Portugal’s Great Gastronomy

Portugal has caught the attention of the International Traveler looking for exciting new gastronomy destinations.

It’s a Wine, Port, Seafood and Food Lover’s Paradise.

Lisboa is home to excellent historic restaurant offering traditional dishes, modern restaurants introducing Portugal new cuisine and Michelin Star restaurants. The city also offers established markets like the Ribeira Market where you can visit different stands organized by local Chefs, featuring their specialties accompanied by the popular local wines.

Nearby in Setubal by the Sea you will become acquainted with the excellent wines produced in this area when you tour their prestigious wineries found in their Azeitao area.

Northern Portugal’s Wine Valley

Northern Porto the second largest city in Portugal is a must for foodie lovers. The city is known for its established Port Lodges Wineries and historic cellars dating back to the 19th century. Winston Churchill’s became a lifelong client of their finest Vintage Port. The city is also home to excellent restaurants featuring local Chefs like Francisco Miranda.

Porto is also the gateway to the Duoro River and Wine Valley. As you travel along the Duoro River surrounded by the cascading vineyards, you can visit the historic towns of Amarante, Peso da Regua, Pihnao and Cambres, you will tour Portugal’s excellent northern wineries where some of the world’s best wines are produced.

A Country offering individual regional cuisines and flavors!

In the region of Alentejo you will also find excellent wineries. This region which borders Spain is also favored by wine connoisseurs. The aromatic wines produced here are complimented with a rich local and traditional cuisine, like the tasty Alentejo soup, or Tomato and sausage soup, seasoned with their excellent olive oil, garlic, bread and local spices. Cod, Clams and Pork cooked the Alentejo way are also favorites.

During your visit be sure to try Chocos Grelhados (grilled cuttlefish), Linguado Grelhado (grilled sole) and Peixe Espada (swordfish).  And if you like your food spicy, you can get that, too.  Remember, the Portuguese are the ones who introduce Europe to the spices of the East. Just ask for a little Piri-Piri (mega hot) sauce on the side.

To go with your meals, compliment them with flavored Madeira wine, sparkling Vinho verde, tangy Portuguese Sangria or a Caneca (stein) of lager beer straight from the tap.  If you can’t decide on what to drink, just ask for the Vinho do Casa (house wine) you can’t go wrong. End your meals with a glass of Vinho do Porto made with grapes from the Douro Valley and fermented with brandy, a dessert in itself.

No matter where you go in Portugal great gastronomy is waiting for you!