Portugal, a country rich in history and culture, is also a destination for food lovers. During my European travels, while the food was generally good, I found it a bit bland compared to the bold flavors I'm accustomed to in Asian cuisine. No offense to European cuisine, of course! It's just a matter of personal preference.

That's why I was pleasantly surprised by Portuguese cuisine. It offered a diverse range of flavors and spices, which was a delightful change of pace. That being said, here are five of the must-try dishes in Portugal, from savory ones to desserts.

5 Must-Try Delicacies in Portugal

1. Bifana

A popular Portuguese street food, Bifana is a simple yet delicious sandwich made with marinated pork loin. The pork is thinly sliced and marinated in a mixture of garlic, white wine, and spices. The marinated pork is then grilled or pan-fried and served on a roll. You could add mustard or chili sauce to it. 

Must-Try Food Portugal
bifana

This was actually the first local delicacy I tried in Portugal, and I liked it. I especially liked it with a little bit of chili sauce for a spicy kick.

2. Bacalhau Assado

Whenever I Google must-try dishes in Portugal, bacalhau, or codfish, always comes up. This simple yet flavorful dish features salted codfish, typically baked in the oven with potatoes and vegetables. The codfish is often seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a flaky and delicious meal. When I tried this, the codfish was buried underneath some vegetables.

Must-Try Food Portugal
bacalhau assado

It was my first time trying codfish, and it was good. I thought it had way too many bones, which hampered the experience a bit. Personally, I prefer fillets over whole fish, but I guess this is how this dish should be served. Overall, I found bacalhau assado to be delicious, even though it was quite simple, and the vegetables made it more filling.

3. Arroz de Gambas

Arroz de Gambas is rice cooked in a flavorful broth with shrimp, garlic, and herbs. I had it for lunch at A Mourisca, a nice restaurant in Graça. When it was served, it came in a saucepan, and I was given a smaller plate to eat from, as shown in the photo. The serving was quite generous, and the shrimp were huge. 

Must-Try Food Portugal
arroz de gambas

I really liked it. It was very flavorful, and I thought it was quite comforting. Overall, I thought it was a hearty and satisfying meal, and I'd definitely eat it again. 

4. Pastéis de Nata

These delectable custard tarts are a Portuguese pastry icon. They are made with a flaky pastry crust filled with a creamy custard filling. Pastéis de nata is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the pastry is crisp, and the custard is warm and gooey.

Must-Try Food Portugal
pastéis de nata from a street food cart

I tried it a couple of times: once at a street food cart and then again at Pastéis de Belém, a well-known bakery that has been making these tarts for centuries. Of course, the second one was way better.

5. Baba de Camelo

This traditional Portuguese sweet is a rich and decadent dessert. It is made with egg yolks, sugar, and almond flour, and it is often flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest. Baba de camelo is typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Must-Try Food Portugal
baba de camelo

I really loved this one. I expected it to be a tad too sweet, but I thought it was just right. It has the consistency of a mousse and I just love how simple yet delicious it is.


So, there you have it! These are just a few of the many delicious dishes that Portugal has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a casual traveler, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. So, next time you're planning a trip to Portugal, be sure to add these dishes to your must-try list.