Portuguese Food

Olives and grapes were introduced by the Romans (around 200 BC). However the Moors (invaded Portugal in year 711) developed a better irrigation system and taught the Portuguese about agriculture.

In the time of discoveries during 15 and 16th Century, the Portuguese pioneered the spice trade.
Portuguese traders brought many new ingredients back to Europe.  These ingredients included chili, paprika, curry, pepper, ginger, saffron, coriander, potatoes, tomatoes, pineapple and rice.

Along with new spices and vegetables, the knowledge on how to prepare these ingredients was also passed on and shared thereafter between various cultures.

A variety of spices and herbs are a must in any Portuguese kitchen.  Portuguese food is mildly hot without being to spicy.  The balance is just right.

Portuguese people love their food with a passion.  Eating well is a ritual which is taken very seriously. Even background music is part of a nice meal like Fado (traditional Portuguese music)


Portuguese food has a rustic look and it is rich in flavour
as well as in colour.  Portuguese dishes may take time
to be prepared as ingredients are cooked from fresh.

A traditional Portuguese meal starts with appetizers called Salgadinhos. 
These may include small bowls of olives, fish cakes or regional cheese.

The soup of the day will follow before the main meal which may be grilled fish or bean stew. 
Completing the Portuguese meal is a dessert like chocolate mousse, pasteis de nata (custard tarts), orange torte and milk pudim (flan). 
To help balance the sweet taste of dessert, a  shot of Portuguese Port  is served. 
It is said to ease digestion.
A Portuguese meal is not rushed, it is not uncommon for one seating to take about
4 hours. 

The way us Portuguese see it, we need to celebrate food with respect and honour it by savouring all the different flavours.  Taking 4 hours may not be necessary or practical in this day and age but during parties and weekends, we make the most of it.

Of course the Portuguese may not be able to do this every lunch time during the week as they also have to work for a living.
It is traditional for Portuguese shops, Banks and commercial units to close for a long lunch (at least 2 hours).  Partially to allow employees to enjoy their lunch!

Each region of Portugal has their own traditional dishes, from green cabbage soup (Caldo Verde), originated in the North of Portugal, to bean stew in Central Portugal and fish soup in Algarve (South of Portugal).

Fresh cod or salted (Bacalhau seco) is the most popular fish chosen across the country with over 300 different ways to prepare it.  The list is extensive.
When visiting Portugal, the best places to eat are often the humble small restaurant rather than an international hotel.  For a more authentic experience eat where the locals eat.

Portuguese food is part of the Mediterranean diet. 
Mediterranean food does include meat but for the purposes of this site I will focus on fish, vegetarian and vegan dishes only.
Portuguese food has the most amazing flavour, once experienced even a photo will make your mouth water.
The most popular vegetables used in Portuguese cooking are tomatoes, onions, garlic, rice, coriander, potatoes and cucumber.

Cheeses in Portugal are part of the Portuguese diet, the most famous being Serra Da Estrela (in the North of Portugal)

From pastries to desserts, there is such a variety
available that it would take you 2 years to try
them all as there are over 100 different types of
sweet pastries in Portugal. 

To appreciate these Portuguese cakes, it is best to try them in moderation as to many can be heavy on your stomach.  But as an occasional treat they are a pleasure.  For free dessert recipes click here

Desserts were actually introduced in Portugal by the Moors but it was not until later that desserts became as popular as they are today.
Since sugar cane was planted in Madeira (Portuguese island) back in the 17th century, sugar was easily made available to Portugal.
Even Portuguese monks and nuns enjoyed the odd treat.

Like most Portuguese, I have a sweet tooth.  So when I visit my family in Portugal, I indulge in eating as many Portuguese cakes as I can!

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