Eating in Portugal

Christmas in Portugal runs from the Consoada supper on 24th December through family lunches to Twelfth Night.

Beyond pastéis de nata, Portugal hides a world of convent sweets and regional bakes shaped by egg yolks, cinnamon, almonds, and even carob.

What cheese is Portugal famous for? Beyond its stunning landscapes and historic cities, Portugal is also a paradise for food lovers. Traditional Portuguese cheeses are a true highlight of the country’s gastronomy, many of them carrying the prestigious PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) label.

Lisbon’s food scene is a fantastic mix of the old and the new. You have tiny, traditional restaurants tucked down side streets, right alongside busy food markets where you can try a bit of everything.

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.

Portugal’s got a proper sweet tooth, and it shows—just pop into any pastelaria and you’ll be spoiled for choice. The country takes its pastries seriously, with locals nipping in for a quick coffee and something sweet at all hours.

No visit to Portugal is complete without tucking into at least one pastel de nata. Born in the convent kitchens of Lisbon, this little custard tart has become a national icon.

If you’ve spent any time nosing around Portuguese cafés, you’ll know there’s one local treat that gets everyone talking – the pastel de nata.

Lisbon isn’t short of things it does well, but the custard tarts you’ll spot in every window from Belém to Alfama might be the city’s proudest export. The hunt for the best pastel de nata in Lisbon is a cherished pastime for both locals and newcomers.

First things first—what exactly is bacalhau, the Portuguese national dish? In Portugal, bacalhau refers to cod, specifically salt cod, which has long been a cornerstone of Portuguese cuisine.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Are you a dessert lover? If your answer is yes, Portugal is a great destination for you. Portuguese desserts are known for their rich flavours, use of traditional ingredients, and a sweet indulgence that reflects the country's culinary heritage.

For some years now the vegan phenomenon has been responsible for changing the way of life of many Portuguese people and meat-loving Portugal on the whole.

Portugal prides itself in excellent cuisine, and this is reflected in the number of Michelin stars awarded to the country's restaurants.

High inflation continues to leave its mark in Portugal, with various foodstuffs and basic everyday products rising in price. When it comes to the cost of food in Portugal, this is the case, for example, with bread, which rose 15% in Portugal in August 2022 compared to the same month last year.

When moving abroad, all things need to be considered, including the cost of living and specifics such as food prices. While Portugal is generally known for having low cost of living and being a cheap place to live, prices are on the rise.

When moving to another country, or even just when going on holidays, food is always an important issue. And one thing to check before travelling to a new destination is the time of different meals.

Going off meat is a an increasingly popular choice in the world of today, and all around the globe people are changing their diet to avoid meat, or even animal products entirely. But being vegan or vegetarian is more than a food choice today. It is a more sustainable lifestyle.

If you're planning on moving to Portugal in 2021, one of the key factors to consider is the cost of living. What is the average cost of living in Portugal? How much money do you need to live comfortably in Portugal? Where is the cheapest place to live in Portugal?

The Spanish supermarket giant Mercadona continues to invest in its expansion plan in Portugal, the first country chosen as part of the company's internationalisation strategy.

Mercadona marked its entry into Portugal in 2019, with the opening of a dozen stores in the northern part of the country.

It's one of the best-known national delicacies in the country. But the fame of the Pastel de Nata, a Portuguese custard tart which was invented centuries ago in the Monastery of Belém by members of the clergy, is becoming famous across borders.

Casa de Chá da Boa Nova restaurant in Leça da Palmeira (by 'chef' Rui Paula) won its second star from the Michelin Guide for Spain and Portugal 2020, which awarded a first star to four national establishments and removed it from three others.

Portugal is a great destination for foodies, especially seafood lovers.

If you really want to embrace a true Portuguese lifestyle, your days must start with a trip to the nearest pastelaria.

The Christmas season is upon us and if you are living or planning to live in Portugal you might as well start getting acquainted with all the traditions.