Discover 10 must-try Portuguese dishes that will keep you coming back

The goal is to return again and again to the places that make you happy. And while you don’t need an excuse to do so, there are definitely some good incentives. Take typical Portuguese food, for example; each new getaway to this European country—known as “the garden by the ocean” for its ecological richness—will deepen your love for its cuisine. As you travel, you’ll uncover flavors and routes you never knew existed, along with recipes and customs that will broaden the connection between your palate and your mind.

The essence of Portuguese cuisine combines the best of the Mediterranean diet with fascinating elements from other vibrant culinary traditions. Influences from Brazil, India, and the Maghreb are evident through the techniques, ingredients, and food combinations that have been integrated into Portuguese dishes. Additionally, the Galician countryside's proximity and similar lifestyle significantly shape many of their creations. At Iberostar hotels in Portugal, you can explore the diverse influences and inspirations of their gastronomic history. Their dining spaces cater to all kinds of travelers. Here’s a small preview of what awaits you.

Savory Portuguese dishes

At Iberostar’s restaurants, local ingredients are prioritized, forming the basis of a natural and healthy diet in harmony with the seasons. All dishes and menus are crafted with this philosophy in mind. The diverse selection of local and international dishes at their buffets and themed restaurants will win you over. In Portugal, you can savor authentic Portuguese cod or a seafood cataplana, among other delicious traditional Portuguese dishes.

2. Portuguese Cod

Portuguese cod has become a symbol of the country's cuisine. This traditional portuguese dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful. Traditionally, the desalted cod is slowly cooked in a cast iron skillet with thinly sliced potatoes, green or red peppers, and onion strips, though it can also be baked in an oven dish. It’s seasoned with garlic, paprika, and salt, along with a splash of white wine and a generous drizzle of olive oil. The dish is served directly in the skillet or on a metal platter, garnished with a handful of freshly chopped parsley on top.

As part of their strong commitment to coastal health, all Iberostar restaurants prioritize sourcing fish and seafood from responsible fishing practices. During your vacation, you can participate in this mindful choice, helping to protect and enhance the well-being of the planet and its people, including yourself. Plus, by choosing these sustainable options, you’ll be supporting local communities that rely on the sea for their livelihoods.

3. Cataplana

Your culinary journey through Portugal will take you from Lisbon to the Algarve. While there, in addition to witnessing one of the world's most stunning sunsets by the shore, you can savor a cataplana, a seafood stew that is a specialty of this region. This Portuguese dish gets its name from the unique pot it’s cooked in—a double-handled stainless steel or aluminum vessel resembling two deep pans facing each other. The traditional clam cataplana is a must-try, but the mixed version features local fish and seafood, such as monkfish, octopus, shrimp, or dogfish, combined with potatoes, ripe tomatoes, green or red peppers, onions, garlic, white wine, a splash of brandy, olive oil, and bay leaves. Occasionally, it’s enhanced with sausages like ham and chorizo. For seasoning, it’s finished with coarse salt, fresh cilantro, lemon, and a touch of “piri piri” (or cayenne pepper).

Choose Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve for your stay, an inspiring resort situated right on the beachfront of Meia Praia in Lagos, where you can indulge your senses amid one of the most idyllic coastal spots in the Algarve. This five-star resort features rooms with terraces and luxurious Balinese beds, as well as bungalow-style accommodations. You'll also find bikes available on-site, perfect for exploring the beautiful surroundings. You’ll fall in love with the turquoise waters and soft golden sand, while the rich biodiversity beneath the waves serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting marine environments during your visit.

4. Portuguese Francesinhas

Francesinhas, a beloved Portuguese sandwich, originated in the city of Porto. This hearty dish is reminiscent of the French croque-monsieur and features a thick slice of bread or a multi-layered sandwich stuffed with roasted beef, ham, sausage, chorizo, and cheese, all placed in a deep dish. It's then generously topped with more grated cheese, grilled to perfection, and smothered in a spicy tomato and beer sauce. Served alongside fries, this indulgent meal is sure to satisfy your cravings. Feeling hungry? The sight of this dish might just inspire you to follow your taste buds on your next culinary adventure.

6. Portuguese Chicken (Frango)

Portuguese chicken, or frango, is prepared in a variety of ways, but one of the most popular methods is Piri Piri. This technique involves grilling a whole chicken over charcoal after marinating it in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, paprika, ginger, salt, and piri piri, a chili pepper from the Americas that made its way to Europe during the transoceanic expeditions of the 15th and 16th centuries. This dish is also closely associated with the festive tradition of the churrasqueira, a practice brought over from Brazilian cuisine that has become a staple of Portuguese cooking after centuries of cultural exchange. Do you have a special occasion to celebrate with loved ones? Or perhaps you're on a romantic getaway and thinking about proposing to your partner? Enjoy a delicious piri piri chicken with family or friends, just like the Portuguese do, and raise a toast with a cocktail to celebrate the future.

7. Leitao

In Portugal, pork is the most widely consumed meat, with Iberian products from the Alentejo region, known for its similar climate and terrain to Extremadura's dehesa, being particularly famous. One of the area's standout dishes is leitao, or suckling pig. Similar to Portuguese chicken (frango), leitao is prepared by slow-roasting the whole animal in a wood-fired oven for at least two hours. Before cooking, the pig is rubbed with garlic, pork fat or olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s typically served with fries or roasted potatoes and a fresh salad of lettuce, tomato, and onion. If you're planning to explore the flavors of Spain and Portugal, consider organizing a food tour—an exciting way to travel that uncovers the secrets of these destinations through the rich history of their food.

Portuguese sweets

8. Pastéis de nata

Don’t confuse pastéis de nata (custard tarts) with pastéis de Belém. While the former refers to all Portuguese custard tarts, the latter specifically denotes those made in Belém, the Lisbon district where they are believed to have originated. The preparation ritual is just as notable as other art forms in Lisbon: the daily line outside Casa Pastéis de Belém speaks volumes about their popularity. Essentially, the recipe for pastéis de Belém is similar to that of pastéis de nata. These delightful tarts are crafted with puff pastry and filled with a creamy mixture of eggs, sugar, and milk, and lightly toasted on top.

9. Bolo de arroz (Bolinha)

After enjoying delicious Portuguese dishes like cataplana or bifana, you might be craving something sweet. In that case, try a bolo de arroz, which pairs perfectly with a Portuguese-style coffee (similar to Italian espresso but slightly longer and smoother). This delightful treat, a hallmark of Lisbon's famous pastry shops, is made with rice flour, making it suitable for those who are gluten-free, and has a texture reminiscent of a muffin. It’s a small, light, and spongy cake dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for dipping into a steaming cup of coffee, as it absorbs liquids beautifully. You can easily identify it by its distinctive paper wrapper, which may be partially transparent due to the butter. The combination of its flavor and the aroma of the coffee will keep you fully immersed in the joy of the moment.