Popular Food in Portugal: Must-Try Delicacies
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Popular Food in Portugal: Must-Try Delicacies

Portugal's cuisine is heavily influenced by seafood and Mediterranean flavors. Traditional dishes like Francesinha, Caldo Verde, and Pasteis de Nata highlight the country's rich culinary heritage.

  • 16 Apr 2025
  • 3 min read
  • 4 views

Portuguese food celebrates the flavours of the sea in every dish. It’s heavily influenced by the Mediterranean diet as well as Indian, Brazilian, and Maghreb flavours. Most traditional foods focus on local, seasonal ingredients.

List of popular food in Portugal

When you’re in Portugal, traditional foods that must be on your plate are:

  • Francesinha

This Portuguese sandwich is a staple snack in Porto. It’s made with ham, steak, roast, and other assorted meats sandwiched between 2 slices of toasted bread and slathered with melted cheese.

  • Pasteis de Nata

Pasteis de Nata is the local name for the famous Portuguese egg tarts, which originated in the Jerónimos Monastery. These pastries are characterised by a flaky, buttery crust, creamy filling, and powdered cinnamon sugar garnish.

  • Carne de Porco à Alentejana

This is a dish intended for lazy weekends. The pork and clam combination may seem odd at first, but it comes together beautifully with white wine and a wide assortment of herbs. It’s traditionally served with fried or baked potatoes.

  • Caldo Verde

Every spoonful of this ‘green broth’ is comforting. The soup gets its characteristic colour from kale, while chorizo and potatoes add a depth of flavour. You can enjoy this as a light lunch or as the first course for supper.

  • Sardinhas Assadas

Simple flavours meet Portuguese traditions with this seafood dish. There’s nothing complex about this plate of grilled sardines. It’s best enjoyed with a wedge of lemon, fresh salad, potatoes and Portuguese cornbread.

Conclusion

Many Portuguese dishes are centred around seafood. Shellfish broth is a common base, so make sure you clarify ingredients with your server, especially if you’re allergic. In addition to being cautious with food, having comprehensive travel insurance ensures you're covered in case of unexpected medical emergencies, including allergic reactions.

Single trip travel insurance also covers all common travel-related emergencies, such as lost baggage and cancelled or delayed bookings, offering complete security during your travels. You can browse travel insurance online to select the one that suits you best.


Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information. 

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