8 Must Try Foods in Portugal!
8 Must Try Foods in Portugal!
The transcript from my Travel Tuesdays YouTube video
This week’s post is a transcript of my latest Travel Tuesdays YouTube video. Thus the reason this week’s post in on Tuesday instead of Monday. I will be taking a break for the next few weeks, but I hope you enjoy these travel video transcripts and the corresponding videos, linked above. And while you’re there, give me a like & subscribe. Your support is much appreciated!
Hello & welcome to Travel Tuesdays! In this week’s video we travel to Portugal to experience the best of their food culture. From addictive sweet treats to salty fish dishes and meaty sandwiches, you’ll be sure to find something that will satisfy your food cravings. So, without further adieu, we bring you our list of eight must try foods in Portugal, starting with…
#8 Caldo Verde
Is the traditional soup of Northern Portugal, but can be found just about anywhere in this beautiful country. This soup is made up of a handful ingredients including Portuguese dark green cabbage, potatoes, onions, sausage, olive oil, and spices. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly day in fall or winter, but can certainly be enjoyed anytime of the year.
#7 Octopus
Is another staple in the Portuguese diet. Though the country’s claim to fame in the seafood world is cod fish, they also whip up a pretty amazing Octopus dish, usually accompanied by potatoes and a generous amount of olive oil. This flavourful dish is typically baked or roasted to tender perfection, and can be found in most restaurants along the coast.
#6 Sardines
Are quite popular in Portugal as they are very easily fished from the Atlantic Ocean. In fact, it’s so popular that They have a festival celebrating grilled sardines each June, and It is said that each person in Portugal eats about 12 pounds of sardines per year! Though the preferred method of eating sardines in fresh & grilled, the Portuguese people also consume these little fish canned.
#5 Pasteis de Bacalhau
Or codfish cakes, is one of the most popular and easy ways for you to enjoy Bacalhau, the Portuguese word for Codfish. They say there are over 365 ways to prepare codfish in Portugal, and one of our favourites are these bitesized codfish cakes. You can find theses appetizers at most restaurants in Portugal, and we recommend you don’t skip them!
#4 Bifana
Is known as the national sandwich of Portugal and is a popular grab and go snack or meal. It features slow marinated pork on a crunchy white bun, and can have many varying condiments, but for the most part, you’ll usually see it offered in a pretty simple way of bread, meat, and maybe some mustard. It’s a great late night snack, especially popular with those who need to soak up some of the great Portuguese beer and wines they’ve discovered.
#3 Francesinha
Is a very popular sandwich in Porto, and a must try when in that region of the country. This sandwich consists of ham, sausage, and steak sandwiched between two slices of bread, covered in melted cheese and tomato beer sauce. It can also be found topped with an egg, if that’s your thing, as well as being served with a side of fries. This sandwich isn’t for the faint of heart and in our experience, make for the perfect shared lunch.
#2 Bacalhau
Is Portugals most served dish, and you’ll find it on every menu, being prepared in hundreds of ways, but usually served with potatoes and a generous amount of olive oil. When in Portugal this is a must try dish.
#1 Pasteis de Natas
Are one of our favorite sweet treats in the world! These wonderful egg tarts make the perfect pastry for breakfast, snacks, and anytime in between. You can find these tarts on every street corner, but they originated in the neighborhood of Belem, where you can still go to enjoy the original recipe.
Francesinha is King!