How to Eat Like a Lisbon Local at Home
Lisbon has a long legacy in culinary inventiveness and winemaking. Yet its clattering trams, cobblestone streets, and majestic squares—and the popular Fado music—often steal the spotlight.
From the distinct cuisine of Lisbon to the tastes and tannins of Portugal’s lesser-known wine regions, there’s a lot to love. But it’s one thing to travel like a local, and another to eat like one. When it comes to ordering, it’s helpful to have an expert point you in the right direction.
We asked Atlas Obscura trip leader João Freitas how to eat like a Lisbon local. A native of Portugal, João leads our trip, Lisbon: Tracing the Roots of an Imperial Cuisine, and is a walk leader for Culinary Backstreets, too. He counts Portuguese wine among his favorite passions and loves to experiment with unusual food and wine pairings.
Read on for the goods, including wine pairings for each dish.
Sardines in Olive Oil and Piri-Piri
Canned sardines in olive oil and Piri-Piri is a popular product in Portuguese grocery stores. That’s no surprise in Portugal, which boasts the oldest continuously-operating cannery in the world. “I love to have canned sardines with sparkling wine while I’m preparing dinner,” said João, “like my father used to do.”
Wine pairing: Quinta das Bágeiras Bruto Branco
Bacalhau (Salted Cod Fish)
According to João, “there are so many recipes for bacalhau that you could prepare it differently every day for a year.” The most traditional fish in Portuguese cuisine, the texture, intense flavor, and versatility also make it unique. How does João like to prepare it? “Baked in the oven with potatoes and turnip greens.”
Wine pairing: Susana Esteban Procura Tinto
Topo São Jorge Cheese
Azores cheese is the most famous cow milk cheese in Portugal. It comes from free-range cows in the unexplored islands of the Azores, making this aged cheese a unique Portuguese product. “I like the hard, sharp, and intense flavor,” said João. “It’s perfect to pair with a full-bodied red wine.”
Wine pairing: José de Sousa Mayor Tinto
Pasteis de Nata
The Pastéis de Nata from Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon is the country’s most famous pastry. And João agrees: “The balance between the crispy puff pastry and the egg yolk cream is perfect. I always order two—you can’t just have one.”
Wine pairing: Dona Antónia Tawny (10 Years)
We partnered with Portugalia Marketplace so you can order all of these delicacies and more. For a limited time only, Atlas Obscura readers get 10% off. Use code AOTrips at checkout.
By Nick Papa
I’m the editor of the Atlas Obscura trips blog. I talk to our trip leaders, travelers, and friends in the industry about how they explore the world’s wondrous places.
