Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure through the sunny streets of Lisbon? If there’s one thing that’ll make your taste buds dance, it’s the incredible array of flavours waiting for you in the heart of Portugal’s capital.

From savoury seafood dishes to sweet pastries Lisbon is a foodie paradise just waiting to be explored. So, I hope that you are hungry as you discover the must try food in Lisbon that will give you a true taste of traditional Portuguese food.. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or a dessert lover, there’s something here for everyone to savour and enjoy.

I’ve eaten my way around the city and come up with a list of some of the best food around. These are my top must-try foods in Lisbon. Portugal is probably not on your list of culinary destinations to visit, but it is slowly making its mark on the world stage and attracting foodies from across the globe.

It is a charming city to visit as there is so much to see. As you explore the city you will find pretty cobbled streets, colourful houses, friendly people and delicious food.

I started my stay in the city with a Lisbon food tour to give me an idea of what was traditional, new, trendy or simply just delicious. I have enjoyed similar tours around the world and find that it is a wonderful way of understanding not only the food but often the local traditions as well. More often than not there will be some hidden gem or a special treat that you otherwise would not have found on your own.

Finding the best food in Lisbon

If you are pressed for time you can make your way to the Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré. It’s chic and modern and is a showcase for some of the best food on offer in the city. It was also a fun place to spend the evening, but it is pricier than many places in town.

Pastéis de Nata

South Africa has a large Portuguese community so I grew up eating these often. I had no idea that they originated in Lisbon. The first thing on my “what to eat in Lisbon” list was to try and find the best the city had to offer. I ate my way through a couple of the delicious custard-filled tarts a day, with the crispiest pastry bases imaginable and only felt a tiny bit guilty.

As you take a bite the creamy tart filling seems to melt in your mouth while you can hear the crack of the flaky layers of pastry. You will see them around town finished with different shades of caramel, but they are not burnt. Some people prefer them that way. You will have to decide yourself which you prefer but either way, it’s a great way to start your day and one of the best foods in Lisbon for me.

Pro tip –  Confeitaria Nacional, Manteigaria, Pastelaria Aloma and Pastéis de Belém (slightly different version)  make some of the best around.

Bacalhau

Bacalhau, or salted cod, has been featured as part of the staple food in Portugal since the Vikings arrived with it to trade. The fish normally has around 18% of protein, but once dried it increases to around 80%. Salt cod soon gained popularity in Catholic countries like Spain and Portugal, where Fridays were expected to be meat-free days.

Rumour has it that there are at least 365 ways of preparing the fish, but some of the most popular are Pastéis de Bacalhau, which is a bit like a croquette, Bacalhau à Brás, mixed with scrambled egg, olives and fried potatoes or Bacalhau Ze do Pipo, covered with mayonnaise and baked and Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá which is shredded with potatoes, caramelized onions, boiled eggs and olives.

Sardinhas (Sardines)

I can imagine you thinking “yuk”. That’s quite a common reaction to the word “sardines”. It often evokes memories of horrid fish in a can, but trust me when I tell you it is delicious. You will find a huge range of sardines in cans across Portugal. Many are in premium olive oil with additions like chilli to turn them into something special. They are served in all kinds of creative ways. My favourite taste of Lisbon food was sardines on a sliver of toast, topped with a crunchy red onion pickle. You need to try them. You will be amazed.

Fresh sardines are just as delicious when they are lightly grilled with a slice of lemon on the side. The best time to try them is in summer when they are freshly caught. However, if you are there in winter you can still try them, but they will have been frozen.

Chouriço

I love chouriço and will always order it if I see in on a menu. There is something about the crispy bits on the edges of the sliced sausage that just makes me want to get stuck in, with a bit of bread on the side to mop up the sauce. You may notice that is spelt differently from its Spanish cousin, but essentially it is the same thing although the use of paprika in the Portuguese version is more subtle and less spicy.

When I took a cooking class I was surprised to see the chouriço prepared in a terracotta dish and then flamed in front of me. This is a popular food in Lisbon. If you want to try it, which I recommend, look out for the term chouriço assado on a menu.

Piri Piri Chicken

I grew up eating peri peri (piri piri) chicken as a regular meal over the weekends at any one of a number of Portuguese restaurants in Cape Town. This was long before Nandos opened its first store in 1987. The African Birds Eye chilli is used in the Nando’s version and its heat can be searing, but I love it!

Mozambique was a Portuguese colony and settlers grew to like the local spicy food and took the chillies back to Portugal and so a great dish was born.

One of the important tricks to a good peri peri chicken is to marinate it for at least 24 hours so that the flavours can penetrate the meat. Another belief is that the flavour is developed as it is roasted. In reality, it is probably a combination of both of these factors that produce this delicious chicken. It is usually served with a simple green salad and French fries and is excellent value for money especially if you are on a budget. Try it, it’s addictive!

The best food in Lisbon for me is Frango no Churrasco which is the Portuguese way of saying ‘grilled chicken’ or ‘barbecue chicken’ also sometimes called Frango Piri-Piri or  Frango Asado.

Cantinho do Aziz is a Mozambican restaurant located in the Mouraria district that serves a sublime version of this dish. You can also try A Valenciana which is another popular choice,

My easy recipe for peri peri sauce

In a glass jar combine

• ½ cup of white wine vinegar
• ½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
• ½ cup of olive oil
• 30 ml chilli powder – I like to use Kashmiri chilli powder because of the gorgeous colour it gives the sauce
• 30 ml paprika
• 15 ml salt
• 45 ml chopped garlic
• 10 African birds eye chillies – don’t remove the seeds

Put the lid on the jar and shake well. Leave for at least an hour, but the longer you leave it the better the flavour. Store in the fridge and use as a sauce or a marinade.

Caldo Verde

Soup is another of my favourite dishes. I like both the hot and the chilled versions as long as they are packed with flavour so naturally, One of the must eat in Lisbon dishes is Caldo Verde or “green soup”. It is pretty much a national dish in Portugal, even though it originated in the north of the country.

Garlic, onion, potatoes and chouriço are cooked together blended into a velvety puree and at the last minute, the chopped kale is added and cooked until it has just wilted. It’s finished with more chouriço that add a smokiness making this a hearty dish especially on a cold winter’s day.

It is also a favourite among late-night revellers who head to small tascas restaurants that specialise in Caldo Verde and Pão com Chouriço.

I am not sure why, but it is also eaten just after midnight on New Year’s Eve with cornbread to usher in the New Year.

Here’s a link to a quick and easy recipe if you want to try making it at home.

Caracois (Snails)

Snails are a popular snack in parts of Europe, just as they are in some countries in Asia. I have eaten them in Seville, France and Vietnam. In each instance they are prepared differently. They appear on menus in Lisbon from May to September.  Restaurants will advertise há caracóis’ (there are snails) or temos caraóis’ (we have snails).

They are prepared in a spicy savoury broth flavour with olive oil, garlic, oregano and piri-piri and are eaten all over the city as a snack, shared with friends and washed down with a cold beer.

Bifana

You just have to have a bifana when you are in Portugal. It’s about as popular in Portugal as a burger is in the States and you will find it everywhere. The core ingredients are the same wherever you go, a pork steak, seasoned with garlic and spices, topped with a hot sauce or mustard and put onto a light as air Portuguese bread roll. You will however soon find that wherever you go they taste slightly different.

The way they are prepared in the north of the country differs to the south. In the north there is more spice, more sauce and the meat is sliced into little pieces. In the south, it is more like a thin flattened steak and more garlicky. I tried them in Porto as well and I was hard-pressed to decide which preferred as both were delicious and a cheap eat as well.

Prego

I have eaten many prego sandwiches over the years. It’s one of my favourite snacks for a light lunch. It is a similar sandwich to the bifana, but beef is used instead of pork. The sirloin steak is pounded until it is thin then cooked with lashings of garlic and fried onions are added. You will find a really good prego sandwich at O Prego da Peixaria at the Time Out Market. The odd thing about this is that it is often eaten after a seafood meal in place of dessert.  I don’t know why, but it is just the way it is in Lisbon.

Queijo

I am addicted to cheese of all sorts. I have yet to come across one that I haven’t liked. Portugal produces a number of artisanal cheeses.

I tried a soft cheese that came from the town of Azeitão not far from the city. If you like cheese this is a  special food in Lisbon that you have to try and there is something unique about how it is produced as well.

Thistle flowers are used instead of rennet so it’s great for vegetarians as well. Its creamy and worth tracking down . If you book a food tour as we did then I am sure that this will be one of the items that they will include in your tastings. If not, ask the guide where you can buy some to try. It shouldn’t be too difficult to track it down.

Alheira

This was another recent discovery of mine and one of the must-try foods in Lisbon. Alheira is a traditional Portuguese sausage with a unique history and flavour profile. Unlike typical sausages, alheira is made with a mixture of meats, usually including poultry, game meats, and bread, resulting in a dense and hearty texture.

It’s seasoned with garlic, paprika, and other spices, giving it a rich and savoury taste. Alheira is often smoked or grilled, imparting a delicious smokiness to the finished dish. It’s a versatile ingredient used in various Portuguese recipes, from stews to sandwiches, and is a beloved part of the country’s culinary heritage.

Alheira originates from a unique Jewish tradition aimed at avoiding detection during the Inquisition. This sausage was crafted to camouflage the Jewish community’s adherence to dietary laws prohibiting the consumption of pork, allowing them to maintain their religious identity covertly.

Polvo à Lagareiro

Polvo à Lagareiro is a popular dish in Lisbon, showcasing the city’s love for simple, flavorful food. This traditional meal features tender octopus, grilled or baked, drenched in olive oil and topped with garlic and fresh herbs. The octopus is usually served with crispy roasted potatoes, making it a hearty and delicious choice. This dish is a must-try for anyone experiencing food in Lisbon. For the best Polvo à Lagareiro in Lisbon, head to Cervejaria Trindade, a seafood institution known for its fresh and expertly prepared dishes.

What should I eat in Lisbon?

Make sure to indulge in Pastéis de Nata, Don’t miss trying Bacalhau à Brás, as well as freshly grilled Sardinhas Assadas, seasoned with sea salt and lemon for a taste of the city’s coastal charm.

What food is Lisbon famous for?

Lisbon is famous for its iconic Pastéis de Nata, creamy custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust, enjoyed as a sweet treat any time of day. Additionally, the city is renowned for its delicious seafood and of course caldo verde.

What influences Lisbon food?

Lisbon food is characterized by a rich tapestry of flavours, blending the influences of Mediterranean, African, and Atlantic cuisines. Expect dishes that are savoury and robust, often featuring fresh seafood, aromatic herbs and spices, and hearty stews

Each of these dishes represents a unique aspect of Lisbon’s rich culinary heritage, showcasing the city’s diverse flavours and influences. Whether you’re indulging in sweet custard tarts or savouring a hearty seafood stew, every bite is sure to leave you wanting more of Lisbon’s delicious fare.

Discover Lisbon’s Food On A Food Tour

Join one of these popular Lisbon food tours to learn more about traditions, history and of course delicious food,

Recommended: Lisbon: 3-Hour Secret Food Tour( My favourite tours) – read about the Secret London food tour and the Edinburgh food tour if you need convincing. Tipsy Food Walking Tour with Snacks and Drinks and Tapas Food Tour

Where to stay in Lisbon

• Luxury – AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado
• Boutique-  Browns Downtown Hotel  -This is where I like to stay.
• Mid-range- Hotel Convento do Salvador
• Budget- Oasis Backpackers’ Hostel Lisbon

More Lisbon travel Guides to Help You Plan Your Trip

• Boutique Lisbon Hotels: Where Comfort meets Style
• 17 Unique Things to Do in Lisbon: The Best-Kept Secrets
• The best food tour in Lisbon : Review
• Join a cooking class in Lisbon to learn to cook local classics
• Is the best chocolate cake in the world in Portugal?

More to read

• Porto: The Vintage food tour in Porto reviewed
• More Food Experiences