No trip is complete without a taste of the local cuisine. From the north to the south of Portugal, each region brings its own specialties to the table, shaped by local ingredients, climate and history. And sometimes, even the same dish takes a different character depending on where you try it.
Lisbon is the meeting point of all these influences. Whether you’re wandering through neighbourhood tascas (taverns), exploring food markets, or sitting down at a contemporary restaurant, you’ll find no shortage of flavours to discover.
If you’re in Lisbon for UXLx and not sure where to start, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite food and drink essentials to help you eat your way through the city.
Pastel de Nata
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One bite of this is basically a Lisbon rite of passage. Pastel de Nata (or Portuguese custard tart) is a golden puff circle with a barely firm rich egg custard in the middle.
You'll find pastéis de nata in almost every pastry and coffee shop in Lisbon (or anywhere in Portugal). However the most famous ones are Pastéis de Belém, from Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém, in Belém neighbourhood. This old pastry shop holds the original, century-old recipe, that only a handful of people know. They're always served warm and straight out of the oven.
💡 Insider’s tip: Want to have it like a true local? Portuguese people usually order a pastel de nata and a café. And don’t forget to dust it with cinnamon too.
Bifana
Several countries have their signature sandwich. In Portugal, that sandwich is Bifana. There’s little secret to it. It's comprised of sautéed, marinated pork packed inside some bread. Some people choose to add mustard or a bit of piri piri sauce. For the complete experience, don’t forget to order a cold draft beer (imperial) to go with it.
Bacalhau
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In Portugal we say there are 1001 ways to cook bacalhau. Not sure anyone has ever confirmed that number but if not, then we're sure it’s pretty close. Codfish is not just a Portuguese food staple, it’s part of the country’s heritage. The difference from eating it in Portugal is because it’s dried and salted rather than fresh.
You’ll find bacalhau on Portuguese menus throughout Lisbon. One of the most famous one’s is Bacalhau à Brás - shredded cod mixed with potatoes, eggs, onions, chopped parsley and olives for garnish. Bacalhau com Natas, cod with a cream-based sauce, is also a delicious option.
Fish and seafood
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Portugal’s 2500-kilometer coastline makes it a perfect place to eat delicious fresh fish and shellfish. The variety and freshness is unbelievable. And what better way to eat fish than simply grilled over charcoal? Several fish species are eaten throughout the year, such as robalo (sea bass), dourada (sea bream), garoupa (grouper), cherne (wreckfish), atum (tuna) and salmonetes (red mullet).
To taste a variety of shellfish, the perfect option is a dish called Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice). It usually contains crab, shrimp, clams and mussels, all cooked beautifully with rice and flavoured with typical Portuguese spices and herbs like garlic, piri-piri and parsley.
Other must-tries on this category include Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato - claims in garlic and coriander, and Polvo à Lagareiro - octopus with olive oil and potatoes.
And, of course, let’s not forget about sardines, quite possibly Portugal’s best known fish. The best time to eat it is in June, when they’re the highlight of Santos Populares, a festival that celebrates St. Anthony. Grilled and served on a thick slice of sourdough bread.
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Caldo verde
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Source: Visit Portugal
Soups are very popular in Portugal and eaten on a weekly basis. Caldo Verde, meaning “green broth,” is one of Portugal’s most beloved soups. The main ingredient is kale and the broth is thickened with potatoes. The soup isn’t complete without some coin-size chorizo rounds that add an extra flavour.
Ginjinha
Source: Lojas com História
Ginjinha is a sour cherry liquor worth tasting in Lisbon. It’s typically served in a small shot glass, but there’s also the option to drink it from a chocolate cup.
📍 Where to try it: One of the most famous bars to drink it is A Ginjinha, located in Rossio, in the heart of the city.
Wine
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Some of the world’s best wines are seeded in Douro Valley in the North of Portugal but other regions of Portugal also produce great wine. And guess where you can try them? In Lisbon, of course. You can easily find an exquisite bottle of wine for fairly cheap prices so it might be a good idea to take a couple with you back home.
You should give a try to the famous Porto wine. With a higher level of alcohol and sweet flavour, it’s consumed as digestive after meals.
Other must-tries:
- Prego - A simple but iconic steak sandwich, made with thinly sliced beef sautéed with garlic and served in a crusty bread roll.
- Pão com chouriço - A popular snack of rustic bread baked with chunks of chouriço inside, so the fat and spices infuse the dough as it bakes.
- Queijo da serra - A rich, creamy sheep’s cheese from Portugal’s Serra da Estrela region, known for its soft, almost spoonable texture.
- Conservas - High-quality canned fish (like sardines, tuna, or mackerel) preserved in olive oil, tomato or brine.
- Alheira - A smoked sausage made with a mixture of poultry, bread and spices. Often served with a fried egg on top, rice and fries.
- Piri-piri chicken - A favourite takeaway dish of butterflied chicken grilled over charcoal until smoky and crispy. It’s finished with a spicy piri-piri sauce made from chilli, garlic and lemon.
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So while you’re in town for UXLx, take the time to explore beyond the conference rooms. Follow the scent of grilled fish, step into a busy pastelaria (pastry shop), or linger over a glass of wine. In Lisbon, every meal is an invitation to experience a different side of Portugal.