Lisbon is known as the city of light and this has become one of the favorite cities of travelers for its charming neighborhoods, historical sites, incredible viewpoints and its wonderful gastronomy that offers dishes that have become a true symbol of city.
In order for you to enjoy each of the attractions that the city offers, only two days are necessary. You can visit each of the emblematic sites, contemplate the wonderful views and enjoy a food tour Lisbon to delight in the best local flavors.
Some Interesting Facts About The Gastronomy Of Portugal
Portugal’s gastronomy is one of the most delicious and extensive on the European continent. This gastronomy has been influenced by the Mediterranean diet, the colonies of Asia, Africa and the American continent, in addition to the country’s seafaring tradition.
All of Portugal’s food clearly reflects its history and each of its geographical points.
One of the most notable facts about Portuguese gastronomy is that fresh and local foods or ingredients are used. This is a country surrounded by the sea and, for this reason, it is not new that marine products are the basis of its recipes. Fresh fish and shellfish are the main ingredient in many traditional dishes such as cod, sardines, octopus or clams.
Cod is the most symbolic fish in the country’s gastronomy and experts say that there are more than 500 ways to prepare it. Some of the most popular recipes are cod with potatoes, eggs and olives or cod with heavy cream and gratin cheese. If you travel to Portugal, you should hire a food tour Lisboa to try some of these varieties.
The fruits, vegetables and vegetables grown in the region are used at all times to prepare the most typical dishes and also the most innovative meals. Spices are no exception, since the country has a marked history due to the conquerors’ trips to other places and, from there; they obtained exotic spices that contributed something different to the gastronomy.
Some of the most used spices are paprika, cinnamon, cloves or ginger. All of them add flavor and colors to dishes.
The Arab culture is another culture that has influenced Portugal’s gastronomy thanks to the introduction of exotic spices and flavors.
Bread, cheese, and wine are fundamental components of any meal in Portugal. There is an interesting variety of breads that are made with wheat or corn flour. Cheese is also a highly valued food in Portugal and, even more so, goat or sheep cheese. Wine, finally, is a drink that is deeply rooted in culture and is produced in some areas of the region.
Discover The Popular Dishes Of Lisbon Gastronomy
If you know the typical foods of Lisbon, you can plan a food tour of Lisboa according to your preferences. The city’s gastronomy is one of its greatest symbols and is recognized worldwide for the presence of unique flavors. The entire culture of the country is represented in each of the dishes that you can try when visiting the city.
1) Cod à Bras: cod is the main ingredient in this dish. This is served with potatoes cut in a special way, scrambled eggs, and olives. Its soft and salty flavor combines perfectly with the sweetness of the onion and olives, and its texture is soft but light because the potatoes are fried;
2) Belem´s cake: these pastries are recognized throughout the world because they have a unique flavor and are truly delicious. These are puff pastries filled with custard. Its flavor is mild and its texture is crunchy.
This is the typical sweet of the city and many places in the country.
Many years ago, Belém was a city separate from the capital of the country, but with the passage of time, it was incorporated into the metropolis;
3) Alentejo pork: This preparation is classic from the Alentejo area in Portugal, but it has spread to Lisbon for different reasons, and it has become one of the typical foods in the place.
This is a dish made with pork that is cooked with garlic and other fresh herbs such as bay leaf and cilantro, sweet paprika and white wine.
The result is a meal with intense and spicy flavors with smoky notes and the softness of herbs;
4) Green soup: Portuguese cuisine is full of broths and soups. This dish is the most famous of all and its main component is cabbage or kale. This preparation is made with sautéed onion and garlic and then the sliced potato is added. Then, these are cooked with water or broth and these are crushed.
Finally, add the cabbage and a portion of already cooked chorizo so that everything cooks for a few minutes and the flavors mix.
This is a rustic broth, and this is an essential dish in the gastronomy of the entire country;
5) Francesinhas: This is the most popular sandwich in the country. This has meat and sausages that are placed on toasted bread. The most chosen ingredients are sausages, ham, and beef steaks.
The sandwich is covered with another slice of bread and, on top of it, gratin cheese and, sometimes, egg is placed.
The final touch is provided by the spicy sauce made with beer and tomato;
6) Grilled sardines: if you travel to Lisbon in summer, you cannot miss a food tour of Lisboa that includes this dish. This recipe is one of the most symbolic of the city’s summer.
As you tour the different neighborhoods, you can find grills on the streets and try this delicious and simple dish. You can try them alone or accompany them with bread.
The gastronomy of a city is always the representation of its culture. In Lisbon, the recipes are characterized by the combination of flavors and local ingredients that tell their history and the influence of different cultures.
Thanks to its interesting variety of recipes, you can delight yourself with flavors that, surely, you will not try anywhere else.