According to comprehensive reports from Worldway: Portuguese culinary culture can be described as a fusion of many countries. Its staples include rice, potatoes, and bread, while main courses often feature meat and seafood, especially fish such as cod, swordfish, and arrowfish. Worldway's Portugal customer service experts explain that Portuguese cuisine is not as refined and delicate as French cuisine; instead, it has a uniquely vibrant, Southern European, Latin-style charm. Portuguese dishes are rich and savory—especially the seafood and meat courses, which are a paradise for those who enjoy hearty, flavorful food. So, what are the mouth-watering delicacies that Portugal has to offer?
Feijoada (Bean Stew):
Similar to a mixed bean stew, it mainly consists of beans, meat, and sausage. Each chef adds different seasonings to make the dish exceptionally delicious. This dish is consumed all across Portugal, so the name is usually prefixed with a location to denote the specific regional preparation.
Bacalhau à Braz (Codfish à Braz):
This involves grilling codfish, shredding it, and stir-frying it with eggs, onions, and olive oil, finally garnished with herbs. Cod is an essential dish for Christmas in Portugal, rather than turkey. Legend has it that there are 365 ways to prepare cod in Portugal, one for every day of the year; even if you don't try this specific version, you should definitely sample others.
Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines):
This is the most common and frequently consumed dish in Portugal, and also the most economical. The traditional way to eat it is on a slice of bread; do not be afraid that eating with your hands will draw strange looks—using a knife and fork might actually seem a bit pretentious. Once the sardines are finished, the bread will have absorbed the flavors left behind, making it even more delicious. Grilling is a common cooking method for the Portuguese; even if you don't like sardines, there are plenty of other grilled dishes to try.
Lulas Recheadas (Stuffed Squid):
The squid tentacles and other parts are trimmed and minced, then mixed with seasoned ground meat, onions, and other spices, stuffed back into the squid, secured with a toothpick, and cooked in tomato sauce.
Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese Stew):
A savory dish consisting of fatty meat, pork ribs, sausage, and cabbage stewed together. Different regions have very different preparation methods, so don't be surprised if you encounter some delightful variations.
Picanha (Rump Steak):
A Brazilian dish with very delicious meat, traditionally served with two slices of fresh orange and Brazilian black beans. This Brazilian dish is very popular in Portugal and can be served in various ways. The most famous method is for the waiter to bring fresh meat and a hot stone, allowing the customer to place the meat on the stone themselves to control the level of doneness; the taste is different from charcoal grilling.
★ Reminder from Worldway's local Portuguese customer service experts regarding restaurant etiquette in Portugal
1. Serving sizes in Portuguese restaurants are generally large, with plenty of meat and oil, so they are quite filling but high in calories. If you are full, there is no need to finish every course from appetizer to dessert; feel free to order according to your appetite.
2. Typically, when you are seated, the waiter will bring sliced bread, butter, sardine pâté, and olives. The prices for these items are usually listed on the first page of the menu; you may decline to pay for items that are not priced. You will be charged based on what you consume; not everything placed on the table must be paid for.
3. If there is an issue, please request the complaint book (Livro de Reclamações), which is required in every restaurant.
4. Portuguese dining is relatively casual and down-to-earth; it is not as formal as a French or Italian multi-course meal. Appetizers can be soup or salad, followed by a main course, and finally dessert and coffee. If you are in the mood, you can also have a glass of strong spirits to aid digestion.
Worldway is the only Chinese immigration agency with an independent office in Portugal. Our new Portuguese branch is located on the prestigious Avenida da Liberdade in the heart of Lisbon. This spacious and comfortable office provides even better, more convenient services for investors buying property in Portugal. Meanwhile, during the "2014 European Immigration Service Year," Worldway will comprehensively expand its property investment and immigration service guidelines, providing clients with thorough consultation on property purchase immigration, trips to Portugal for site visits, immigration application filings, post-purchase property management, estate management, and tax representation services.
For the most professional and comprehensive Portuguese investment and immigration services, look no further than Worldway Immigration. Worldway domestic immigration hotline: 400-138-2929
Edited by Worldway
