Eating in Portugal

Not only is Portugal a country with plenty to see and do, but it is also well known for its delicious gastronomic scene, with local produce taking centre stage.

If you are thinking of moving to Portugal or spending a weekend break in the country, you won't have missed out on the fact that Portugal is famous for its amazing food.

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.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Are you a dessert lover? If your answer is yes, Portugal is a great destination for you. This country really appreciates food, and desserts are no exception.

Portugal is a great destination for foodies, especially seafood lovers. The Portuguese coast supplies some of the freshest fish and seafood in the world and fish is the star of many dishes in the country’s gastronomical scene (surely you have heard about “Bacalhau”).

If you really want to embrace a true Portuguese lifestyle, your days must start with a trip to the nearest pastelaria. This perfect mix between pastry shop, café and restaurant is a place where you can buy bread, pastries, have a cup of coffee or even eat something for lunch.

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. All around the world this is a time for family gatherings, love and obviously a lot of food and the Portuguese are no exception.

What is the main staple in Portuguese cuisine? “Bacalhau”, of course. Cod fish is very important in this country, historically, economically and culturally, being showcased in many museums, fairs and, obviously, in the thousands of recipes in which cod is the star ingredient.

If you’ve already lived in Portugal for a while, you’ll know what we mean. If you’re getting ready to go there, be warned about what you might find – Portuguese people are really lovely but have some strange customs. Here, we run down the 10 strangest habits of the Portuguese.

According to a report presented by CNN, "Portugal is the best kept foodie secret in Europe" and it gives 10 reasons proving it. Let’s dive in to Portuguese cuisine and find out why this country is such a gastronomical delight.