Lisbon food culture

  Ask a Lisboner who’s the city’s patron saint and the top-of-mind answer might as well be “Saint Anthony”. This one is surely the most popular saint in town and his popularity has largely surpassed St. Vincent’s, who happens to be the official patron saint of Lisbon, even though we don’t have joyful reasons to…

  Campolide is certainly not the most touristic of Lisbon’s neighborhoods. In fact, we suspect not many travelers end up making it to this part of Lisbon, unless they are going to browse stores at Amoreiras Shopping Center (Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco 48) or, at the most, interested in visiting Aqueduto das Águas Livres, the…

  As much as we love intimate dinners and small places, where it feels like the restaurants almost exist for our own sake, sometimes we like going out in big groups too. In fact, particularly as Christmas comes around, we know that other companies are also into organizing dinners out with their employees, as a…

  We sincerely believe that Ericeira is one of the best day trips from Lisbon. You can get to this seaside town in less than one hour’s drive or even by public bus departing from Campo Grande, which is on the green line of the metro. There are plenty of options most of the day,…

  “The first essential component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind. Food is the moral right of all who are born into this world.” – Norman Borlaug, biologist and humanitarian. We are very fond of projects that combine the world of food with a strong social component. We are firm believers that…

  Indulging in fresh seafood is on the bucket list of many travelers who come to Lisbon and who have a keen interest in food culture. It’s understandable – our Atlantic coast is long and the amazing products we get to extract from it are some of Portuguese cuisine’s greatest delicacies. The best seafood restaurants…

  Arrábida Natural Park, often known in Portuguese simply as Serra da Arrábida, is a protected area which ranges from mountains to the Atlantic ocean, roughly between the city of Setúbal and the fishing town of Sesimbra. Being located in the Peninsula of Setúbal, just 45 km from Lisbon, Arrábida makes for a great day…

  When we travel, particularly at an international level, it’s important to think about our actions and how we can be more responsible travelers. Tourism naturally has an impact, both environmental and at a human level, affecting the places, the lifestyle of people, and the ecosystem. If you are planning to travel to Portugal soon…

  If you have been following our work for a little while, you’ll know that at Taste of Lisboa we love tascas. These are the Portuguese versions of taverns, simple eateries which serve typical food which tends to be quite representative of our local style of home cooking. When you go to good tasca, sometimes…

  As we always like to stress, there is no best time to travel to Lisbon, because every season of the year has its particular appeal and there is always something going on in the Portuguese capital. But one thing is for sure, if you are not a fan of the warm weather, you have…

  We love being high! We mean high up in Lisbon’s best rooftop bars, where you can share a bottle of wine with your friends, drink a signature cocktail, feel the summer breeze as it gently hits your hair and, of course, enjoy marvelous views of the Portuguese capital. As Lisbon is the “city of…

  Penha de França is a neighborhood in Lisbon with lots of personality. It is often overshadowed by Graça, the more popular parish which borders it, but we’re firm believers that it should also be on the map for those seeking to experience a side of Lisbon which mixes local characteristics with a certain international…

  Portugal has a varied and appetizing range of cured meats and smoked sausages, which we refer to in Portuguese as enchidos. In between blood sausage, chouriço and other pork based creations such as bone and cartilage sausage (butelo), we find alheira, which is arguably the one Portuguese sausage with the most troubled background. Most…

  When you think about chicken dishes from Portuguese cuisine, it’s quite likely that the first thing that comes to mind is peri-peri chicken, which we refer to in Portuguese as frango de churrasco. Juicy meat, crispy skin, smokey untones and the heat of peri-peri sauce which you can add to taste – what’s there…

  Even though there are many beaches nearby Lisbon, Costa da Caparica is a favorite of many city dwellers when trying to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, lay in the sand and soak up the sun. A short drive away, simply crossing the Tejo river via the Golden Gate look-alike 25 de…

  At Taste of Lisboa we firmly believe that, with good food, there shall be good drinks! We have previously explored some of the essential beverages you should try while in Portugal (including non-alcoholic options); we have talked extensively about Portuguese wine culture and the diverse wine regions across our country; explored the world of…

  “Where can I find the best paella in Lisbon?” “Oh my… Portuguese jamón is really good!” “Portuguese and Spanish foods are pretty much the same…”   These are words you won’t hear coming out of the mouth of someone who’s truly knowledgeable about Portuguese or even Spanish food. Indeed the cuisines of both Portugal…

  Many of the people who work in Lisbon actually live on the other side of the Tagus river, in an area which we broadly refer to in Portuguese as Margem Sul, that is, the south bank. Across the river not only will you find residential areas which house a growing population which the city…

  Most parts of the world have their own local versions of sandwiches. Protein and vegetables tucked inside two slices of bread, perfect to eat on the go or as a quick meal, which is usually affordable and hits the spot. What’s not to like? Some of the most iconic sandwiches around the world include…

  In recent years, Lisbon is consistently highlighted as one of the digital nomad capitals of the world. Not only do a lot of remote workers from all nationalities find a temporary base in Portugal’s biggest city, even the pandemic has shifted the paradigm of online work for locals who increasingly enjoy the flexibility of…

Many visitors who come to Lisbon take a day trip to Cascais, a popular seaside city perfect for a leisurely stroll on a sunny day. But not everyone is aware that, in between Lisbon and Cascais (the area which we refer to in Portuguese as Linha de Cascais, that is, the line towards Cascais) there’s…

  For those who agree with us in thinking that food festivals are a great excuse to travel to places you might have not thought of going to otherwise, today we have plenty of appetizing suggestions. For a fairly small country, Portugal has a range of food options that tend to make locals proud. It’s…

  The future of Lisbon’s food scene is in their hands. We’re talking about young chefs who are making a name for themselves alongside well-established chefs which are at the forefront of Portuguese dining – think, for example, José Avillez (Belcanto, Cantinho do Avillez, Bairro do Avillez), or Henrique Sá Pessoa (Alma). Some of them…

  It’s part of our job to introduce you to the best things in Lisbon which you just can’t miss when you travel to Portugal. But, way beyond the more obvious activities, places and even dishes, we take it as part of our mission to invite you to also explore neighborhoods in and around Lisbon…

  Working in the hospitality industry is hard and everyone deserves a day off. That’s why many of Lisbon’s restaurants are closed on Sunday and also on Monday, after having a busy weekend. This rings particularly true when it comes to tascas and family-run establishments, as these are simple eateries that are often run by…

  Many travelers come to Lisbon attracted by the sunny weather and temperate climate. Even though temperatures are fairly moderate all year long, especially when compared to other European capitals, it does get a little cold during the winter. If you were to ask us, we’d say that there’s no ideal time to visit Lisbon,…

  If you are the kind of traveler who enjoys taking a trip around Christmas time, other European destinations popular because of their outdoor Christmas markets may come to mind before you even think of booking a flight to Lisbon. But, what if you actually knew how to embrace the spirit of the holidays learning…

      If old world charm and classical buildings come to your mind when you think about Lisbon, it is because you haven’t been to Parque das Nações yet. To the east of the city, this is one of the most contemporary parts of the Portuguese capital, with striking architecture and a lovely waterfront…

  Hot weather. Glorious sunlight. Warm pastel colors and terracotta rooftops. These are all things often associated with Lisbon. But it wouldn’t be wise to assume that all of these elements are going to be at their greatest expression when you visit Lisbon. We often say that there is no such thing as an ideal…

  Restaurant food doesn’t always fully represent what people eat like at home. This happens in Portugal and in many other parts of the world. If you think about it, it makes sense: when you go out and pay for a dining experience, you expect to enjoy something different than what you already eat at…

  Neighboring the popular neighborhood of Belém, famous for its ancient statues and edible monuments such as Pastéis de Belém, we find the areas of Ajuda and Restelo. While technically these are two distinct Lisbon neighborhoods, they’re so close by, that if you are in the area we’d encourage you to check out both of…

To talk about savory snacks in Portugal is almost immediately synonymous with speaking about cod fritters. Indeed pastéis de bacalhau, aka cod cakes, are one of our most well-liked snacks. But they certainly aren’t the only ones.     In Portugal, we eat savories known as salgados in between meals, as appetizers and, sometimes, when…

  We can’t talk about Portugal’s gastronomic traditions without highlighting enchidos, that is, our country’s range of sausages and cured meats. Translating literally, enchidos mean “stuffed”, suggesting the way meats and trimmings are typically preserved inside casings, in the shape of a sausage. Nor all Portuguese enchidos are actually stuffed, but what they do have…

  “Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods; and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts.” James Beard American chef and cookbook author James Beard proclaimed his love for bread on the quote above and we couldn’t agree more! 16th of October is World Bread Day, a date which officially…

  Even though Benfica is a well-known Lisbon neighborhood for us natives of the city, it is often overlooked by international visitors. Furthermore, if you were to research anything about Benfica online, chances are you’ll come across results related with the popular football club by the same name, rather than the part of town itself….

  Traditional Portuguese cooking makes very good use of octopus as one of its favorite seafood ingredients. Because of its other-wordly looks and long tentacles covered in suckers, the octopus is often a creature that inspires a certain dose of intimidation to those who aren’t used to seeing it on a plate of food. Yet,…

  The neighborhood of Campo de Ourique in Lisbon is not exactly unknown. Lisbon residents flock to this area for its vibrant streets full of local shops, where international chains are not as popular as one-off boutiques and specialty stores. It is also a preferred neighborhood for expats, who tend to appreciate the quarter’s balance…

Known as “the city of the seven hills”, Lisbon isn’t the most accessible destination for travelers with reduced mobility. The steep roads in the historical neighborhoods (particularly Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon), the cobblestone streets and the narrow sidewalks can make exploring quite difficult for wheelchair users, as well as other travelers with low…

  If we were to ask international visitors who come to Portugal what their favorite Portuguese dessert is, chances are many would say pastel de nata. The thing is that, in our country, Portuguese custard tarts aren’t considered a dessert, but instead a pastry to be enjoyed at breakfast or with a coffee any time…

  After virtually traveling with you to Marvila and Alvalade, we continue our mission to explore some of the most interesting neighborhoods of Lisbon which happen to be less known amongst international visitors. Our aim is to unveil some of their secrets from the perspective of food lovers, that is, highlighting the best restaurants, cafés,…

  As Lisbon’s dining scene is rather vast, you will easily come across a lot of gluten-free labeled options in restaurants all over town, and there’s even some fabulous fully gluten-free restaurants.  Most establishments catering to celiacs and those who’d rather follow a diet with low or no gluten consumption end up serving a menu…

  Solo travel is ideal for when you want to go with the flow and step outside your comfort zone. When you are taking a trip by yourself there’s more room to improvise and, while you do so, learn about yourself.   Lisbon is a perfect destination for solo trips: it’s safe (Portugal actually ranked 3th…

  The neighborhood of Alvalade offers a lively and genuine Lisbon experience like not many other parts of town do these days. At just about 15 minutes metro ride away from downtown, this can be a very rewarding area to explore if you’re looking to immerse yourself in a very Portuguese ambiance, eat good food…

  The fame of peri-peri chicken is a testament to how Portuguese cuisine is, in many ways, a fusion cuisine. From the 15th century onwards, the Portuguese went on to explore different parts of the world, namely the Americas, Africa and Asia, and thus promoted an exchange between our culture and the traditions of the…

  When Anthony Bourdain traveled to Lisbon back in 2012 to shoot No Reservations, one of the restaurants he visited was Cervejaria Ramiro. This seafood restaurant, affectionately referred to by locals simply as Ramiro, was very popular with Lisbon diners until this time but, after being featured on the much liked travel and food show, its…

  The word azulejo means polished stone in Arabic, referring to the origins of these now considered very Portuguese glazed ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles started being used in Portugal and Spain in the 13th century, when part of the Iberian Peninsula was still being ruled by the Moors of Northern Africa.  Lisbon is probably the…

  As the biggest street party in the city is dedicated to Santo António, one could immediately assume that St Anthony is Lisbon’s patron saint. That title has been reserved for St Vincent but St Anthony is Portugal’s most revered saint and he did happen to be born in Lisbon. So the date of his…

  Whether it’s the peak of summer and the bathing season is fully on, or it’s simply a pleasant warm day, heading to one of the beaches near Lisbon can be a beautiful way of spending some time. If you want to fully embrace the local customs when it comes to spending time at the…

  When we talk about the intrinsic connection between food, its place of origin, and the people who cook it and eat it, it’s important to acknowledge traditions and a certain dose of authenticity.    The adjective authentic refers to something that has a clearly defined origin. Even though we are fans of fusion cuisine…

  Talking about the Portuguese way of life and daily habits is synonymous with talking about coffee. The average Portuguese adult drinks at least two espresso coffees a day, which ends up amounting to about four kilos of coffee grains per person per year. No wonder wherever you go in Portugal, whether it’s in an…

  People often say that one of the things they love about Lisbon is that it’s so close to the countryside. We could go one step further and appreciate the fact that it’s so easy to enjoy some of the best things from the Portuguese countryside in the heart of our city. We are naturally…

  It won’t take you a long time after arriving in Portugal and eating out no matter where in the country you may be, to understand that the Portuguese love eggs. We feature them heavily in our savory dishes, and our repertory of cakes and pastries would certainly suffer from a severe change of identity…

  There’s virtually a never ending array of things to see and do in Lisbon. Yet when you visit the Portuguese capital, just like when you travel to any country, it’s always a good idea to venture out of the big city and explore a little more of what the country has to offer. Your…

  During the colder months, we crave foods that are nourishing, warming and that evoque a certain sense of nostalgia. If there is a time of the year when comfort food can be the most rewarding, winter is probably it! Even though eating out, take-away and home deliveries are increasingly popular in Portuguese cities, the…

  Once upon a time, there were convents and other religious institutions across Portugal that used to consume lots and lots of eggs. About five to six centuries ago, Portugal was one of Europe’s largest producers of eggs and, traditionally, peasants would donate some of what their chickens would lay to nearby churches and monasteries,…

  There are over seventy million Portuguese people all over the world. Considering that our country is home to just about ten million, you can imagine coming across a Portuguese citizen or person of Portuguese descent in different corners of the world is not that hard.  Central Europe is one of the regions where, historically,…

  Portuguese are one of the main nationalities that make up the high emigration society of France. Between Portuguese born and those of Portuguese ancestry, the number of individuals who identify as Portuguese in France these days reaches almost two million people! Most Portuguese immigration to France happened back in the decades of the 60s…

  It was May of 1498 when the Portuguese first arrived in Asia. The expedition led by explorer Vasco da Gama reached India thus tightening the relationships between Europeans and Asians. Since the 15th century, cultural exchanges between both continents have been ongoing and this has been remarkable in several aspects of life, including food….

  There’s a theory that claims that the Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach Australia back in the 16th century, even though Dutch navigators are normally associated with the “discovery” of this continent. Either way, it was three centuries later when the first Portuguese settlers started arriving in Sydney. Nowadays, there are a little…

  Portuguese Canadians make up almost 2% of Canada’s population. In a country where the notably multicultural society is made of people hailing from all corners of the world, it’s curious to notice how our small country of Portugal makes such a significant number of the total inhabitants.  Portuguese and Portuguese descent residents concentrate mostly…

  Here in Portugal, we often consume bread with our meals. Bread with butter, jam, cheese and/or ham is a very standard Portuguese breakfast. Sandwiches are our go-to snack mid morning and mid afternoon. And along with lunch or dinner, it’s customary to have a bread basket on top of the table, independently of what’s…

  As the world becomes more and more a global village, you can almost find anything anywhere in the world. This applies even to souvenirs, even though they are supposed to be mementos of one given place.  You could be in Paris and buy a figurine of the Eiffel Tower made in China. You could…

  An estimated quarter million Portuguese nationals are currently living in the United States of America. This may mean several things but, from our hungry perspective, this statistic makes us think that good Portuguese food in the US can’t be that hard to come by! While Portuguese and Portuguese descent folks, also known as Luso-Americans,…

There is no single word to translate petiscos. You may see them appearing in Portuguese restaurant menus as appetizers, snacks or finger foods, but petiscos are so much more than that! These small servings of Portuguese foods are perfect for sharing, when you go out with friends and crave not only for delicious dishes, but…

  The beginning of the migration of Portuguese people to the UK dates back to the 15th century, when the Jews who were being persecuted in the Portuguese territory found a safer home in Britain. Yet, if we can count up to 400,000 Portuguese people in the UK these days, it’s mainly because of the…

  Creamy and smooth on the inside. With a crunchy exterior of flaky puff pastry to embrace its delicate core. We’re describing pastel de nata, without a doubt, the most popular pastry in Lisbon and all across Portugal. If there is one thing that many visitors look forward to trying when they travel to Portugal,…

  Think of Portugal and drinks such as Port wine, vinho verde and ginjinha immediately come to mind. Portugal not only has one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption in Europe, our country also has a long tradition of producing high quality wines and other alcoholic drinks that beautifully complement our gastronomic offerings. But…

  Traveling broadens the mind and so does tasting foreign cuisines around the world. There’s nothing like visiting a given place and taking your time to explore the local dishes, drinks and customs to start understanding the local way of life.  But what happens when you do miss those holidays in Portugal, you’re craving for…

    We were inspired by Wine Folly’s article Wine and Junk Food Pairings That Actually Work to explore the addictive world of Portuguese snacks and find local wines to wash it all down in style. If we often talk about wine selections for typical dishes, complex contemporary recipes or even desserts, why can’t the…

  The hot weather has arrived in Lisbon and it seems to be here to stay. With it, we can’t help but think about spending time with friends over food and drinks. If going out for dinner is something we tend to do all year long here in Portugal, as soon as Spring rolls in…

Since the quarantine started here in Portugal, we have been sharing the best of Portuguese food and culture online with you. New challenges bring new opportunities as well and, sometimes, they end up being pretty tasty ones!   On the last session of Taste of Lisboa at Home, our regular Sunday live sessions on Instagram, we…

If you celebrated Easter, we hope you had a lovely Easter Sunday! Yesterday, following our very own tradition, we were live on Instagram to bring a little bit of the taste of Portugal to you, even if in the distance. Apart from our usual Taste of Lisboa at Home session, at 7PM local time, we did an…

This article is dedicated to the lovely community who has been following the Taste of Lisboa at Home live sessions on Instagram. If you’ve missed our previous editions, kindly note that all April long we’re sharing snippets of Portuguese food and culture via live videos presented by Taste of Lisboa hosts. On our first live, Madalena…

  In the past few weeks, forced by current events, it seems like the global appreciation for canned goods is on the rise. While often perceived as cheap, quick, non-elegant options in many parts of the world, canned foods are actually a staple of Portuguese cuisine. Portugal has a long tradition of preserving fish. More…

Taste of Lisboa’s food & cultural experiences take place mostly in our capital city. That doesn’t mean that, in here, we don’t get to enjoy food and drinks from all over the country. In Lisbon it’s fairly easy to come by dishes from different corners of Portugal. Yet, to try specific regional recipes, it is often required…

  When that wonderful time of the year comes around in Portugal, we think about holidays and a few days away from work. We like spending quality time with our loved ones, bond over gift exchanging and, over all, have a deeper sense of appreciation for the good things in life, that may not always be so…

  When the Age of Discoveries initiated about 500 years ago, the phenomena we now know as globalization started taking place. Portugal was one of the nations at the forefront of this exchange of cultures across all corners of the world. The Portuguese, who first explored the North of Africa, traveled to the Americas and,…

In Portugal, there are two types of establishments that are more than just places to eat. They are places to meet friends and neighbors, to socialize, to gossip, to analyze last night’s football match, and yes, in good Portuguese fashion, to complain about the weather and the state of the country’s politics. One is the…

  For most Portuguese, Summer means one thing, and one thing only: beach time! As soon as the weather starts warming up, everyone starts yearning to sink their feet in the warm sand and get that perfect tan. However, a Portuguese day at the beach can be very particular in its rituals. So, if you…

If you’ve scheduled a trip to Lisbon, come and discover A-City-Within-The-City: Campo de Ourique, the Lisbon neighborhood that is shielded from the tourist crowds, right in the heart of the city. It’s timeless and enchanting, thanks to its traditional Portuguese traits and the breath of fresh air brought to you by artistic influences that have…

  Lisbon’s traditional markets have been renovated hand in hand with the city and its lifestyle, giving way to cosmopolitan spots where classic fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetable stalls come together with renowned chefs and kitchens stalls to provide, in the same space, the entire culinary cycle – from handpicking the produce of the…

  It’s no secret: it’s perfectly possible to get lost in Lisbon’s typical streets and neighborhoods for days and not even realize how much time has gone by. But now that summer is fast approaching, don’t forget that Portugal’s capital is only two minutes away from the coast, with fantastic dunes and beaches. So, if…

Closely linked to the ancient pagan feasts that celebrated the beginning of spring, Easter also symbolizes rebirth, reunion and renewal. From the impressive processions to the deep cleaning of homes, from fasting during Lent to the overflowing tables of Easter Sunday, this is a unique celebration in our country.   The role of food during…

  After an afternoon discovering and sharing Lisbon’s most delicious hidden gems through one of our walks, experiencing local food and embracing Portuguese culture and its people, it’s time for the golden hour – that magical moment when Lisbon presents those who are lucky to find themselves in the city with one of the most…

  Ask a Lisboner who’s the city’s patron saint and the top-of-mind answer might as well be “Saint Anthony”. This one is surely the most popular saint in town and his popularity has largely surpassed St. Vincent’s, who happens to be the official patron saint of Lisbon, even though we don’t have joyful reasons to…

  How to identify the perfect Portuguese custard tart   The Portuguese custard tart – Pastel de Nata – is the most iconic pastry in Portugal and one of the most delicious gifts that Portugal ever gave to the world. In 2009, The Guardian considered Pasteis de Belém “one of the best foods in the…

Yes, it’s true: not even in the holidays Portuguese stop thinking about food! Even if we go on holiday to Algarve beaches, to the north orin the countryside to visit family there is always a seafood, sardines or crab summer festival. Often, the food festivals are embedded in popular festivals that liven up the country…

  Another warm and sunny day in Portugal and sometimes it just sounds right to lay on the grass, or sit on a park bench, having a bite to eat while appreciating time with friends and family. If you already went to our busy streets in Lisbon center and you want to get away from…

Lesson #1 about food in Lisbon: the petiscos. Learn how to spell this word if you want to get the best of Lisbon food culture: petishkus. Many of you wrongly know them as tapas, which is a Spanish expression for nibbles and snacks. Portuguese are proud to have their tasty petiscos because food is all…

Tradition says that Christmas Eve in Portugal, from North to South, is spent with the family gathered to eat cod with all (vegetables)! Even those who are not very found of cod, this is the night in which an effort is made to taste the boiled or roasted cod with potatoes, cabbages, turnips, carrots and…

  Portugal is a world of traditions and the killing of the pig is one of them. In this ritual, once very important for the economy of the people, everything is important. Even the guts and the blood of the animal to make the most varied sausages. Chorizo​​, blood sausage, smoked sausage (farinheira) and alheira…