20 Must-Try Portuguese Dishes in Lisbon: Your Ultimate Food Lover's Guide

Lisbon is a city where history and flavor meet on every corner. If you want to know what to eat in Lisbon, you’re in the right place. Portuguese cuisine offers a rich variety of dishes that reflect the country’s culture and coastal location. From fresh seafood to hearty stews and sweet pastries, Lisbon’s food scene has something for every taste.

Exploring Lisbon’s food is even better when combined with a tour that shows you the city’s best spots. For example, a private tuk tuk tour through Alfama or the city center lets you discover hidden gems and enjoy local flavors along the way. These tours offer a unique way to taste Lisbon while learning about its history and culture.

Here’s a complete guide to 20 Portuguese dishes you must try when visiting Lisbon.

1. Bacalhau à Brás

Bacalhau, or salted cod, is Portugal’s national fish. Bacalhau à Brás is a popular dish made with shredded cod, onions, thinly chopped fried potatoes, and scrambled eggs. It’s garnished with black olives and parsley. This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients create a comforting meal.

2. Pastéis de Nata

No Lisbon food guide is complete without mentioning Pastéis de Nata. These small custard tarts have a crispy, flaky crust and a creamy filling. The best place to try them is Pastéis de Belém in the Belém district, often included in the Lisbon Ultimate Discovery Tuk Tuk Tour.

3. Caldo Verde

Caldo Verde is a traditional Portuguese soup made with kale, potatoes, chorizo, and olive oil. It’s simple but full of flavor and often served as a starter or light meal.

4. Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato

This dish features clams cooked in a garlic, white wine, and coriander sauce. It’s fresh, light, and perfect for seafood lovers. You’ll find it in many Lisbon restaurants, especially near the waterfront.

5. Bifana

Bifana is a popular Portuguese sandwich made with marinated pork slices served in a soft roll. It’s a street food favorite and perfect for a quick bite while exploring the city.

6. Arroz de Marisco

Arroz de Marisco is a rich seafood rice dish similar to paella but with a Portuguese twist. It includes a mix of shellfish like shrimp, clams, and mussels cooked in a flavorful tomato and herb broth.

7. Polvo à Lagareiro

This dish features octopus roasted with garlic, olive oil, and potatoes. The octopus is tender and smoky, making it a must-try for adventurous eaters.

8. Sardinhas Assadas

Grilled sardines are a Lisbon classic, especially during the summer festivals. They are simply seasoned and grilled over charcoal, served with bread and salad.

9. Feijoada

Feijoada is a hearty bean stew with pork and sausages. It’s a filling dish that reflects Portugal’s love for comfort food.

10. Prego no Pão

Prego no Pão is a steak sandwich, often served with mustard or garlic sauce. It’s a simple but satisfying meal popular among locals.

11. Acorda à Alentejana

This is a bread soup made with garlic, coriander, poached eggs, and olive oil. It’s a traditional dish from the Alentejo region but widely enjoyed in Lisbon.

12. Queijo da Serra

Queijo da Serra is a creamy cheese from the Serra da Estrela mountains. It’s often served as an appetizer with bread or fruit.

13. Chouriço Assado

Grilled chorizo sausage is a smoky and spicy treat. It’s usually cooked over an open flame and served with bread.

14. Peixinhos da Horta

These are green beans battered and fried, similar to tempura. They are a popular snack or side dish.

15. Bolo de Caco

Bolo de Caco is a traditional bread from Madeira, often served warm with garlic butter. It’s soft and slightly sweet, perfect for accompanying meals.

16. Maranahos

A lesser-known dish, Maranahos are rice and meat wrapped in cabbage leaves and cooked slowly. It’s a rustic dish with deep flavors.

17. Pasteis de Bacalhau

These are codfish cakes made with salted cod, potatoes, eggs, and parsley. They are fried until golden and crispy, often served as appetizers.

18. Leitão à Bairrada

This is roast suckling pig, a specialty from the Bairrada region but popular in Lisbon. The skin is crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy.

19. Ginjinha

Ginjinha is a sour cherry liqueur served in small cups. It’s a sweet and slightly tart drink that locals enjoy as a digestif.

20. Tremoços

Tremoços are lupin beans, often served as a salty snack with drinks. They are common in Lisbon’s bars and cafes.

Exploring Lisbon’s Food with Tuk Tuk Tours

To fully enjoy what to eat in Lisbon, consider joining a tuk tuk tour. The Alfama- Old Town Private Tuk Tuk Tour Lisbon takes you through historic neighborhoods where you can taste local dishes and enjoy stunning views.

If you want a broader experience, the Lisbon Ultimate Discovery Tuk Tuk Tour covers city center highlights and Belém, including a stop to taste the famous Pastéis de Belém.

For those focused on the heart of the city, the Lisbon City Centre Private Tuk Tuk Tour offers a chance to explore Lisbon’s modern and historic sites while sampling street food and local snacks.

These tours combine sightseeing with food tasting, making them a great way to discover Lisbon’s culinary scene.