Foods you can really only eat in Portugal
In a world where globalization often dilutes the specific flavors of each part of the world, it’s increasingly hard to come across foods which speak highly of the region where they are produced or consumed. We’re not exactly talking about indigenous ingredients, but mostly recipes and food products which are unique to a certain region, in this case, Portugal.
While global chains introduce homogeneity across borders, they paradoxically can also play a pivotal role in celebrating local tastes, as they adapt international flavors to the local market.
Today, we embark on a delicious journey through the unique gastronomic treasures of Portugal. We have written plenty about traditional recipes and typical foods and drinks from our country – this is exactly what we share with you during our food and cultural walking tours in Lisbon. However, on this occasion, we’d like to take our food explorations a little out of the box, by putting the spotlight on foods which we believe you can truly only eat in Portugal. We’re not here to state that these are the best bites our country has to offer, not at all! However they are fun foods to be explored, particularly by keen foodies who are always curious to go beyond the more obvious choices and who’d like to get a little closer to things that, whether we like them or not, are undeniably a part of our eating habits and national food culture.
Feat photo by NCultura Notícias
Very Portuguese toppings on fast food pizza
One of the most fun surprises in Portuguese fast food is the adaptation of pizza toppings to reflect local tastes. Chains like Telepizza introduce the Portuguese palate through innovative toppings. For example, salted cod (bacalhau), an undeniable staple of Portuguese cuisine, finds itself on pizzas alongside olives and onions, providing a salty and robust flavor that may be a bit of an acquired taste to some, but that it’s generally quite well accepted by the Portuguese. What wasn’t as well received, because honestly they were pushing it a bit too hard, was the pizza with salt cod lasagna, also by Telepizza (see video above). It might not have been our favorite food on earth, but we ought to give credit to this brand for the boldness it takes to put this out there with the slogan “pizza, lasagna and bacalhau… the best of the three worlds”!
Similarly, the combination of blood sausage (morcela) and pineapple offers a bold juxtaposition of flavors, balancing the earthy taste of the sausage with the sweet acidity of the fruit. Of course brands like Telepizza didn’t come up with this flavor combination of their own, and morcela com ananás is actually a beloved petisco across Portugal. So if it’s usually enjoyed with bread… why not put it atop a pizza base?
Farinheira, a typical Portuguese smoked sausage made from pork, wine, paprika, and garlic, showcases Portugal’s love for aromatic and intense flavors on a simple pizza. Alheira, a sausage made from poultry and game meats, was originally created by Jews during the Inquisition to evade religious persecution. Today it is most commonly prepared with pork and it’s enjoyed on pizzas (and burgers too!) demonstrating a deep connection to Portuguese history.
Lastly, spit-roasted suckling pig (leitão), a specialty of the Bairrada region, represents the festive spirit of Portuguese celebrations. Traditionally savored during major festivities and family gatherings, this meaty delicacy can also enhance an otherwise simple pizza. Unfortunately, this is not something we come across regularly but, at least at the Telepizza store in Mealhada (Lugar das Pedrinhas, Intermarché, Mealhada), they are known to include the succulent meat on their pies, fusing fast food with the deepest culinary heritage of Portugal in such an interesting way.
Portuguese flavors in global chains like McDonald’s and Burger King
Photo by Zanzemos
The influence of the Portuguese kitchen extends into the menus of international fast-food chains, exemplifying how local tastes can shape global offerings.
Many visitors to our country are surprised to find out that McDonald’s in Portugal serves a fairly wide range of soups, including the most iconic of them all, caldo verde, prepared with collard greens, potatoes, onions and chorizo. Back in the day, McDonald’s even offered a McBifana, a take on the popular marinated pork steak sandwich from Portugal, which many would be happy to see back on the menu.
The inclusion of desserts like the sundae delícia de ovo and the baba de camelo sundae in McDonald’s menu are a testament of how attached we are to the traditional range of Portuguese desserts. One wouldn’t imagine that a soft serve ice-cream could be enhance with a topping of the conventual recipe of sweet egg yolks or condensed milk mousse, but the truth is that many have come to love these treats, which appeal to a more contemporary taste yet make us reminisce of the flavors we have grown up with. It’s also interesting to note how, between brands, there’s a certain rivalry in paying tribute to local flavors and, in response to McDonald’s very Portuguese treats, Burger King also launched a limited edition King Fusion doce de ovos moles, illustrating yet another successful fusion of traditional Portuguese sweets with global fast food recipes.
The iconic Francesinha
Photo by Evasões
The origins of Francesinha can be traced back to the 1950s. This sandwich, which has become synonymous with the food of Porto, was developed by Daniel Silva, a returned emigrant from France who was inspired by the croque-monsieur. Silva aimed to adapt this French classic to the Portuguese palate, infusing it with local ingredients and bolder flavors.
This hearty sandwich is constructed from layers of bread encasing ham, cured pork sausages, fresh sausage or steak, and occasionally other meats. It is then generously covered with melted cheese and drenched in a thick, heavily condimented tomato and beer sauce. The result is a robust meal of complex flavor, perfect for when you are very hungry indeed.
Traditionally, the Francesinha is best enjoyed in its birthplace, Porto, where chefs have been perfecting the recipe for over half a century. However, its popularity has led to its availability across Portugal, with variations to cater to a broader range of dietary preferences. Contemporary takes on the Francesinha include vegetarian options, which substitute meats with grilled vegetables and soy-based proteins, and seafood versions that feature tuna steak and other seafood like shrimps, instead of pork and beef.
Despite its international fame, the Francesinha is rarely found outside Portugal. While some Portuguese restaurants around the world may offer it, the taste is often not quite the same. This difference is likely due to the availability and quality of specific Portuguese ingredients, particularly the sausages, whose unique flavors are difficult to replicate abroad. The Francesinha’s reliance on these local ingredients means that the authentic taste of this beloved dish is best experienced within Portugal itself.
Nestum: a taste of Portuguese childhood
Photo by O Cantinho da Sonia
Nestum, a beloved breakfast cereal in Portugal, has been warming the mornings of many families for over sixty years. Introduced in the 1960s, Nestum quickly became a household staple due to its nutritious profile and ease of preparation, offering a quick, comforting meal to start the day.
Nestum is available in a variety of flavors such as honey, chocolate, various fruits and, the most Portuguese flavor of them all, bolacha Maria, that is, typical biscuits similar to rich tea biscuits.
Even though Nestum consists of thin flakes and, once mixed with milk, the consistency resembles a porridge babies or toddlers would like, the truth is that Nestum is beloved by folks of all generations. The cereal’s ability to evoke nostalgia makes it particularly popular among Portuguese expatriates, who often seek it out to recreate the flavors of home. Beyond its taste, Nestum has played a significant role in Portuguese food culture, often being one of the first solid foods introduced to children, so no wonder that, being a part of the upbringing of many Portuguese, has made Nestum carve a spot in the heart of many of us through our lives, and now we sometimes even use it to bake cakes (as pictured above).
A taste of the jungle with Um Bongo
The mixed fruit juice known as Um Bongo, has been quenching the thirst of Portuguese since the 1980s. Known for its catchy slogan, “Um Bongo, Um Bongo, o bom sabor da selva” the juice has not only entertained with its fun advertising but has also provided a taste of the tropics with its unique blend of eight fruits.
Originally marketed as a children’s drink, Um Bongo has maintained its appeal across generations, becoming a nostalgic beverage for adults as well. Its playful, colorful packaging makes it stand out on supermarket shelves, where sometimes as adults we still grab a little box, perforate it with a tiny straw and sip as we play inside our minds the catchy song from their TV ads (see video above), which takes us back to our joyful childhood days.
Ananás dos Açores | Pineapples from the Azores
Photo by Vida Rural
Introduced to the Azores in the 19th century, the cultivation of pineapples became a significant industry by the early 20th century, especially as a luxury item for export. Curiously enough, today, the production is rather small and many are willing to pay what an Azorean pineapple costs, so you’ll rarely find these island fruits abroad. In fact, they are not even so readily available across mainland Portugal itself, unless you go to an Azorean speciality store, such as those in the big cities.
Unlike other pineapples, the Ananás dos Açores is grown in greenhouses, a method developed to adapt to the cooler Azorean climate. This technique, combined with the volcanic soil of the islands, allows the fruit to develop its renowned sweetness and intense aroma over a slow ripening process – this entire process takes no more no less than two years! The rarity of this pineapple, due to the labor-intensive and time-consuming cultivation methods, makes it a prized delicacy both in Portugal and among gourmet circles worldwide. If you aren’t lucky enough to travel to the Azores, you may get to purchase it at stores in Lisbon such as:
Mercearia dos Açores
📍Rua da Madalena 115, 1100-318 Lisbon
Loja Açores
📍Rua Viriato 14C, 1050-010 Lisbon
As we’ve explored some of Portugal’s most unique foods, we hope you’re as excited as we are to dig in even deeper. To continue this culinary adventure, be sure to follow us on Instagram #tasteoflisboa
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