Things to eat in Lisbon

We believe that sampling local food is an important part of visiting a new city. And when in Lisbon, what better way than to try the 6 best things to eat in Lisbon. This gives you a flavour of the local ingredients used and a chance to experience what the locals eat everyday.

Here is our list of the top 6 best things to eat when in Lisbon.

Pasteis de nata

As bagels are synonymous with New York, so is pasteis de nata with Portugal. This creamy custard tart, soft in the centre, usually comes with a cinnamon sugar dusting.

Visit the blue tiled Antiga Confeitaria de Belem situated in Belem for a delicious custard tard. Expect to see long queues stretching outside the cafe. Everyone comes here for their Pasteis de nata, known as Pasteis de Belem here. The recipe is a closely guarded secret by the cafe. A strong coffee is the best accompaniment to your Pasteis de Nata.

Bacalao

Portugal has an abundance of fresh seafood with its long coastline, however it is ironical that Portugal’s national dish is the bacalao or dried salt cod. An ingredient that could be cooked in so many diverse, you will be sure to find several different dishes on the menu containing bacalao.

Seafood

With so much fresh seafood available, you will be spoilt for choice. Take your pick from some of the most popular seafood options such as Arroz de Marisco – a hearty rice dish with prawns, clams, mussels and other seafood and some vegetables as well very similar to a Spanish paella.

Or why not try the crab at Cervejaria Ramiro where they serve whole crab with a buttery garlicky sauce.

For something simple, enjoy langoustines and king prawns freshly barbecued while taking in views of the river and the city of Lisbon.

Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde is a wine unique to Portugal. Literally translated to ‘green wine’ it actually means ‘young wine’ and has a spritz to it. Served cold, it is the perfect drink on a summery day. Also makes for a great present to bring back from your travels or you could just keen the bottle for yourself – we prefer the latter.

Sardines

Move over tinned sardines, as when you are in Lisbon during summer you can have them fresh. During the local festival of Festo del Santo Antonio in June, there are celebrations throughout the city and freshly caught grilled sardines are served everywhere. Enjoy them with wine and other accompaniments such as potatoes and grilled peppers. Once you have tasted fresh sardines, believe me when I say that you’ll crave them everytime you open that tin of sardines.

Chicken piri piri

Chicken Piri Piri is such a well-known truly tasty Portuguese dish with its roots from Mozambique in Africa. Loads of dishes not native to Portugal were introduced to the Purtuguese palate due to Portugal’s colonial past. And Chicken Piri Piri is one such very popular dish. Whole chicken spatchcocked and grilled over fire gives the meat a rich smoky flavour and the piri piri oil marination adds just the right amount of spice. Head to Bonjardim for that plate of piri piri chicken and chips.