One of the most enticing aspects of relocating to Portugal is the opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich and diverse food culture. Portugal is renowned for its culinary traditions, which are deeply rooted in history and influenced by its proximity to the coast.
From savoury seafood dishes and hearty stews, Portuguese cuisine is hugely varied and an exciting cuisine to throw yourself into. Whether you’re a food enthusiast eager to explore new flavours or simply curious about what’s on the menu in your new home, this blog will give you a look into what to expect.
An Introduction to Portuguese Food
Portugal is a country that’s known for its food, and it’s easy to see why it has such a good reputation. When you move to Portugal, you’ll find that food is more than just sustenance, it’s a central part of the culture and daily life. Portuguese food reflects a blend of influences, including Mediterranean, Atlantic and colonial elements, resulting in a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape unlike any other. When you’re eating in Portugal, you can expect a journey of flavours, where every meal tells a story. From hearty traditional dishes, to fresh seafood and delightful pastries, there’s something for everyone when it comes to Portuguese cuisine.
What to Expect From Portuguese Cuisine
A lot of people make the mistake of assuming that Portuguese cuisine is the same as the food found in Spain, but this isn’t the case. Portuguese cuisine is known for its use of fresh and high quality ingredients, and for offering a range of flavours that cater to both adventurous and traditional palates.
Seafood
Portugal’s extensive coastline makes seafood a staple in Portuguese cuisine. You’ll encounter a variety of seafood dishes, from grilled sardines to hearty seafood stews, such as caldeirada. The famous bacalhau, containing salted cod, is a favourite national dish that’s prepared in various ways and enjoyed throughout the year.
Hearty Dishes
Traditional Portuguese meals often feature rich, comforting dishes. Look out for feijoada, a savoury bean stew with pork, and cozido à portuguesa, which is a meat and vegetable stew. These dishes are perfect for sharing and embody the warm, communal spirit of Portuguese dining.
Pastries
No discussion of Portuguese food is complete without mentioning the pastries. The most iconic is the pastéis de nata, a creamy custard tart with a crisp, flaky pastry shell. These sweet treats are found in bakeries throughout Portugal and are a must try for anyone visiting.
Simple Flavours
Portuguese cuisine emphasises simplicity and the natural flavours of ingredients. Expect dishes that highlight fresh herbs, quality olive oil and a generous use of garlic. Meals are often seasoned with spice and chilli, and complemented by a glass of local wine.
Wine and Spirits
Portugal is famous for its wines, especially Port and Vinho Verde. The country’s diverse wine regions offer something for every palate, from strong reds to crisp whites. It also boasts ginjinha, a cherry liqueur that’s a local specialty.
Dining Culture
Meals in Portugal are often leisurely affairs, enjoyed with family and friends. You should expect long, relaxed lunches and dinners, where food is savoured and conversation is a focus. Dining out is a pleasurable experience, with many restaurants offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Regional Specialties
Portugal’s regions each have their own culinary specialties. For example, the Algarve is known for its seafood and citrus fruits, while the Douro Valley is celebrated for its wine. The specialties you find yourself surrounded with will depend on where in Portugal you move to.
‘Must Try’ Dishes in Portugal
Whether you’re exploring bustling cities or quaint villages, here are some quintessential Portuguese dishes you absolutely must try.
Bacalhau à Brás
This is a beloved Portuguese dish featuring shredded salted cod, mixed with finely chopped onions, garlic and fries, all bound together with scrambled eggs. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and black olives, this dish is a comforting classic that showcases the versatility of Portugal’s famous salted cod.
Caldeirada
This hearty fish stew is a staple of Portuguese coastal cuisine. It combines a variety of fresh seafood – such as fish, shrimp and clams – with tomatoes, potatoes and herbs. The result is a rich, flavorful stew that captures the essence of Portugal’s maritime heritage.
Feijoada
Feijoada is a traditional Portuguese stew made with black beans and a variety of salted and cured meats, including pork and chorizo. Often served with rice, greens and orange slices, this dish is hearty and full of flavour, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Pastéis de Nata
No visit to Portugal is complete without indulging in pastéis de nata, also known as pastel de nata. These famous custard tarts feature a creamy, vanilla flavoured filling encased in a crisp, flaky pastry shell. They’re often enjoyed with a dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Cozido à Portuguesa
Cozido à Portuguesa is a robust Portuguese stew that includes a variety of meats – such as pork, beef, and chicken – sausages and vegetables like potatoes, carrots and cabbage. It’s a comforting dish that highlights Portugal’s love for hearty, home cooked meals.
Arroz de Marisco
Arroz de marisco is a seafood and rice dish that combines a medley of shellfish, such as shrimp, clams and mussels, with rice cooked in a rich, tomato based broth. This dish is a favourite in coastal regions and is known for its vibrant flavours and satisfying texture.
Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá
This is another way to enjoy bacalhau, a baked dish that layers salted cod with onions, potatoes, olives and eggs. It’s a savoury and satisfying dish that highlights the importance of bacalhau in Portuguese cuisine.
Ginjinha
This is a must try Portuguese liqueur. Made from infusing ginja berries, a type of sour cherry, with a Portuguese spirit called aguardente, ginjinha is often served with a piece of the fruit in the glass. This sweet and slightly tart liqueur is a popular local specialty.
Piri Piri Chicken
One of Portugal’s most famous exports, piri piri chicken is a spicy grilled dish marinated in a tangy blend of piri piri peppers, garlic and lemon. The heat of the piri piri peppers is balanced by the charred flavours from grilling, making this a favourite among those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Sardinhas Assadas
Grilled sardines are a popular summer dish in Portugal. Simply seasoned with sea salt and grilled to perfection, these sardines are often served with a side of salad and crusty bread.
Where to Find Your Favourite UK Food in Portugal
Once you have successfully sold your house and found somewhere to live in Portugal, it’s time to embrace everything this beautiful country has to offer. But, this doesn’t mean saying goodbye to all of your favourites at home.
If you’re moving to Portugal and find yourself craving familiar tastes from the UK, you’re in luck, as Portugal offers several options for expats. Major cities, such as Lisbon and Porto, as well as expat friendly towns and the Algarve region boast a variety of British food establishments. In these areas, you’ll find British pubs and cafes that serve classic dishes like fish and chips and full English breakfasts. Supermarkets and speciality stores catering to expats often stock UK staples, from baked beans and Marmite to traditional biscuits and crisps.
Enjoy Portugal’s Food as an Expat
As an expat moving to Portugal, you’ll have an array of Portuguese cuisine to enjoy. But, before you can dive into this culinary adventure, it’s important to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Hiring a professional removals company, such as United International Removals, can streamline the relocation process. We handle everything from packing and transporting your belongings, to navigating customs and ensuring a timely delivery.
By organising your move with the help of our experts, you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free moving experience, allowing you to focus on settling in and savouring all the delicious food Portugal has to offer. Contact us to find out more.