A Cautious Eater’s Guide to Portuguese Food: What to Try (and What to Expect)

Let’s face it: trying new foods in a foreign country can feel a bit daunting. If you’re the kind of traveller who scans the menu hoping for something familiar, you’re not alone. But while Portugal is full of great international options (yes, there’s pizza, burgers and sushi around every corner), it would be a shame to miss out on the country’s rich and flavourful traditional cuisine.

Whether you're a steak-and-chips loyalist, a pescatarian, or someone who’s just a bit wary of “mystery ingredients,” this guide will help you navigate the Portuguese menu with confidence and maybe even surprise yourself along the way.

If You Like… Roast Dinners or Grilled Meats

Try: Frango no churrasco (grilled chicken), bitoque (steak with egg and chips), or costeletas de porco (pork chops)

You’ll be right at home with Portugal’s love for grilled meat. Frango no churrasco (aka Piri-Piri chicken) is a must-try: juicy, smoky, and mildly spiced (you can ask for “sem picante” if you prefer it without heat). For something even more familiar, a bitoque is the Portuguese version of steak-frites, topped with a fried egg and served with rice and chips.

Bonus tip: Portions tend to be generous. No one leaves hungry.

2. If You’re a Seafood Fan

Try: Bacalhau à brás, arroz de marisco, ameijoas à Bulhão Pato

Portugal is seafood heaven, but you don’t need to be a hardcore shellfish lover to enjoy it. Bacalhau à brás is a gentle introduction: shredded salted cod with scrambled egg, onions and crispy matchstick potatoes. It’s comforting and surprisingly mild. Arroz de marisco (seafood rice) is Portugal’s answer to paella, rich, tomatoey, and usually packed with prawns, clams and mussels. Ask your server what’s included if you have preferences.

If you’re into garlic and olive oil, ameijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams in garlic, coriander and white wine) is a flavourful starter worth trying, just don’t forget to ask for bread to soak up the sauce, like the locals do. It’s part of the pleasure.

3. If You Love Comfort Food

Try: Caldo verde, alheira, empadas (savoury pies)

Looking for something hearty and satisfying? Caldo verde is a traditional soup made with potato, shredded cabbage and usually a slice of chorizo. Simple, warming and full of flavour. Alheira is a unique smoked sausage originally created by Jews in Portugal to mimic pork sausages, nowadays made from a blend of meats and bread, often served with egg and chips. Don’t be put off by the description: it’s crispy outside, soft and savoury inside.

4. If You’re a Bit Cautious with Fish

Try: Polvo à lagareiro, dourada grelhada, or just ask for the peixe do dia (fish of the day)

Some fish dishes may sound bold on the menu: whole fish, octopus, salted cod. But there are options for every comfort level. Polvo à lagareiro (octopus roasted in olive oil and garlic) may win you over with its tenderness. Dourada (sea bream) or robalo (sea bass) are usually grilled whole but can be filleted on request.

Not sure? Ask for the peixe do dia and say you’d prefer it filleted (fileteado).

5. If You’re Vegetarian or Prefer Plant-Based Options

Try: Açorda de legumes, salada de grão, migas de couve, or look for “prato vegetariano”

While traditional Portuguese cuisine leans heavily on meat and fish, there are more vegetarian options than you might expect, especially in modern restaurants. Açorda is a bread-based stew that can be made with herbs and vegetables. Salada de grão is a refreshing chickpea salad with onions and olive oil. Migas de couve is a garlicky mix of greens and breadcrumbs, perfect as a side or light main.

6. For the Sweet Tooth

Try: Pastel de nata, arroz doce, bolo de bolacha

You’ve probably heard of the pastel de nata, the famous custard tart. But don’t stop there. Arroz doce is Portugal’s answer to rice pudding, flavoured with lemon peel and cinnamon. Bolo de bolacha is a coffee-flavoured biscuit cake that’s a staple at family gatherings. Light, creamy and moreish.

7. Prefer to Play It Safe? No Problem

Every Portuguese city and town has a huge selection of international cuisine: Italian, Indian, Japanese, Mexican, and of course, British-style pubs. You’ll find pizzas, burgers and salads almost everywhere. But even then, don’t be surprised if your burger comes with rice and chips. It’s the Portuguese way.

Conclusion

You don’t have to dive headfirst into snails or pigs’ ears to enjoy Portuguese cuisine (though they’re there if you’re curious). With this guide in hand, you can taste the best of Portugal - safely, comfortably, and deliciously - no matter how adventurous your palate.

So go ahead and order that bacalhau à brás. Or stick to grilled chicken. Either way, you’re in for something special.