discovery, Portugal was under Moorish rule for several centuries. This period introduced ingredients like almonds, citrus fruits, cinamon and saffron to the Portuguese kitchen. The Moors also brought techniques for marinating and preserving food, seen in dishes like Bacalhau (dried and salted codfish), a cornerstone of Portuguese cuisine. A Blend of Land and Sea Portugal's long coastline has made seafood a fundamental part of its diet. The Portuguese have mastered the art of preparing fish and shellfish in various ways, from simple grilling to rich, bouillabaisse like stews. Inland, the cuisine features robust, hearty dishes, often centered around pork and game, reflecting the agricultural traditions of the countryside. The Monastic Contribution to Portuguese Sweets Interestingly, many of Portugal's famous desserts and pastries have their origins in convents and monasteries. The use of egg yolks in sweets like Pastéis de Nata is attributed to nuns and monks using egg whites to starch their clothes, leaving an abundance of yolks to be used in baking. Wine: An Integral Part of the Cultural Fabric Lastly, no discussion of Portuguese cuisine is complete without mentioning its wine. From the robust Port wine, a byproduct of trade with England, to the refreshing Vinho Verde from the Minho region, wine is an integral part of the dining experience and reflects the diversity of the country's terroirs. The Welcoming Start: Bread and Olives, More Than Just an Appetizer As you settle down at a Portuguese restaurant, you'll often be greeted with a basket of freshly baked bread and a dish of marinated olives - and often a cured cheese and tuna paté. This isn't just a starter; it's a symbol of Portuguese hospitality and a warm welcome to your dining experience. Pão e Azeitonas: A Tradition Rooted in Generosity In Portugal, Pão (pow), or bread, and Azeitonas (ah-zay-toe-nahs), olives, are more than mere appetizers. They are an integral part of the meal and a representation of the country's rich culinary traditions. The bread, often a crusty loaf or soft rolls, is perfect for soaking up sauces and broths from your main dishes. The olives, typically marinated with garlic, herbs, and olive oil, are a testament to the country's love for simple yet flavorful ingredients. Not Just for Profit: Understanding the Custom While some visitors might think that these items are brought out to hike up the bill, that's not the primary intention. In many Portuguese restaurants, this gesture is deeply rooted in the custom of hospitality and sharing. There is usually a small charge for these items, but it's more about offering you a a quick respite from your hunger before the meal arrives, than about profit. I for one love this tradition! To Accept or Not: It's Your Choice Remember, you're not obliged to accept these nibbles. If you prefer not to have them, simply tell the waiter when they're brought to your table. Establishments will only charge for what you consume, so feel free to decline politely if you wish to skip them. Northern Portugal: The Land of Vinho and Bacalhau If you're in Porto, you may choose to start your day with a hearty Francesinha (fran-say-sheen-yah), a sandwich unlike any other, loaded with meats, cheese, and a beer-based sauce. Locals swear by these! Pair it with a glass of Vinho Verde (veen-yo vair-de), a young, slightly effervescent wine unique to the Minho valley region. Hailing from the Trás-os-Montes region in the north, Posta Mirandesa is a thick, juicy steak typically from the Mirandesa breed of cattle. Grilled to perfection and often served with a simple garnish of oven roast potatoes with garlic and olive oil. I have to be honest though, those beautiful cows look better to me on the hills than on my platter! Don't miss Bacalhau à Brás (bah-kah-lhow ah brahz), a beloved dish made with salted cod, onions, and straw potatoes, all bound together with scrambled eggs. It's comfort food at its best, and I've never had better cod than in northern Portugal - I think they keep the best for themselves! Central Portugal: Cheese, Cherries, and Sardines As you move to the heart of Portugal, be sure to try Queijo da Serra (kay-zhoo dah sair-rah), a creamy, dreamy sheep's cheese that's a national treasure. It's often enjoyed with a spoon – yes, it's that soft! In June, the town of Óbidos becomes a cherry-lover's paradise. Enjoy a glass of Ginjinha (zheen-zheen-yah), a sweet cherry liqueur that perfectly captures the essence of the region. And of course, you can't visit central Portugal without trying Sardinhas Assadas (sar-deen-yahs ah-sah-dahs) – grilled sardines, typically served on a slice of bread with a dash of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. In season (June and July mainly) they are simple, yet unforgettable. Lisbon: A Melting Pot of Flavors Lisbon, the bustling capital, offers a culinary melting pot. The classic must-try is as I mentioned earlier the iconic Pastéis de Nata (pash-tays de nah-tah). This Portuguese custard tart is really second to none, with its creamy filling and flaky crust. They are divine on their own or with a fresh coffee. If you like street food, a Prego (preh-goo) - steak sandwich - or a Bifana (beef-anna) - pork fillet sandwich - are widely available at taverns and dedicated establishments and make great food when you are on the go, exploring the capital's many delights. For a taste of the sea, dive into a plate of Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (ah-may-jwahs ah boo-lyown pahto), clams cooked in a fragrant garlic and cilantro broth. It's a dish that truly embodies the spirit of Lisbon. Alentejo: The Soul of Portuguese Cuisine In the sunny Alentejo, you'll find Açorda Alentejana (ah-sor-dah ah-len-tay-zhan-ah), a traditional bread soup flavored with garlic, coriander, and olive oil, often topped with a poached egg. It's a humble yet flavorful dish that warms the soul. And for meat lovers, there's Carne de Porco à Alentejana (kar-neh de por-koo ah ah-len-tay-zhan-ah), a tantalizing pork and clam dish that showcases the region's love for bold flavors. While the Alentejo repertoire is fairly limited, it is one of my very favorite world cuisines. In fact I decided to write a dedicated short guide to sing its praise! Algarve: A Seafood Haven Finally, in the even more sunny Algarve, savor the taste of the ocean with Cataplana de Mariscos (kat-ah-plah-nah de mah-rees-kosh), a seafood stew cooked in a traditional copper dish. It's a symphony of flavors with prawns, clams, and fish, all simmering in a savory broth. Don't forget to try Piri-Piri Chicken (pee-ree pee-ree), a spicy grilled chicken dish influenced by Portugal's former African colonies. It's a fiery delight, and makes the perfect aprés ride meal, paired with an ice cold beer! A Sweet Finale: The Delectable Desserts of Portugal Portuguese desserts are a delightful universe of flavors, each with its own story. These confections are often characterized by their richness and the extensive use of local ingredients like almonds, eggs, and cinnamon. A little know treat is the Sericaia (seer-i-caya), a soft, custard-like cake from Portugal's Alentejo region. It's typically served with cinnamon and a rich, candied plum. The simple recipe yields perhaps my favourite sweet. A delicious and satisfying dessert. Another must-try is the Arroz Doce (ah-rosh doh-she), a creamy rice pudding delicately flavored with lemon zest and cinnamon. It's a comforting treat often found in traditional Portuguese homes, especially during festive seasons. For almond lovers, Toucinho do Céu (too-seen-yoo doo say-oo), translated as 'Bacon from Heaven', is a misnomer that delights rather than deceives. It's a rich, moist almond cake, originally from convents, where nuns created heavenly sweets to sell for sustenance. If you're north of Lisbon, the Ovos Moles de Aveiro (oh-vosh moh-lesh de ah-vay-roo), a unique confection made from egg yolks and sugar, encased in a wafer shell. This treat, from the coastal town of Aveiro, is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of Portuguese conventual confectionery. Each of these desserts isn't just a treat for the palate but also a bite into the sweet history and traditions of Portugal, which I rather like. They make the perfect ending to any Portuguese meal, leaving a lasting impression of warmth and sweetness. I hope I have opened your appetite. Fear not about the calories, you can easily burn them all off on an exceptional bike tour in Portugal! In case this has left you felling a little thirsty, don't miss my article on Portuguese wines! Bom apetite (bohm ah-peh-teet) – enjoy your meal! Don't Miss Beyond the Tagus - Portugal's Alentejo, where you can take your time Moorish Marvels: The Forts and Castles of the Algarve A Short Guide to Andalucia Olive Oil: The Liquid Gold of Southern Spain
