Traditional Food in Portugal: Tasty and Full of Culture

Portugal has a long and delicious culinary tradition. Because the country has both a long coastline and rich farmland inland, traditional dishes vary by region, making the most of what’s available from fresh fish to juicy fruits and grains.

What Makes Portuguese Food Special?

You might have heard of the Mediterranean diet, and Portuguese food is a great example of it. It includes:

• Lots of fish and lean meats

• Potatoes, rice, and grains

• Olive oil, cheese, and fresh herbs for flavor

This way of eating is not only healthy—it’s also full of flavor and color. Portuguese meals often include homemade bread, local cheeses, and fresh fruit.

The Star of the Table: Codfish (Bacalhau)

One food you’ll find in almost every Portuguese home is codfish, called bacalhau. People say there are over a thousand different recipes for cooking it! It can be:

• Baked with potatoes and onions

• Fried with sour cream

• Shaped into little cakes

• Covered in bread crumbs or stuffed with bacon

Why so many recipes? A long time ago, people didn’t have refrigerators. But salted codfish could last a long time without spoiling, so it became a popular and clever way to prepare delicious meals—especially for holidays.

Sausages and Chouriços

Another Portuguese favorite is chouriço (like chorizo in Spanish). These sausages are made from pork, spices, and sometimes even bread or flour. They’re placed in a casing and smoked over a fire, giving them a strong, savory flavor. Like codfish, they last a long time and make the most of every ingredient nothing goes to waste.

Sweets for Every Occasion

Portuguese people love sweets! Every holiday has its own special treat. Here are just a few examples:

• Christmas: Carrot dumplings and Bolo Rei (King Cake)

• Easter: Sugared almonds

• Summer festivals: Funnel cakes and fried sweets

Some of the country’s most famous desserts were invented in convents, and the recipes are still kept secret today. Many include egg yolks and sugar, and are topped with cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Discovering Food While Learning Portuguese

At Dinolingo, we believe that learning a language is more fun when you also learn about the culture especially the food! When kids explore Portuguese dishes like bacalhau or bolo rei, they not only discover new words but also understand what families in Portugal cook and eat together.

So, next time you’re learning Portuguese, why not learn the name of a dish too? You might even try cooking it at home with your family!