Food in Portugal

Portuguese food varies by region, but fish, seafood, meat, vegetables, soup, rice, potatoes, bread, and olive oil are common parts of everyday cooking. Regional traditions are important, so the same dish may be prepared differently in another area. A pastelaria is a café and pastry shop where people may have coffee, breakfast, a snack, or a sweet pastry. A tasca is usually a simple informal place serving traditional food and drinks. Many restaurants offer a prato do dia, or dish of the day, which can be a practical lunch choice. The menu may also include portions to share, petiscos, soups, grilled food, and regional specialities. Bacalhau means salted cod and appears in many Portuguese recipes. Other familiar foods include caldo verde, grilled sardines, bifana, francesinha in the north, and a wide range of regional sweets. Coffee is often served in small quantities, and a bica is a common Lisbon word for an espresso-style coffee. Ordering words differ by region, but a polite request and pointing at the menu usually work well. Some restaurants place bread, olives, cheese, or other items on the table before the meal. This couvert may be charged if you eat it, so ask when the price is unclear. Meals may be relaxed and social, especially at lunch or dinner. Service is not always as fast as in a takeaway setting, so leave time when eating in a restaurant. Tell staff clearly about allergies, religious restrictions, or foods you cannot eat. Vegetarian and other dietary choices are increasingly available, but checking ingredients remains important.