Flavors of Portugal: A Culinary Journey That Inspires Change

Portugal is a country that captivates, with its landscapes, its people, and most of all, its food. There’s something magical about its cuisine: it’s simple, authentic, and flavorful. Whether you prefer a fine dining experience or a meal at a local market, you will always find something that surprises you and makes you feel at home.

Unlike Spain’s Mediterranean influence, the Atlantic Ocean shapes Portuguese cuisine, incorporating both traditional ingredients and global influences.

In this blog, you’ll find must-visit places to eat in Portugal—spots where the food, the ambiance, and the people will make your experience unforgettable. Discover them!

Pastéis de Belém (Lisbon): Probably one of the most well-known culinary delights of Portugal: “pastéis de nata” or custard tarts. To taste one of the most authentic recipes, it’s best to visit “Pastéis de Belém,” an old monastery turned bakery, located in Belém, about 20 minutes from Lisbon. There, they still use a recipe that dates back to 1837.

Casa dos Caracóis (Lisbon): Yes, snails! While we often associate them with France, the Portuguese love snails, and they are a summer classic in the country. Casa dos Caracóis, with several locations in Lisbon, specializes in snails and is a popular choice for this seasonal delicacy. However, each Portuguese neighborhood likely has at least one restaurant dedicated to this dish.

A Ginjinha (Lisbon): Since a good meal is always paired with a good drink, let’s talk about Ginja. This liqueur, which combines brandy, sugar, and sour cherries following a centuries-old recipe, has become synonymous with Lisbon’s Largo de São Domingos neighborhood. There you’ll find A Ginjinha Espinheira, a place that has served this drink since 1840, offering an authentic taste of tradition in the historic center of Portugal’s capital.

Líder (Porto): Residents of Porto are known as Tripeiros, or “Tripe Eaters,” for their fondness for tripe dishes, also known as mondongo in other countries. Líder restaurant is a must-visit for enjoying this traditional preparation, where tripe is cooked with white beans and smoked meats. The place is run by the founder of the Gastronomic Brotherhood of Porto-style Tripe. This one is not to be missed!

A Regaleira (Porto): If there is one sandwich that identifies Porto, it is probably the Francesinha. It’s a local version of the hearty “croque monsieur” French sandwich, and tradition says it was invented in the 1950s at A Regaleira. A visit to this restaurant allows you to enjoy the classic version of the sandwich and admire an impressive collection of Francesinha-themed art. A great collection for a great dish, a must for anyone visiting Porto.

Poças (Vila Nova de Gaia): If the Francesinha is Porto’s emblematic food, then Port Wine is its iconic drink, so much so that it gives the city its name. Poças is the only wine house still locally owned. In addition to preserving the family legacy, Poças produces some of the most innovative Port wines. For example, in 2018, to celebrate the brand’s centenary, they produced bottles of “vinho quinado,” a quinine-infused wine that was once consumed in Portugal’s colonies, but today is a rarity.

These establishments, combining tradition with innovation, are just a brief sample of the distinctive flavors and culinary heritage of Portugal.

Want to live or work in Portugal?

At AIM Global, we can assist you in applying for the various visas that this country offers. From the Golden Visa—one of the best-ranked in the world—to the D2 Visa (residence visa for entrepreneurs), the so-called ‘Startup Visa,’ the Highly Qualified Worker Visa (HQA), the Digital Nomad Visa, and the D7 Visa for non-profit activities, among others.

Our team is experienced in international mobility and has the expertise to guide and advise you throughout the entire process. Schedule a meeting with us and start making your dream of becoming a global citizen a reality.

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