Lisbon dethrones Paris as the culinary capital of Europe
Lisbon has recently been recognized as the Best Culinary Destination in Europe in the prestigious World Culinary Awards.
This is the first time the Portuguese capital has received this award, beating world-renowned cities such as Barcelona, Copenhagen, Florence, London, Paris and Vienna.
The public vote highlights the growing appreciation for Lisbon's gastronomic scene, which has captured the interest of travelers from all over the world.
The World Culinary Awards, considered an extension of the World Travel AwardsThey seek to recognize the best culinary practices and innovations globally.
Gastronomic Diversity: A Unique Attraction
One of the determining factors in Lisbon winning this award is its diverse culinary offerings. The Portuguese capital is known for its wide range of gastronomic experiences, which include:
- Traditional RestaurantsThese are places where typical Portuguese dishes such as grilled cod, grilled sardines, and custard tarts are served. These options keep culinary traditions alive and attract those seeking authentic flavors.
- Haute Cuisine and Michelin-starred ChefsLisbon is home to a growing number of signature restaurants and Michelin-starred establishments. Renowned chefs reinterpret classic Portuguese flavors, fusing innovative techniques with high-quality local ingredients.
- Markets and Local GastronomyPlaces like the Casa dos Caracóis o A Ginjinha EspinheiraThey offer a diverse culinary experience, where both locals and tourists can sample a selection of the best products and dishes from the region.
A Source of Pride for the City
The mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, expressed his satisfaction with this recognition, highlighting that it is a source of pride to see how the identity and traditions of this city are honored.
Moedas emphasized the importance of innovation in the city's gastronomy and the role played by professionals in the sector in keeping this heritage alive.
Furthermore, he acknowledged that this award boosts the local economy, since gastronomy has become a decisive factor in the choice of tourist destinations.
Lisbon and Christmas
The Portuguese capital also boasts its own Christmas traditions. One example is the Christmas tree in Praça do Comércio, which, at 76 meters tall, is the tallest in Europe.
Local cuisine also has its Christmas classics, such as “bacalhau com todo”which is cod cooked with vegetables and potatoes, closely linked to Catholic tradition. Other typical dishes for this time of year are... sardines and carrots, the seafood on the prowlAnd of course, the stuffed roast turkey.
And a Lisbon-style Christmas dinner wouldn't be complete without dessert! The must-have is the “bolo rei”, An exquisite sweet bread made with a soft dough, candied fruits and nuts that adorn its surface.
This iconic dessert, which symbolizes a royal crown, is joined by cream cakes and others such as... coscorões, azeviasrice pudding and the golden fats.
You can live and work in Lisbon with AIM Global
Lisbon's recognition in the World Culinary Awards This is just the beginning of a promising era for its gastronomy.
The combination of innovative chefs, a rich culinary tradition and a city open to new experiences positions the capital of Portugal as a culinary benchmark in Europe and the world.
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Our team of specialists, with offices in Santiago and Lisbon, has extensive experience to accompany you and provide you with the necessary support at each stage of the process.
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