Eat Like a Local in Portugal: A Food Lover's Guide to Hidden Gems and Street Eats

If you want to experience authentic local dining culture, skip the polished menus in tourist hotspots and head straight for the tascas, where you'll find the heartiest traditional foods in Portugal. So how do you know you've arrived at a tasca?

Tascas have been part of Portugal's tradition for centuries and are dedicated to traditional Portuguese dishes you might find in most homes. They are everywhere, from Alcântara in Lisbon to Ribeira in Porto's glossy riverfront. The tradition and hospitality are impeccable, regardless of whether or not you speak Portuguese.

O Velho Eurico

This is one of the favourite tascas in Lisbon. Once inside, expect no fancy entrances and luxurious décor, just paper towels on your table and maybe local or European football on a television. The menus are entirely in Portuguese, so you really know you're home if you are out for truly Portuguese food.

Tasca Baldaracca

A few meters down the street from O Velho Eurico, you will come across Tasca Baldaracca. This family-owned eatery serves modern twists on classic Portuguese dishes. Don't leave this joint without trying their beef tartar with anchovies, mayonnaise, and mustard. This hearty dish boasts crunchy and bright bits of shallot and salty caper balanced with Dijon mustard, raw beef, and creamy egg yolk.

Meu Limao

Tucked away in a quiet corner, Meu Limao offers a cozy atmosphere away from the noise of the town. The menu features homemade dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients and a personal touch. The authenticity of the food, coupled with the intimate atmosphere, makes Meu Limao one of the best joints to savour the true flavours of Lagos.

O Antonios

If you are craving delicious seafood, O Antonios is your go-to place. Here, you will enjoy a superior dining experience with an up-close view of the ocean. Authentic dishes to enjoy include paella, mussels, and shellfish soup. The panoramic scenery of Praia Porto De Mos will elevate your every bite.

Wondering what to try first? Portugal's cuisine is about bold flavors; everything else is kept relatively simple. Each region proudly stands behind its dish. The country also has a staple, which is always a good place to begin.

Bacalhau à Brás

If you fancy seafood, bacalhau à Brás will definitely stun your palate. This brás -style codfish is shredded and mixed with onions, potatoes, and eggs, providing you with a fine comfort food. For the classic, try Porto's francesinha, a thick sandwich of meat, melted cheese, and beer sauce.

Açorda and Arroz de Marisco

A trip to Alentejo should guarantee a bite of the famous açorda, a rustic bread soup flavoured with garlic, coriander, and poached eggs. Another dish you don't want to miss is arroz de marisco, the coastal shellfish rice stew between paella and risotto.

Rojões

Take your food trip further inland for marinated pork chunks fried with garlic and bay leaves, also known as rojões. You can also get some take on tapas (petiscos), flame-grilled sausages (chouriço assado), or octopus salad (salada de polvo).

Portugal boasts a unique culinary landscape scene that defines its people throughout the country. Hidden in the seaside promenades, markets, and fairs are dozens of bite-sized delicacies.

Bifana

This hearty sandwich, originally from Vendos Novas in the Alentejo region, is a dish you must taste. Bifana is a pork sandwich seasoned with garlic and white wine and served in a warm roll. This favourite staple goes well with cold Sagres beer or local wine.

Grilled Sardinhas

Take your time and try out the Time Out Market in Lisbon. This hub offers several traditional and casual street food options, such as fresh rolls stuffed with spicy sausages and baked in wood-fired ovens. Try grilled sardines on skewers, a favourite, during the Festival of St. Anthony in June.

Cachorrinho

Cachorrinho is a favourite snack that has its origins in Porto. The snack features a small, hot sandwich with a crispy bread roll and two types of sausages: smoked and fresh. The sandwich is grilled until the bread becomes crunchy. It can be taken with fries and beer.

If you've had enough of the big cities, take a detour to the hidden gems in Nazaré, Évora, and the Douro Valley. These spots are invisible to the bustling streets but remain fully booked throughout the year.

Nazare

Nazare is a small town located in the Oeste region, in the province of Estremadura, Leiria District. Here, you'll find tiny beachfront eateries offering fresh fishermen's stews, also known as caldeirada, featuring nothing but the local catch. Menus are hand-scrawled, and dishes come in seasons, giving you novel experiences with each visit.

Popular small spots in the area include Restaurant Alleluia, a classic joint that faces the beach where you can savour gorgeous tapas. You can check out Restaurant a Tasquinha for fresh fish or Tosca Gastrobar for a homely meal at the cozy but simple place.

Douro Valley

You can also head straight to the enchanting valley of Douro. This world heritage site has some of the best wines in Portugal. You will also get to enjoy locally sourced and prepared dishes from the numerous small, family-run tascas like Tasca da Quinta and Rota das Tascas and visit traditional quintas (wine estates) and shop locally in Peso da Regua.

Evora

Evora in Alentejo, south-central Portugal, is another charming destination. This place is known for its unavoidable pork, bread, and lamb. Popular eateries you can visit for local dishes include TascaTosca, Restaurante O Templo, and Taberna Sal Grosso Évora. You can also explore roadside grills where locals offer unique dishes like leitão assado, a traditional spit-roasted suckling pig that has a crispy skin and lemon and garlic seasoning.

If you  want to eat like you've been in Portugal before and blend in to avoid standing out, here are some tips for ordering like a native.

• Time your outings. Lunch begins at around noon, while dinner is usually after 8 pm.

• Skip all-day brunch spots and stick to lunch dishes like soup, main courses, and drinks.

• If you want starters like bread, olives, and cheese, know they'll be added to your bill.

• Use the famous "O que recomenda?" to show effort. This simply means, "What do you recommend?" It's a way to get your hands on the best dishes that aren't printed on the menu.

• Don't forget your tipping etiquette. It's not expected, but it will be appreciated.

• Eat slowly without rushing. The experience is all about social connection and enjoying all the flavours.

Apart from pastel de nata, there are many other great desserts to sum up your dining experience in Portugal. They include sweet options like sericá, which is made of milk, cornstarch, sugar, and eggs. Alentejo is so proud of this dessert, and locals like it served with plums.

Another dessert to try is pudim abade de priscos, a bacon-infused caramel flan, or Northside's bolo de bolacha, a layered biscuit and coffee cake. Every region in Portugal has its unique sweets, which remain simple, traditional, and indulgent.

Portugal's food scene is a testimony of a country that embraces culture and diversity. Despite the country having had numerous historical influences, it has maintained an authentic food culture that people of all backgrounds can enjoy. Additionally, the country has many places off the beaten path where visitors can enjoy their favourite dishes in the quiet of nature away from the bustling city streets.