Portugal boasts many culinary treasures. From simple soups like caldo verde to more complex stews like feijoada a transmontana, its dishes reflect centuries of seafaring exploration.
Keep an eye out for signs with “ha caracois,” denoting grilled sardines piled high on bread, as well as pastry shops featuring pasteis de nata displays. In addition, you’ll encounter an extensive service-based economy.
Culture
Portugal’s culture has been formed over millennia by interactions between various civilizations spanning millennia. From prehistoric Lusitanians and Gallaeci to Roman rule and Germanic invasions like Suebi, Burgundian Kingdom and Visigoths invasions; Jewish settlement; Moorish Umayyads as well as Spanish Inquisition all left their marks on Portuguese culture.
Portugal, an influential maritime power and explorer since the 15th Century, once held an expansive colonial empire ranging from Brazil to India that left an indelible mark upon both cultures and their traditions. Although Portugal no longer controls an overseas territory (Macau), its legacy as an imperial sea power lives on in Portuguese language and cuisine, Fado music, Manueline architecture – testaments to a country which once roamed vast seas unfettered.
Access to supermarkets has transformed eating habits in urban areas, but rural Portugal’s traditional diet still consists primarily of fish and vegetables. Thanks to an abundant supply of fresh seafood from the sea, its abundance can be seen on menus that range from rustic tavern meals and “marisqueiras” dishes through Michelin star cuisine to dried salted codfish called bacalhau that is eaten daily as part of national staples and hearty seafood stew known as cataplana stew.
As the result of its diverse cultures, Portugal boasts an eclectic literature scene. Plays by Fernando Pessoa such as “A Castro” are just one example. Luis Vaz de Camoes was another prominent poet from Portugal who has been likened to Shakespeare and Virgil. Additionally, contemporary artists like Eduardo Souto de Moura and Cassiano Branco can be found throughout Portugal; furthermore UNESCO has recognized 26 monuments, landscapes and cultural practices of Portuguese heritage as World Heritage sites.
Food
Portugal, for such a small nation, boasts an incredible variety of food and beverage. Seafood dishes served up at taverns or “marisqueiras”, to exquisite meals at top restaurants — the Atlantic has long played an influential role in shaping Portuguese cuisine. Meat dishes, especially pork and sausage varieties are also highly prized dishes!
Portuguese meals typically begin with an appetizer known as a couvert (snack), such as toasted bread topped with butter, garlic or olive oil. Bread of all kinds – especially the sourdough variety – forms part of every meal and forms an integral part of the local diet.
Wine is an indispensable beverage in Portugal and comes in numerous varieties and price points. Traditional port wine is an exquisite fortified wine worth trying, though there are other choices as well. Sipping on port is an ideal way to end a meal or simply to relax with alone a good book or magazine.
Sangria, which combines regional red wine with seasonal fruits and a sweetener like sugar or fruit juice, is another incredibly popular drink. There are classic ruby red and white versions, as well as kid-friendly varieties made without alcohol – such as Ponche de Sangria which replaces alcohol with soft drink instead.
Salada de polvo is an irresistibly refreshing appetizer that showcases Portugal’s love of the sea. Tender octopus marinated in olive oil and served alongside onions and herbs makes this dish the epitome of fresh, simple cooking found throughout Portugal.
Bacalhau, dried and salted codfish, is a staple ingredient in both upscale restaurants and the humble family-run tascas that dominate Portugal’s restaurant scene. This delicious delicacy can be served grilled, baked or fried and is frequently the centerpiece of Portugal’s annual Christmas Eve dinner, commonly referred to as consoada.
Meat lovers should try chourico asado from central Bairrada region or pica pau (roasted suckling pig dish). Seafood enthusiasts will savor cocteis (fish stew from Algarve); octopus salad; or the popular conserves made with clams, mussels or salmon found throughout Portugal. No trip would be complete without tasting the famed pasteis de nata (small custard cakes that combine creaminess and crunchiness).
Drinks
Every country has an iconic beverage associated with it – from Limoncello in Italy and Champagne/Fanta in France, to beer in Germany. Portugal too boasts many special drinks associated with its culture and heritage.
Wine is an integral part of Portuguese life and culture, serving as the cornerstone of their beverages. Available in its various varieties from red to white and even “green”, this beverage produces using locally-grown grapes – providing an ideal complement to Portuguese cuisine.
Aguardente (brandy) is another beloved Portuguese spirit that captures its country’s rich distilling traditions while offering a diverse palette of flavors derived from local fruits. From earthy notes of Aguardente de Medronhos to fruity whispers in Aguardente de Pera, each variant captures the essence of each fruit used for distilling.
Coffee and tea in Portugal are widely celebrated. Mazagran is an exquisite caffeinated drink unique to Portugal that’s usually infused with lemon. Enjoy it hot or cold, it pairs well with dishes such as sardinha assada and peixinhos da horta!
One traditional beverage is sangria, an elegant blend of red wine, local fruits and other ingredients from across the region. Although most people associate sangria with classic red coloration, its versatility extends well beyond this version: from white sangria Blanca or even kid-friendly options like Ponche De Sangria that substitutes alcohol with soft drinks for an adult beverage option – making this refreshing beverage an excellent companion to numerous savory dishes including snack foods or appetizers such as Bulhao Pato or Adobros do Cho.
Last but not least, Portugal boasts many beloved beer brands. Coral is an island-grown variety known for its refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with Madeira’s climate and cuisine. Other top options for beer enthusiasts include Sovina which takes pride in artisanal approaches to crafting beer that are sure to please even the pickiest of palates.
Language
Portuguese is Portugal’s official Romance-based Latin alphabetic language and one of its primary national languages, with strong connections to other Romance tongues such as Spanish and Italian as well as a strong influence from English grammar and spelling patterns. Portuguese is spoken by more than 10 million people around the globe – making it one of the world’s most widely spoken tongues.
Portuguese seafarers played an essential part in European power play during the 15th-century Age of Discovery, when overseas exploration became an essential element. Portuguese shipbuilders created ocean-going sailing ships such as carracks and galleons; their voyages reached India, Oman, the Philippines, Africa and Brazil – with Fernao de Magalhaes (known as Magellan) planning and leading the first circumnavigation voyage around the globe and having his name immortalized at Jeronimos Monastery as well as being represented on their national flag by an armillary sphere on national flag.
Portugal’s western Mediterranean climate, long Atlantic coast and rich historical legacy create an efficient tourism industry, making the country an alluring vacation spot and home to a flourishing middle class population.
Politically, Portugal is a semi-presidential republic. The president serves as head of state and appoints both prime minister and government members; administrative division is divided among 308 municipalities that comprise 3,092 civil parishes; Euro is its official currency.
Portugal boasts a high standard of living and education that contributes to its citizens’ high quality of life. Portugal plays an active role in international politics and membership of the UN; for more information visit its Ministry of Foreign Affairs or visit CIA World Factbook’s Portugal page; other useful websites are: