10 Portuguese foods to try as a family
What to eat in Portugal. We have selected below 10 Portuguese foods to eat in Portugal with or without kids.
Portuguese cuisine is known for its hearty and filling dishes, which may not always seem kid-friendly at first glance. While Portugal does not always have kids menus (because who needs chicken nuggets when you can have a fishcake or steak and chips), there are plenty of delightful options to introduce children to the country's culinary treasures. Here are some suggestions, all tested and approved by my own children when they were growing up.
Let’s start with the sweets!
1.Pastéis de Nata
You've probably heard of these delightful custard tarts that practically melt in your mouth. They're ubiquitous in Portugal, and you can easily find them at bakeries across the country. While the original Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon holds the secret recipe, many other bakeries offer delicious versions. Look out for Aloma-branded pastéis, available in various locations, including Lisbon airport or Manteigaria (available at various locations in Porto and Lisbon). Our 5-year-old wasn't sure at first but quickly fell in love with these treats. A language tip: one is called "um pastel," while two are "dois pastéis."
2. Travesseiros
In the charming town of Sintra, not far from Lisbon, there's a hidden gem called Café Piriquita. Here, you'll find "travesseiros" or "pillows" in English. These pastries are a well-kept secret, often overshadowed by more famous Portuguese pastries like the one above. Travesseiros are made from flaky puff pastry filled with a delectable egg and almond cream, sprinkled with sugar. Trust me; one won't be enough. Order half a dozen for the whole family to savor!
Travesseiros from Piriquita in Sintra
Meat options:
3. Francesinha
While Porto is the birthplace of this dish, you can find "francesinhas" throughout Portugal. They're akin to the French croque-monsieur but with a Portuguese twist. A francesinha is essentially a sandwich layered with bread, ham, linguiça (a sausage similar to chorizo), fresh sausage like chipolata, steak or roast meat, all smothered in melted cheese and a hearty tomato and beer sauce. Most often, it's served with chips, a common side in Portuguese cuisine. There are numerous variations, and they were once a favourite among late-night revelers. Kids enjoy them too, and you can always ask for a sauce-free version. If you want to know where to eat one of the best Francesinhas in Porto, get my Eat with us in Porto guide here.
4. Picanha
Although technically a beef cut popular in Brazil and South America, you can also find picanha in many Portuguese restaurants. In other parts of the world the cut (rump cover or rump cap) is not available or divided differently. This extremely tender and flavourful meat is usually seasoned with salt or aromatic herbs. It's often served with black beans, rice, and sometimes chips or fries. It's a simple yet delicious dish that the whole family will adore. My 5-year-old daughter used to claim it was her favourite piece of meat ever.
Picanha served at Terminal 4450, near Porto
5. Bitoque or prego
Another savory choice kids love is “bitoque” essentially steak and chips. It's a straightforward and satisfying dish that many Portuguese restaurants offer. The tender steak, often topped with a fried egg, is sure to please young palates. Be warned it often comes with sauce. My own kids were averse to sauce until recently so they much prefered the “prego” version: steak, cheese and ham in a bread or on a plate served with chips. No sauce on that one.
6. Piri-piri chicken
A classic of Portuguese cuisine, though people in Portugal do not think of it as traditional food. This is a very cheap meal usually eaten as takeaway with crisps and/or carrot rice or salad. Fancy restaurants won’t serve this. You need to head to the local neighbourhood take-out to get an authentic one. Well worth the search though and kids will love the tender chicken. My tip: you usually get asked whether you want it spicy or not. The spiciness usually comes in the form of a separate spicy oil to pour on top.
Fish options:
7. Pastéis de Bacalhau
These little fish cakes are made using the world-famous Portuguese cod. They include potatoes, onions, and parsley, and they can be served warm or cold. Our son fell in love with them when he was 1. While they're typically served as starters, don't hesitate to order a few for your kids as a main course. Most establishments offer them, so just ask. You can also try making them at home for a taste of Portugal.
Homemade pasteis de bacalhau
8. Caldeirada
For more seafood options, consider a caldeirada, a hearty fish stew made with potatoes. It's a comforting and flavourful dish that showcases Portugal's love for seafood. The rich broth and tender fish make it a tasty option for kids and adults alike.
9. Bacalahau a brás
Kids favourite dish and also Ronaldo’s (if that is not a selling point, I don‘t know what is). It is made from shreds of salted cod, onions and thinly chopped fried potatoes (crisps), all bound with scrambled eggs. Also a common food in schools lunches. This is a fun dish to make at home also.
10. Seafood rice
Tomato seafood rice is the ultimate Portuguese comfort food (according to my husband). A big pot of rice loaded with a variety of fresh seafood, tomatoes (and sometimes a few other vegetables)! Perfect to share as a family as everyone can take what they like (in restaurants, this is usually made for a minimum of 2 people). Many variations of this dish exist with only one type of seafood (octopus, monk fish or prawns are my favourite).
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These are just a few of the delicious Portuguese foods you can introduce to your children while exploring this beautiful country. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from locals or try the daily specials for more culinary adventures!
