There are few things greater in this world than Portuguese food. From delicious soups to incredibly fresh fish, eating in Lisbon is pure pleasure. In this episode, Paul and Tori will guide you through the different types of Portuguese restaurants, go over what you’ll find on a typical menu and even teach you some words in Portuguese to get by.

Types of Places to Eat at in Lisbon

There are LOTS of places to eat in Lisbon, and as you’re walking around, you may wonder where to go. Here are the types of eating establishments that you’ll find:

• Restaurante: Exactly what you think it is – a restaurant!
• Churrasqueira: A place that specializes in grilled meat and fish
• Marisqueira: A place that specializes in shellfish
• Cervejaria: A place that also specializes in shellfish
• Café: Perfect for quick meals throughout the day, but can also serve more substantial meals like dinner
• Pasteleria: A pastry shop, though many of them also serve sandwiches
• Tasca: A small, neighborhood restaurant. An important part of Portuguese culture

How to Say…in Portuguese

• Good morning: Bom dia
• Good afternoon: Boa tarde
• Good night: Boa night
• Thank you (male): Obrigado
• Thank you(female): Obrigada
• Please: Por favor, Se faz favor
• Excuse me: Com licença
• Water: Água
• Cold water: Água fresca
• Room temp water: Água natural
• Sparkling water: Água com gás
• Still water: Água sem gás
• Wine: Vinho
• Red wine: Vinho tinto
• Vinho verde: Young wine, usually white and effervescent
• White wine: Vinho branco
• Beer: Cerveja. Our favorite is Super Bock
• Dessert: Sobre mesa
• Coffee
  • Espresso: Café;. In Lisbon, it is also known as a bica
  • Galão: Milk with espresso
  • Americano: Big cup of coffee; espresso diluted with water
• Check: Conta. Eating in Lisbon is a leisurely affair. You won’t get the check unless you specifically ask for it

What to Eat in Lisbon

Breakfast (O pequeno almoço)

Breakfast in Portugal tends to be quick and not an elaborate meal like in the United States. But, you can often find omelettes on a menu. A few options:

• Omelete mista: Ham and cheese omelette
• Omelete de camarão: Shrimp omelette

Petiscos

When you sit down, you will automatically be brought appetizer-like things called petiscos. These can range from bread and olives to savory fried treats. However, they are not free. You will pay for what you eat. If you don’t want them, just say “não obrigado.”

Soup (Sopa)

Soup in Portugal is so good, and reminds us of our childhoods. Paul’s favorite is caldo verde (potato-based soup with finely sliced collard greens, while Tori’s is canja (Portuguese chicken soup)

Meat Dishes in Portugal

Portuguese food is focused on meat and fish. Vegetarian and vegan places have popped up in recent years, but if you’re looking to eat in small, local places, you may have a hard time finding non-meat dishes, but they are out there! Here’s what you’ll find on a menu:

• Bifana vs. Prego
  • Two incredible Portuguese sandwiches. One is pork (bifana), the other in beef (prego) and you should eat them both
• Frango churrasco
  • Grilled chicken. Add some hot sauce on it (piri piri) and you’ll never be able to enjoy chicken the same way again
• Novilho: A young, tender beef
• Febras: Pork cutlets
• Costeleta: Pork chops
• Entrecosto: Spare ribs
• Carne de porco atlenjana: Clams with pork in a savory sauce. Paul’s absolute favorite dish

Fish Dishes in Portugal

Fish in Portugal is soooo good. With an incredible coastline, fish is fresh and plentiful, and often served whole. Some types on the menu:

• Salmão: Tori’s absolute favorite dish. Served as a grilled steak
• Peixe espada: Very good white fish often translated as sword fish, though it is not. Espadarte is sword fish
• Filetes: Portuguse version of fish and chips
• Sardinhas: Grilled sardines
• Lulas: Cuttlefish (similar to squid)
• Polvo: Octopus
• Camarão: Shrimp
• Ameijoas: Clams
• Bacalhau: Salt cod and a hugely important part of the Portuguese cuisine and identity. There are so many preparations of bacalhau, but some of the most popular are:
  • Bacalhau à Gomes Sa: Shredded codfish with potatoes, onions and olives
  • Bacalhau à Bras: Shredded codfish with scrambled eggs and crispy potatoes
  • Bacalhau à Lagareiro: Piece of codfish with with olive oil and punched potatos
  • Bacalhau à Minhota: Piece of codfish with carmelized onions

To learn more about all the types of fish that you would find on a Portuguese menu, check out this great article.

Episode Music

All music on this episode was recorded live at Duque da Rua, a wonderful fado bar just steps from the Rossio.

Musicians: Tiago Fins, Fernando Soares and Júlio Madaleno
Outgoing song: Sung by Vitor Fernandes

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