Planning a holiday or thinking of moving to Portugal in 2025? Then you’re in for a real treat—literally. Portuguese food is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, offering bold flavours, hearty dishes, and rich culinary traditions influenced by Mediterranean and Atlantic cuisines. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, no trip is complete without tasting the country’s most iconic dishes.
This food travel guide takes you across Portugal to discover 10 traditional Portuguese dishes you need to try in 2025, complete with restaurant recommendations and tips on where to stay.
Traditional Portuguese Food: 10 Must-Try Dishes in 2025
Papas de Sarrabulho - Minho
One of the most traditional Portuguese dishes, Papas de Sarrabulho is a bold and warming stew made with pork, chicken, ham, sausage, bread or corn flour, cumin, lemon—and pig’s blood. It’s a delicacy from Minho in northern Portugal and best enjoyed in winter.
Where to try it: Restaurante Carias, Minho
Feijoada à transmontana - Trás-os-montes
A rustic bean stew that reflects the resilience of rural Portugal. Feijoada à transmontana is made with red beans and various pork cuts, rooted in the farming communities of Trás-os-Montes. It’s filling, rich, and deeply traditional.
Where to try it: Bons Tempos, Vila Real
Francesinha - Porto
A must-try in Porto, the Francesinha is a decadent sandwich layered with steak, ham, sausage and cheese, smothered in a spicy tomato and beer sauce. It’s usually served with chips and best paired with a cold local beer.
Where to try it: Café Santiago, Porto
Ovos moles - Aveiro
From the picturesque canals of Aveiro, Ovos Moles is a sweet treat made from egg yolks and sugar, traditionally shaped into shells and fish. It originated in convents and remains one of Portugal’s most unique desserts.
Where to try it: Confeitaria Peixinho, Aveiro
Queijo da Serra - Beira Alta
We couldn't take a food tour of Portugal and not mention some of Portugal's best cheese. Queijo da Serra is Portugal’s most famous cheese, made from raw sheep’s milk in Serra da Estrela. Creamy, pungent and rich in flavour, it’s usually eaten spread on bread or matured to a firmer consistency.
Where to try it: Solar do Queijo, Celorico da Beira (Guarda district)
Leitão da Bairrada - Beira Litoral
Leitão, or roast suckling pig, is a festive dish from the Bairrada region, now enjoyed nationwide. Slow-roasted in a wood-fired oven, it has irresistibly crispy skin and tender meat.
Where to try it: Rui dos Leitões, Coimbra
Caldeirada de peixe - Ribatejo
A flavour-packed fish stew made with mackerel, monkfish, cod, shellfish and vegetables. Caldeirada de peixe is beloved in Ribatejo and Setúbal, and is ideal for seafood lovers.
Where to try it: Lobo do Mar, Santarém
Pastéis de Belém - Lisbon
Perhaps Portugal’s most famous sweet, Pastéis de Belém or pastel de nata are custard tarts with a crisp pastry shell and creamy centre. The original recipe is still a secret, passed down since 1837.
Where to try it: Pastéis de Belém shop, Lisbon
Choco frito - Setúbal
Choco frito, or fried cuttlefish, is Setúbal’s signature dish. Served with chips and a slice of lemon, it's crispy, tender, and perfect to enjoy on a sunny terrace by the sea.
Where to try it: Rei Do Choco Frito, Setúbal
Migas - Alentejo
Made with bread, garlic, olive oil, pork, tomatoes, and coriander, Migas is a rustic dish from Alentejo. Often served as a side, it’s deeply savoury and satisfying.
Where to try it: Taberna do Adro, Elvas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portugal’s most famous traditional dish?
Pastéis de Belém (custard tarts) and Bacalhau à Brás are among the most iconic Portuguese dishes.
What food is typical in northern Portugal?
Dishes like Papas de Sarrabulho and Feijoada à Transmontana are staples in the north, known for their hearty, meat-based ingredients.
Is Portuguese food spicy?
Not typically. Portuguese cuisine is more about herbs and savoury depth, though dishes like Francesinha may have a spicy sauce.
Where can I try the best seafood in Portugal?
Setúbal is famous for choco frito, and coastal areas like Ribatejo offer excellent fish stews like caldeirada.
Taste your way across Portugal in 2025
From the creamy pastéis de Belém in Lisbon to the smoky, slow-cooked stews of the north, traditional Portuguese cuisine in 2025 is bursting with flavour and cultural depth. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a permanent move, these dishes are the perfect introduction to Portugal’s regional variety and culinary heritage.
Ready to taste the real Portugal? Start planning your food-inspired trip today! And if you decide to move to Portugal to enjoy the cuisine all year round, make sure to check out our selection of property for sale in Portugal.
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