Portuguese cuisine reflects a lot of the country's history, but above all its position facing the Atlantic, from which explorations towards the East departed, and which can be seen in the use of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and chili, and towards the Americas, which introduced the use of products such as potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. Cod, caught in the Atlantic, became the staple food for sailors on their long journeys; from the songs of the sailors, fado music was born, a genre that evokes saudade, a feeling that is difficult to translate into other languages but is similar to the concept of "melancholy."
One cannot go to Lisbon and not have a meal at a casa do fado, an inn where one can listen to fado music and taste typical dishes of the city.
Pasteis de nata:
The pastéis de nata is a pastry made with puff pastry and egg custard, which was invented by the monks of the Jeronimos Monastery in Santa Maria de Belem. Today, pastéis de nata are available in every Portuguese cafe, and it is common to consume them with an espresso coffee. However, the original recipe is a secret and is guarded by Antiga Confeitaria de Belém. For this reason, selling the pastry is only allowed under the name pastéis de nata, while the name Pastel de Belém can only be used for products from Antiga Confeitaria de Belém.
Pastel de bacalhau:
When you say Portugal, you think of cod and indeed in Lisbon, this fish is cooked in all sorts of ways. However, the most delicious way to taste it is with this recipe dating back to the early 1900s: cod croquettes so popular that they are considered one of the wonders of Portuguese cuisine. In Lisbon, they can be found cooked traditionally, although in recent years more creative versions have appeared, such as ones with hard-boiled egg or cheese inside. They are best enjoyed with a caneca de cerveja (mug of beer) during an aperitif.
Francesinha:
Once upon a time, there was a Portuguese man who lived in France. One day, he tasted a croque madame and decided he loved it. When he returned to Portugal, he created his own variation, and that's how Daniel da Silva invented the francesinha ("French girl" in English). It consists of two slices of bread filled with sausage, cooked ham, steak, all covered with melted cheese and tomato sauce, and topped with a fried egg. It is served with French fries, to be dipped strictly in the sauce, like a true Portuguese.
Sardinas asadas:
Grilled sardines are a traditional dish of Portuguese cuisine, usually prepared on festive days. The recipe involves seasoning the sardines with coarse salt the night before, then placing them on a double grill over charcoal, without flames, and roasting them on low heat. Once ready, they are served with roasted peppers and boiled potatoes.
Sardines are so popular in Lisbon that you can even find them in the form of colorful magnets or ceramics, or canned in fancy boxes to take home as souvenirs.
Pollo al Piri Piri:
You can't go to Lisbon and not try this typical Portuguese dish that combines the delicacy of the meat with the strong taste of the sauce! Piri-piri chicken is in fact a type of chicken cooked with a spicy sauce called Piri-piri, which gets its name from the type of chili pepper (piri-piri) used as a base for its preparation.
In conclusion, Lisbon's cuisine is a true reflection of its rich culture and history. From the fresh seafood to the hearty stews, Lisbon has something for every taste bud. But don't just take my word for it, go out and experience it for yourself! Whether you're a food lover or just looking to try something new, the flavors of Lisbon will leave a lasting impression on your palate. So why wait? Book your trip to Lisbon today and indulge in the amazing food that this city has to offer!
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