Must eat in Lisbon - Discover the best food in Lisbon!

Lisbon

If you’re a foodie on the hunt for some seriously delicious dishes, you’ll be in for a treat in Lisboa! This city is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse array of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From fresh seafood to sweet and salty pastries, here’s everything you must eat when visiting Lisbon:

1. Bacalhau

One must-try dish is the famous Bacalhau, a salted cod dish that’s a staple of Portuguese cuisine. It’s so popular that there are said to be over 365 different ways to prepare it, one for each day of the year!

Fun fact: Bachalau is actually fished in the north sea near Terre-Neuve Labrador, I have to admit as a Canadian I was quite surprised about that!

This magnificent masterpiece was built in the 16th century to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s discovery of a sea route to India. The monastery is home to several important works of art, including the tomb of Vasco da Gama, which is adorned with intricate carvings and intricate detailing.

You should also try Pastéis de Bacalhau, which is another delicious pastry, this time made with salt cod and potatoes. It’s a popular snack in Lisbon and perfect for those who love savory treats.

2. Sardines

Ok hear me out. Before you say anything or you think about anything, let me tell you something. Just try it. Sardines are a must-eat when in Lisbon because they are a beloved and iconic part of the city’s cuisine and culture.

Grilled sardines are a staple dish in Lisbon, typically served with a slice of bread and a glass of wine. Most restaurants offer that dish, but I think the best ones are cooked on outdoor grills and served hot and smoky, with a crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. But it’s not just the taste that makes sardines a must-eat when in Lisbon.

Did you know that sardines are actually more than just food, they are a symbol of Portuguese tradition and pride. Every year on June 13th , Lisbon celebrates the feast day of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of the city, with festivals and parades. During this time, sardines are a central part of the festivities and are eaten by locals and visitors alike.

So if you’re in Lisbon, don’t miss the chance to try this iconic and delicious dish. It’s a taste of Lisbon’s rich cultural heritage and a surefire way to savor the flavors of the sea.

3. Bifanas

A Bifana is a traditional Portuguese sandwich made with thin slices of marinated pork loin, usually seasoned with garlic and sometimes other spices, served on a bread roll. The pork is usually cooked quickly on a hot griddle or skillet and served hot, often with mustard, hot sauce, or other condiments. This is the perfect food for a quick and cheap meal on the go!

Before I went to Lisbon I knew Bifanas was a popular fast food in Portugal. I wanted to try it so bad, and I was literally obsessed with eating one. I don’t know how I was looking because it took me a while to finally eat one, but you can literally find them in cafes, snack bars, and street food stalls throughout the country. To be fair, just enter any tiny place, and ask for a Bifanas and they most likely have it.

For all my fellow broke backpackers, believe this is the shit. You can find them everywhere, they are super good and super cheap. It cost around 3 euros and it tasted better than any fast food sandwich you’ll ever find for this price. So, if you are on a budget and you are hungry, just look for Bifanas.

4. Pastel de Nata

Another must-try is the traditional Pastel de Nata, a creamy custard tart with a crispy, flaky crust that’s simply heavenly. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee for the ultimate midday snack.

We have a full article on the best places to eat Pastel de Nata in Lisbon, check it out!

5. Seafood... Any seafood!

Never forget the seafood! Portugal’s location on the Atlantic means that fresh seafood is abundant, and you’ll find everything from grilled sardines to succulent octopus on menus across the city. It is a major part of the local diet and you should definitely try different things.

6. Chouriço

The chouriço is this amazing smoky, spicy sausage that is often served as an appetizer or snack. I found that some places do it better than others, but that is really up to your taste. It pairs perfectly with a glass of wine or a cold beer. Honestly, it is so good that you might even forget that it is not bacon!

7. Puff pastries

Lisbon is the paradise for puff pastries – empanadas, pasteis de bacalhau, and more. There are many varieties of puff pastries you can find and they are the perfect late night snacks. You can find anything from vegetarian pastry to chicken and pork filled with cheese or beef and spinach. What I really loved about puff pastries is not only they are tasty, but they are really filling, easy to eat on the go and super cheap. You can find them pretty much in any cafe, or little snack restaurant.

Little piece of advice

While these are a few of the must-to eat things in Lisbon, there are plenty other things and dishes to explore. From amazing and fresh salads, to earthy seafood and meat stew, Lisbon has a lot to offer in terms of food, especially for people who are traveling on a budget. If I have one piece of advice for you, it is : the smaller the restaurant is, the best it might be. Be curious, and don’t let yourself be trapped by all these big tourist restaurants. Go off in your local neighborhood and walk until you find something that inspires you and believe me you will not regret it!