5 Must-Try Dishes on a Food Tour in Lisboa
Exploring traditional dishes in Lisbon is a must for anyone planning a culinary journey to Portugal’s capital. Portuguese gastronomy is one of the country’s richest cultural treasures, and Lisbon is its epicenter.
Portuguese cuisine is deeply influenced by the Mediterranean’s diverse culinary heritage. For travellers, tasting Lisbon's iconic dishes is more than just satisfying hunger—it’s an authentic cultural experience that connects you to the city’s history and traditions.
Imagine arriving in Lisbon without knowing what to eat or how to order a typical dish at a local restaurant. That’s where this guide comes in handy. Whether or not you join a guided food tour in Lisboa, these five must-try dishes will ensure you savor the city’s finest flavors.
Caldo Verde
Soup is a cornerstone of Lisbon's culinary culture. Served as a starter or alongside the main course, soups are simple yet incredibly delicious.
Caldo Verde, Portugal's most iconic soup, is a creamy, comforting dish made with finely shredded kale, potatoes, garlic, and a slice of chouriço (Portuguese sausage) for added flavor. Perfectly warming, it’s a favorite during cooler months, especially around Christmas.
What’s surprising about Lisbon is how seriously locals take their soup—so much so that even McDonald’s in Portugal serves them! That’s right; instead of fries, you can order soup. It’s a reflection of the city’s love for wholesome food.
Where to try it: Visit a traditional merendeira—an affordable, no-frills eatery perfect for sampling authentic Portuguese soups and other local dishes.
Sardinhas Assadas
Grilled sardines are a quintessential Portuguese dish, celebrated during Lisbon’s lively summer festivals like the Festas de Lisboa in June.
The smoky, intense flavor of grilled sardines might be an acquired taste for some, but for seafood lovers, it’s irresistible. The fish is seasoned simply with salt, grilled to perfection, and served with bread or boiled potatoes.
Unlike the espetos you’ll find in southern Spain, Lisbon’s sardines are prepared differently, offering a unique flavor profile. They’re especially delightful when enjoyed in coastal areas like Estoril or Cascais after a day at the beach.
Where to try it: Último porto, donde la especialidad es el pescado.
Bacalhau à Brás
Bacalhau, or codfish, is the star of Portuguese cuisine, and there are said to be over 1,000 ways to prepare it. Without any doubt, one of the most famous is Bacalhau à Brás.
This delicious dish mixes shredded salted cod, fried potatoes, and eggs, often garnished with parsley and black olives. Its salty, super creamy and slightly crispy texture makes it a portuguese favorite.
Another variation is Bacalhau com Natas, a baked dish featuring cod layered with potatoes, onions, and cream.
Where to try it: Último Porto is a top spot for fresh, expertly grilled sardines, offering a rustic yet authentic dining experience.
Pastéis de Belém
No trip to Lisbon is complete without trying Pastéis de Belém, the city’s most famous sweet treat. These custard tarts are made with flaky puff pastry and filled with a creamy, lightly caramelized custard.
While you’ll find pastéis de nata all over Portugal, the original Pastéis de Belém are uniquely tied to Lisbon’s history. These pastries were first created by monks in the 19th century at the Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém district, which was later incorporated into Lisbon.
Where to try them: Visit the iconic Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém, where you can watch the tarts being made fresh daily. Alternatively, check out Fábrica da Nata, another fantastic spot to enjoy these delights.
Arroz de Marisco
Arroz de Marisco, or seafood rice, is one of Portugal’s most famous dishes, originating from Praia da Vieira in the area of Marinha Grande.
This dish is more like a seafood stew than Spanish paella or Italian risotto. The rice is cooked in a flavorful broth made from shellfish, including clams, mussels, and shrimp. The stock, enriched by the juices of the seafood, gives the dish its signature rich and briny flavor.
Where to try it: For a simple yet delicious version, visit O Pescador de Moura. For something more upscale, Casa Lisboa serves a refined take on this traditional favorite.
Bon appétit—or as the Portuguese say, bom apetite!
