From port to pastéis: A foodies’ guide to Portugal
Sink your teeth into Portugal’s finest culinary delights as you explore this enchanting Iberian destination bite by bite.
For many holidaymakers, Portugal ranks amongst the most popular travel destinations in Europe, and with such a rich variety of historic landmarks, scenic country stretches and enchanting rural towns, it’s no surprise why. Exploring can be hungry work, though, so what better way to keep yourself ticking over than with a bite or two of the country’s culinary delights?
Our resident foodies have been curating a list of must-try foods from across the Iberian Peninsula, from the salt-cured fish dishes of the Algarve to Lisbon’s indulgent street-food sweets. What’s more, you won’t need to wait to try some of Portugal’s most popular small plates with our easy-to-follow pastéis de bacalhau recipe. Without further ado, though, here are five Portuguese delicacies you won’t want to miss on your travels.
Port, Douro Valley
Known for its wine, the Douro Valley is a must-visit for amateur wine-tasters and connoisseurs alike. As the birthplace and only place in the world to officially produce port, there really is nowhere better to sample this decadent fortified wine. Vineyard-laden Favaios is one of the Douro's lesser-known highlights, offering opportunities to witness authentic wine-making processes in action at the charming wine-estate, Quinta Avessada, and learn more about two staples of the region's cuisine with a stop at the Bread and Wine Museum. For a more food-oriented excursion, pair the Lamego region's fresh local produce with sweeter notes of a chilled local moscatel, a dessert wine produced in the region, with a tour of a local adega (wine cellar).
Pastéis de nata, Porto
No trip to riverside Porto would be complete without a taste of the city’s famous pastéis de nata, an egg custard tart voted by the public as one of Portugal’s ‘Seven Wonders of Gastronomy’. Witness the city’s historic landmarks with one of these popular pastries in your hand, and enjoy Porto’s undeniable charm, with its labyrinth of cobbled streets, fresco restaurants, and shops.
Seafood, The Algarve
For the country’s freshest catches, there are few places quite like the glittering Algarve and the bustling fish markets of colourful Olhao are a must-visit for seafood lovers. Try some of their traditional muxama (salt-cured tuna) or head onto Albufeira, a small town with a rich maritime heritage, where the daily catch is taken straight into the market most mornings. After a busy morning’s excursion to the markets, there aren’t many greater pleasures than unwinding with a freshly brewed coffee at one of the Old Town Square’s pavement-side cafés.
Francesinha, Lisbon
The wonderful national capital, Lisbon, is a staple of most travel itineraries in Portugal and as you embrace the city’s lively atmosphere and its iconic 18th-century pombaline architecture, you’ll work up quite an appetite. To fuel your exploration, why not enjoy one or two of Lisbon’s most popular dishes? For a warming festive treat in the Portuguese winter, the bolo de rei, a brioche-like festive cake made of a mixture that contains raisins, nuts and crystallised fruits, doesn’t disappoint! In the warmer months, though, few meals compare to a decadent Francesinha, the city’s signature sandwich made with layers of toasted bread with a range of different meats covered by a slice of melted cheese and a tomato-and-beer sauce.
Try your hand at a Portuguese delicacy
Want to get a taste of Portugal from the comfort of your own kitchen? Our team have put together a simple recipe for the country’s popular street food, pastéis de bacalhau (salted cod fritters). This tasty snack or appetiser can be enjoyed hot or cold, and only takes a handful of ingredients to make.
What you’ll need:
- 400g of cod
- 750g of cooked potatoes
- One large onion finely chopped
- One large egg yolk
- Seasonings: salt, parsley, black pepper, nutmeg
- One litre of vegetable oil to fry
- one tbsp potato starch
How to make your pastéis de bacalhau:
1. Bring to boil a medium-sized pan and let the cod pieces simmer for eight minutes.
2. Remove the cod and use the same water to boil the potatoes with its skin until soft.
3. While the potatoes are boiling, shred the cooked cod.
4. Once the potatoes are boiled, mash them in a bowl.
5. Combine the mash, shredded cod and seasonings all together. If it seems too liquid, add the tablespoon of potato starch.
6. Form the dough into almond-shaped balls by using two teaspoons.
7. Deep fry the balls in oil until browned.
8. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and enjoy!
Savour Portugal’s culinary delights with Newmarket Holidays
Feeling peckish? Our friendly holiday planners are on hand to help get your culinary caper in Portugal off to a winning start. Whether you’re ready to book your dream holiday, or simply want to chat through every option, give them a call today. You can also find full details of each wish-list tour on our dedicated Portugal webpage, or check out our full range of global destinations.
