Pastel de nata, a traditional Portuguese dessert ()
There are so many reasons to visit Lisbon, I won’t even bore you with them all. Let’s cut right to the chase. The single most important reason to visit Lisbon as quickly as possible is the food. It’s cheap, it’s mouth-watering good and you can spend an entire vacation wandering the city looking for more food to try without getting bored (or hungry). With an excess of top-quality fish, cheese, wine and organic veggies, the Portuguese really know how to whip up some seriously good tasting grub. Check out these cheap eats for some inspiration on what to consume when you visit Portugal’s capital.
Pastel de nata. Let’s start with dessert. This egg custard tart was invented by monks centuries ago and is still relevant in the world of sweets today. The caramelized top almost looks burnt but tastes like heaven. The center is a creamy consistency wrapped in a flaky crust that dances on the edge of perfection. Eat these bite-size treats whenever you get the chance. Some bakeries are said to produce superior pasteles. However, I don’t like to discriminate when it comes to sweets and give all bakeries and equal opportunity to impress my taste buds. I suggest you do the same!
Bifana sandwich. Perhaps the country’s signature sandwich, the bifana is pork marinated in white wine, garlic and other spices, served on a crispy roll. It’s very simple but absolutely delectable. Grab one on the go with a beer or enjoy it at a restaurant. Either way, you’re sure to love this classic sandwich.
Caldo verde. Though green soup may not sound very appetizing, you’ll be singing a different tune once you try it. Made with potatoes, kale, olive oil and salt, this very simple dish will warm your heart. It has a creamy texture, though no cream is added. If you’re lucky, there will be some chouriço in the soup too!
Chouriço. You simply cannot leave Lisbon without experiencing chouriço at least once. It’s a Portuguese sausage flavored with paprika. The best part? You can get it served on fire in a clay dish. After about five minutes the flames create a perfectly smoked sausage, right in front of your very eyes. It makes for the perfect mid-afternoon snack.
Francesinha sandwich. Originally from Porto, this sandwich is made with ham, smoked sausage and beefsteak. It is then covered with melted cheese and a thick tomato and beer sauce and completed with an egg on top. Though the name of the sandwich translates to “little Frenchie,” it is not for the faint of heart. This massive sandwich is 100% worth every calorie.
Piri-piri chicken. This no-frills dish is simply marinated chicken cooked over an open flame. You will often see the chickens rotating in the windows of the restaurants during the day, slowly cooking to perfection. The marinade includes a blend of flavors like piri-piri chilies, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. It’s generally served with a large helping of fries.
Canned seafood. Colorful tins of canned fish make for the perfect souvenir or quick snack. Shops across the city are stocked with sardines, horse mackerel, tuna anchovies, eels, octopus and more. You may even come across a shop selling nothing but canned fish. It became popular when the canning industry was born in 1853, and people needed a fast food that was cheap and protein-packed.
Ginjinha. With all the eating you are doing, surely you will need something amazing to drink as well. Ginjinha is a sweet cherry liquor that was invented in Lisbon. It is infused with Morello cherries. While you are out and about, stop at any one of the stands on the sidewalk for a shot. The best way to drink it is out of an edible chocolate shot glass! I recommend white chocolate.
Vinho Verde. This “green wine” from northern Portugal is not necessarily green, but it is a young wine that is generally consumed three to six months after the grapes are harvested. It can be red, white, rose and oftentimes sparkling. You might consider this an “adult soda” with a ridiculously low price tag. Drink it with seafood for the perfect pair.
Is your mouth watering in anticipation? Jump on a flight to Lisbon and go on a food tour that won’t break the bank. Your wallet and your stomach will thank you!
