Lisbon was recently honored as the Best Culinary Destination in Europe at the prestigious World Culinary Awards.
This marks the first time the Portuguese capital has received this distinction, surpassing globally renowned cities such as Barcelona, Copenhagen, Florence, London, Paris, and Vienna.
The award, determined by public voting, highlights the growing appreciation for Lisbon’s vibrant culinary scene, which has captured the interest of travelers worldwide.
The World Culinary Awards, an extension of the World Travel Awards, aim to recognize the best practices and culinary innovations on a global scale.
Culinary Diversity: A Unique Appeal
One of the key factors behind Lisbon’s recognition is its diverse culinary offerings. The Portuguese capital is renowned for its wide range of gastronomic experiences, including:
Traditional Restaurants: Venues that serve classic Portuguese dishes such as grilled codfish, roasted sardines, and pastéis de nata. These establishments preserve culinary traditions and attract those seeking authentic flavors.
Fine Dining and Michelin-Starred Chefs: Lisbon is home to a growing number of signature restaurants and Michelin-starred establishments. Renowned chefs reinterpret classic Portuguese flavors, blending innovative techniques with high-quality local ingredients.
Markets and Local Gastronomy: Places like Casa dos Caracóis and A Ginjinha Espinheira offer a diverse culinary experience, where locals and tourists can enjoy the region’s finest products and dishes.
A Source of Pride for the City
Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, expressed his pride in this recognition, emphasizing how it honors the city’s identity and traditions.
Moedas highlighted the importance of innovation in Lisbon’s gastronomy and the vital role of culinary professionals in keeping this heritage alive.
He also noted that this award boosts the local economy, as gastronomy has become a decisive factor in choosing travel destinations.
Lisbon and the Christmas Spirit
The Portuguese capital also boasts rich Christmas traditions. One example is the Christmas Tree at Praça do Comércio, which, at 76 meters tall, is the tallest in Europe.
Local gastronomy plays a central role during the holidays, with traditional dishes like bacalhau com todo—boiled codfish with vegetables and potatoes. Other festive dishes include sardines and carrots, seafood platters, and, of course, roasted stuffed turkey.
No Lisbon Christmas dinner would be complete without dessert. The must-have is the bolo rei, delightful sweet bread made with a soft dough and topped with candied fruits and nuts, symbolizing a royal crown.
This iconic dessert is joined by pastéis de nata, coscorões, azevias, rice pudding, and fatias douradas, offering a wide array of sweet treats to enjoy.
Live and Work in Lisbon with AIM Global
Lisbon’s recognition in the World Culinary Awards is just the beginning of a promising era for its gastronomy.
A blend of innovative chefs, rich culinary traditions, and a city open to new experiences positions the Portuguese capital as a culinary leader in Europe and beyond.
At AIM Global, we are ready to guide you in obtaining the various visas Portugal offers. Options include the Golden Visa—recognized as one of the best globally—the D2 Visa for entrepreneurs, the Startup Visa, the Highly Qualified Worker (HQA) Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa, and the D7 Visa for individuals with passive income, among others.
Our team of specialists, with offices in Santiago and Lisbon, has extensive experience to support and guide you through every step of the process.
Schedule a free consultation with us and start planning your new residence with the confidence only AIM Global can provide.
