Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Porto, Portugal
1. Francesinha
A hearty sandwich with beef, sausage, ham, and cheese, covered in a beer-based tomato sauce and served with fries. Try it at Café Santiago or Maria Pia.
- Unique Topping: The sandwich is topped with melted cheese and a spicy sausage.
- Local Icon: Francesinha is considered one of Porto's culinary symbols.
- Beer Sauce: The unique beer-based tomato sauce sets it apart from other sandwiches.
2. Tripas à Moda do Porto
Traditional tripe stew made with garlic, onions, white beans, and spicy pork blood sausage. Served at Casa Guedes or Ladaire.
- Spice Level: The dish is known for its fiery kick.
- Cultural Significance: This dish represents Porto's working-class culinary heritage.
- Local Twist: The use of tripe and pork blood sausage is unique to Porto.
3. Bifana
Marinated pork sandwich served in a soft roll. Best enjoyed at Café Miami or Café Candelabro.
- Marinade Secret: Each restaurant has its own secret marinade recipe.
- Quick Meal: Bifana is a quick, affordable meal on-the-go.
- Flavorful Pork: The tender pork marinated in garlic and spices delivers a rich flavor.
4. Pastel de Nata
Delicate egg custard tarts with cinnamon. Try them at Pastéis de Belém or Manteigaria.
- Original Recipe: The original recipe comes from the monastery of Belém.
- Sweet Delight: These tartlets are a must-try for their irresistible sweetness.
- Crispy Pastry: The crispy, buttery pastry crust complements the creamy custard filling.
5. Sarrabulho
A hearty tripe and blood sausage soup served with potatoes and corn. Savor it at Restaurante Serrano or Adega de Santo Inácio.
- Hearty Comfort Food: Sarrabulho is the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.
- Local Tradition: This dish embodies Porto's traditional working-class cuisine.
- Spicy Soup: The soup is flavored with hot spices, giving it a kick.
6. Caldo Verde
A hearty kale and potato soup with smoked sausage. Try it at O Afonso or O Gareiro.
- Warming Soup: Caldo Verde is a nourishing and comforting soup.
- Green Goodness: The soup's vibrant green color comes from the fresh kale.
- Smoked Sausage: The smoky flavor of the sausage adds depth to the dish.
7. Bacalhau à Brás
Shredded cod with potatoes, onions, and scrambled eggs. Served at Café Guarany or Cervejaria Brasão.
- Crispy Potatoes: The crispy, golden potatoes give the dish a delightful texture.
- Portuguese Cod: Bacalhau à Brás showcases Portugal's love for codfish.
- Easy Preparation: The dish is simple yet delicious, making it popular among locals.
8. Sardinha Assada
Grilled sardines served with boiled potatoes and salad. Enjoy them at Mercado do Bolhão or Café Candelabro.
- Seafood Freshness: The freshness of the sardines is unmatched.
- Traditional Preparation: Grilling the sardines over an open flame preserves their natural flavors.
- Summer Favorite: Sardinha Assada is a classic summer dish in Portugal.
9. Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato
Clams steamed with garlic, white wine, and coriander. Try them at Café Guarany or Casa Guedes.
- Seaside Delight: This dish is perfect when enjoyed near the sea.
- Simple Ingredients: The simple ingredients let the flavors of the clams shine.
- Classic Preparation: Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato is a traditional Portuguese dish.
10. Rabanada
Fried brioche soaked in egg batter and served with sugar and cinnamon. Find it at O Afonso or Café Guarany.
- Sweet Treat: Rabanada is a delightful dessert option.
- Brioche Bread: The soft, sweet brioche bread is a treat on its own.
- Easy Preparation: The dish is simple to prepare but indulgent to eat.
11. Peri-peri Chicken
Spicy grilled chicken marinated in a peri-peri sauce. Try it at Chick'n' Burger or Galeto Burger.
- African Influence: The dish has roots in African cuisine.
- Spicy Flavor: Peri-peri chicken offers a flavorful spicy kick.
- Grilled to Perfection: The chicken is grilled to juicy perfection.
12. Sandwich de Chouriço
A sandwich filled with smoked sausage, onions, and mustard. Try it at Café Santiago or O Afonso.
- Smoky Flavor: The smoky flavor of the chouriço adds depth to the sandwich.
- Quick Snack: Sandwich de Chouriço is an easy, filling snack.
- Portuguese Sausage: This sandwich highlights Portugal's love for sausages.
13. Queijadas de Santa Maria
Almond cakes flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest. Enjoy them at Pastéis de Belém or Manteigaria.
- Light Treat: Queijadas are a light, delicious dessert option.
- Festive Cake: These cakes are traditionally served during the Santa Maria festivities.
- Almond Flavor: The almond flavor and zesty lemon notes make these cakes irresistible.
14. Tarta de Laranja
Orange cake made with layers of sponge and orange marmalade. Try it at Café Santiago or Confeitaria Serrano.
- Citrus Delight: The zesty orange flavor makes this cake refreshing.
- Layer Cake: The layers of sponge and marmalade create a unique texture.
- Sweet Treat: Tarta de Laranja is a perfect dessert for those with a sweet tooth.
15. Gelados do Porto
Traditional Portuguese ice creams made with fresh fruits and milk. Try them at Gelateria Fantasia or Gelados da Baixa.
- Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh, local ingredients sets these ice creams apart.
- Wide Variety: From traditional flavors to unique combinations, there's something for everyone.
- Cool Down: Ice cream is the perfect way to beat the summer heat in Porto.