Traditional Portuguese Food: Discover the Dishes You Can’t Miss

Traditional Portuguese cuisine includes dishes such as francesinha, pastéis de bacalhau, codfish, and bifanas. These recipes are full of flavor, tradition, and history, forming part of the country’s gastronomic soul. Beyond the complexity of some dishes, what truly matters in Portuguese cooking is the moment of sharing. In this article, we present some of the most representative flavors you can try during your trip to Portugal.

Typical Portuguese Dishes You’ll Love

If you enjoy tasting the best of traditional Portuguese food, you probably already know all these dishes we’re about to show you.
But if you’re just passing through the country and don’t know what to order when you arrive at a restaurant, don’t worry—we’ve got some tips for you.
Here are four typical Portuguese dishes that are easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Francesinha

Francesinha is a traditional Portuguese dish originating from the city of Porto, in northern Portugal.
It’s a sandwich made with sausage, fresh chorizo, ham, cold cuts, and beef steak, all covered with melted cheese. This hearty sandwich is topped with a sauce made from tomato, beer, and piri-piri, giving it a juicy and appetizing flavor. In some places, francesinha is served with a fried egg on top.
As you can imagine, it’s a heavy dish and slow to digest, so make sure you’re hungry when you order it. If you have a sweet tooth for savory dishes, you can also ask for French fries on the side.

Pastéis de Bacalhau

One of the petiscos (the Portuguese version of tapas) that Portugal is internationally famous for is the traditional pastéis de bacalhau (codfish fritters).
These fritters pair perfectly with a cold jug of beer and pleasant conversations with friends on summer terraces.
This traditional Portuguese dish is easy to make and includes some of the most iconic ingredients in Portuguese cuisine, such as desalted codfish, potatoes, onions, eggs, and, of course, a good Port wine.

Bifanas

The bifana is a typical Portuguese dish found on menus in restaurants and bars across the country, and it’s also the most popular dish at local festivals.
Originating from Vendas Novas, this dish consists of pork steaks cooked with garlic and wine, served inside warm bread.
The steaks are usually seasoned with mustard or spicy sauce, but creativity allows for any sauce you like.
If you prefer to eat bifanas without bread, you can always ask for them on a plate with French fries. This is possibly the easiest traditional Portuguese dish to make!

Caldo Verde

Caldo verde is a typical soup widely consumed in northern Portugal. It’s made with potatoes, couve galega (a type of kale), chorizo, and olive oil. It’s very popular during São João festivities or family gatherings in winter. Served with cornbread and green wine, it’s one of the most comforting dishes in Portuguese cuisine.

Which Portuguese Sweets You Can’t Miss

Ovos Moles

Typical of Aveiro, ovos moles are a conventual sweet known for their creamy texture and intense egg yolk flavor. They are made from a thick mixture of egg yolks and sugar, slowly cooked into a sweet cream, then placed inside rice wafers shaped like seashells, snails, or fish. These sweets have protected designation of origin and are a symbol of the region. They can be found in decorated boxes or served individually, often paired with coffee or sweet wine. A unique experience for lovers of sugar and Portuguese tradition.

Torta de Viana

The Torta de Viana, also called royal cake, is a traditional sweet from northern Portugal, originating in Viana do Castelo. It consists of a thin, tender sponge cake carefully rolled to enclose a smooth egg yolk cream. Its origins date back to 16th-century convents, and since 2021 it has been recognized as a registered trademark. It’s served dusted with powdered sugar and often flavored with vanilla or cinnamon. Perfect for a quiet afternoon snack and to enjoy one of the most delicate flavors of Portuguese pastry.

Pastéis de Nata

Like pastéis de bacalhau, pastéis de nata are among the most famous Portuguese foods outside the country.
The pastel de nata is a conventual sweet, meaning its recipe originated in Portuguese convents—specifically in the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, in 1837. It’s no coincidence that custard tarts are also known as pastéis de Belém.
Like most conventual sweets, the pastel de nata is made with wheat pastry and an egg cream filling. A tip: enjoy it with a good glass of Port wine and savor these flavors.

Now that you know some of Portugal’s most authentic flavors, are you ready to try them in a unique setting like Nazaré? At Ohai, we’re waiting for you to combine relaxation, nature, and great gastronomy in a getaway you’ll remember with all your senses