Portuguese food5 min read
5 typical Portuguese dishes every tourist should try
If you are coming to Lisbon with only a few days, start here. None of these are tourist traps.
Published on 6 September 2026
Lisbon is full of places serving weak versions of what is Portuguese. These five dishes are the opposite: real food, from the everyday of people who live here.
- Bacalhau à Brás: shredded cod, straw potatoes and egg, creamy and comforting.
- Francesinha: Porto’s monument, bread, meats, cheese and hot sauce.
- Codfish à Lagareiro: roasted loin with smashed potatoes and plenty of olive oil.
- Grilled picanha: for anyone who wants beef with bold flavour.
- Seafood or octopus rice: the Portuguese sea in a pot.
One tip to get it right
Avoid menus with laminated photos at the door and places where nobody speaks Portuguese. Look for rooms full of locals. It is the best sign.
