Food and Drink

Here is a list some of the dishes that we have sampled in Portugal. If you have discovered any local specialties that are not here let us know.

Food

Bacalhau

Ok, let's get this one out of the way first! They say there are 365 ways of cooking this salted cod dish. The most popular is Bacalhau com natas (with cream). Personally, I often find the fish too salty for my taste but as there are so many variations you will probably find one that you like.

Prego

Great for a lunchtime, prego no paõ (steak in bread) or prego no prato (steak on a plate with chips and rice), this cheap dish is available at most restaurants. In the north the prego no paõ often comes with a thin layer of ham over the steak.

Carne de Porco da Alentejana

Pieces of pork meat, mussels and cubes of fried potato. An odd mixture which somehow works very well.

Chanfana

Goat marinated in red wine, probably for days and then cooked really, really slowly till the meat falls off the bone. This would be really good with mash, but the Portuguese don't seem to 'do' mash. thanks to auntyems.

Pastel de Nata

What can one say about these divine little tarts except try one. Great with cinnamon on the top if you're in a classy establishment. thanks to auntyems . (Eds note: THE best place for these is in the Café Pastéis de Belém, Lisbon, near the monastery. It's where they were invented and they serve them warm from the oven.)

Drink

Beers

Superbock

The ubiquitous Superbock, light and gassy but very drinkable. Got to be ice cold.

Superbock Green

Nice! Superbock with a dash of lemon. Great on a hot day.

Sagres

The main rival to Superbock with a slightly more bitter taste. Give it a try.

Imperial

Quaffable, average lager with the strangest label ever seen on a bottle. (Cartoons of dogs peeing and people errr... doing things. Very odd!)

Tagus

A slightly heavy beer with a malty aftertaste that likes to hang around. A slow drinker.

Sagres Bohemia

A dark rich roasted flavoured beer, taste slightly like newcastle brown, but smoother, excellent, but not too many very strong.

Wines

Where do you start with Portuguese wine? So many to choose from with some great reds, whites and the green wine made from the younger grape, not forgetting the world famous Port wine. Here are a few that we have tried recently.

Tinto (Red)

Dão

Every red I have tried from this region has been excellent. Strong, full bodied red packed with flavour.

Branco(White)

Sarmentinho

A very slightly sparkling white wine served with Leitão suckling pig. Light and refreshing.

Verde(Green)

Gatão

Comes in two different shaped bottles with a picture of a black cat on the label. Not the best Green but definitely quaffable.

Port

Porto Barros Colheita 1967

I say! Would you be so good as to bring out the cigars old chap? This is why I moved to Portugal!

Spirits

Licor Beirão

Ohhhh. I like this. A lot. Not everyone's cup of tea. A smooth, spicy drink reminiscent of Drambuie. Drink with lots of ice.

Aquardente

Arrrrrrrrrrrrgggggg. Nnnnnnnnnnkkkk. Flipple wibble blaaah. Keep well away from any naked flames.

Jerupiga

Drink a small tot of this with your roasted chestnuts in the autumn. The best comes in unlabeled bottles from your local farmer!

To see some fantastic photos of Portuguese food and drink, go to 'The Good Life' by expats member Saudades.