Portuguese Food – the next culinary trend

Have you been in Portugal and tried their mouth-watering cuisine and recipes? Portugal is much more than historical heritage and sunny beaches. Is also delicious and distinguished flavors that mark your plate. You will find Portuguese food and recipes astonishingly different from other European countries. As they mix together the influences of Africa, Far East, the New World and the Eastern Indies.

Nelson_Carvalheiro_Ze_da_Mouraria (4)Portuguese Cuisine Methods, Recipes and Techniques

One thing that makes Portugal prevalent is its sunny seasons that spread well in autumn. Through the year, tourists love visiting Portugal because of its mild climate. But the good weather is a lot more. Since it provides fresh fruit, vegetables, greens and most important of all offers fresh fish all year round. And besides consumed fresh, the fish can also be found salted or even dried. Shellfish is another popular cuisine being offered on the dish with no or little garnish. The sardines, parsley, clams, lean bacon, crab and chicken are commonly used in many recipes. Between the most famous are the caldeirada (a fish stew). And the national dish or dishes because there are hundreds of recipes, the Bacalhau (cod). 


For the meat lovers, there are also plenty of choices in Portuguese food. To experience this delicious cuisine, we have for example espetada, which is a grilled beef skewer with garlic. And of course, cozido à portuguesa, a national one dish meal of pork, vegetables, sausage and beef that reflects the traditional cooking resourcefulness. Also not to miss are the soups where Caldo Verde stands as the best-known in Portugal.

At the Portuguese cuisine’s heart is the use of quality and fresh ingredients. That are simply prepared in order to preserve their unique flavors. It is very important to select the correct amount of ingredients such as chili peppers. To spice or simple color the dish. Aside from the recipes, visual attraction is also a significant concern in Portuguese cuisine. As well as the balance between proportion and colors differentiation. Each of the Portuguese cuisines and recipes has their special techniques. Starting from the sea product through deserts, salads and dishes. The methods used rely most of the times on simplicity of preparation. But even simple sometimes gets complicated.

How Portuguese Food is Influencing the Cuisine Landscape of Europe


With history books filled with hostile episodes with the Kingdom o Spain. Portugal soon turned itself into his next neighbor. The Atlantic Ocean was not only the birthplace of the world power that Portugal once was. But also fed his people through century’s. And apparently still does. Portuguese people are the biggest fish consumers in Europe and the third in the world.  It is easy to imagine the impact in his gastronomy. Portuguese Mediterranean diet was also inscribed in UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. But it has a big plus. Fat-rich fish from the cold Atlantic waters. Which you definitely won’t get in the Mediterranean. Also, Portuguese food has seen one of the greatest growth moments that any generation has observed. Driven by new consuming habits and tourism. You will find unequal quantity and quality at unmatchable prices. You will not see any wannabes, pretentiousness or serving fusion cuisine. But you will see and taste one hundred percent flavor and a product of history. This is how Portuguese food influences the Europe’s food landscape.

stant9 Portuguese Food

Portugal is already among Europe famous destinies because of Lisbon, beaches and sunny weather. But Portuguese food is one of the main reasons why visitors go back. Simple and straight cuisine methods and recipes. Allied with out of the sea or the garden freshness. Offer an experience that will shake you. And soon will take Portugal to the most famous food destinations in Europe. That is why.


This Why we love Boutique Hotels post was written as a part of my ongoing collaboration with We Love Small Hotels. All opinions are my own.