1. Pastéis de Belém - contributed by Tour Guide, Beatrice Sacco

Pastéis de Belém is a delicious and famous egg custard tart in Lisbon and beyond. You can try this explosion of sweetness and crunchiness at the Pastéis de Belém shop and allow it to warm your taste buds and slowly warm your heart. While pastéis de nata (‘cream’) can be found all across Portugal, I firmly believe that none match the exquisite taste of Pastéis de Belém.

The origins of these delectable treats trace back to the closure of convents and monasteries in 1834 when the clergy were trying to find ways to survive. That’s when a group of nuns from Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Belém started selling sweet pastries, later known as ‘Pastéis de Belém.’ In 1837, they began baking these pastries in a dedicated shop, faithfully following the ancient secret recipe that sets them apart and makes them truly special.

Make sure to enjoy as many as you want without worrying about the calories.

Pastéis de Belém

Address: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal

Website: Pastéis de Belém

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

2. Cozido à Portuguesa

Cozido à Portuguesa is considered by some, one of the national dishes of Portugal. It is a boiled cozido stew using a variety of meat and veggies. Usually, it includes intense flavors blended together which include beef, pork, cabbage, rice, potatoes, etc. It literally translates to “boiled a la Portuguese” and there are numerous varieties you will find across Portugal - mainly being consumed in the winter. It is often served with red wine and, though it was a humble meal historically, now it finds its place in all kinds of households. O Zé do Cozido serves one of the most appetizing versions of this stew.

O Zé do Cozido

Address: R. José Acúrcio das Neves 3, 1900-221 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: Around 20 EUR (22.79 USD)

Website: O Zé do Cozido

3. Tripas

Originated in the 14th Century, this legendary stew is made with Tripe, sausage, a variety of meats and beans served hot with rice. Tripe is basically the small intestines of farm animals - cleaned, seasoned and grilled to perfection. A homestyle dish, you can get a delicious version of this in Das Tripas Coração.

Das Tripas Coração

Address: Rua da Escola de Medicina Veterinária 1A, 1150-174 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: From 3 EUR (3.42 USD)

4. Bacalhau

Bacalhau is the Portuguese description for cod and it is a salted cod-fish preparation which is sun-dried and eaten in various ways. One of the most revered food items in Portugal, it is said that the Portuguese can consume cod in 365 ways, one for every day of the year. Even if you have not tried cod in the past, this dish will win your heart with its simplicity. Head to the Restaurante D`bacalhau for this deliciousness.

Restaurante D`bacalhau

Address: R. do Bojador 45, 1990-254 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: From 10 EUR (11.41 USD)

Website: Restaurante D`bacalhau

5. Alcatra

Alcatra is an expensive meat-cut that melts in the mouth, and it can even be eaten without the help of a knife. This pot roast cooked thoroughly in red wine is spiced with bay leaves, salt and pepper, though some use other intense spice mixes as well. The slow-cooking method is what gives the meat its unparalleled softness. A century-old, unassuming restaurant serving Portuguese classics to the locals, Adega das Gravatas serves some of the best Alcatra in Lisbon.

Adega das Gravatas

Address: Tv. Pregoeiro 15, Carnide, 1600-587 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: Around 20 EUR (22.80 USD)

Website: Adega das Gravatas

6. Caldeirada

Caldeirada is a Portuguese fish and vegetable stew which usually contains potatoes along with any fresh fish available on hand. This one-pot recipe lies somewhere between a soup and a stew in terms of consistency. In the past, eels have also been used for this preparation. To achieve a fresh seafood flavor, fish is cooked whole with bones and skin and served hot with a meaty broth. The flavors mix amazingly with the vegetables and spices and the end result is a soupy hot bowl of goodness. The riverside restaurant, A Pescaria, serves excellent fresh catches in an informal atmosphere.

A Pescaria

Address: Cais Gás, 1200-161 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: 34 EUR (38.77 USD) for two

7. Carne de Porco Alentejana

Carne de Porco Alentejana is one of the most traditional (and oldest) dishes on this list. It is made of marinated pork with steamed clams cooked with potatoes, wine, garlic, coriander and other spices. The word Alentejana might suggest that the dish comes from the Alentejo region but it was originally cooked with pigs from the Algarve region of Portugal. João do Grão in downtown Lisbon whips up amazing Carne de Porco Alentejana and it is very popular with the locals.

João do Grão

Address: R. dos Correeiros 222, 1100-422 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: 15 EUR ( 17.11 USD)

Website: João do Grão

8. Caracois

Caracois is the favorite summertime munchie for Portuguese. You can find it everywhere be it an appetizer or as a snack served with wine and other drinks. These seasonal treats are snails cooked with onion, garlic, tomatoes and piri-piri spice. During summer, hordes of small restaurants and cafes put up boards to advertise that they have started serving Caracois. One Pires(plate) of snails is usually 5 EUR (5.71 USD). Júlio dos Caracóis has been serving up snails since 1958 and is a top pick for locals and tourists alike.

Júlio dos Caracóis

Address: R. do Vale Formoso de Cima 140 B, 1950-447 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: From 5 EUR (5.71 USD)

Website: Júlio dos Caracóis

9. Frango no Churrasco

This Portuguese grilled chicken with rice is served throughout Lisbon and it is a local favorite and a real staple of Portuguese cuisine. The chicken is grilled with exotic flavorful spices like piri-piri, yogurt, ginger, garlic and a generous portion of paprika. The longer the meat is marinated, the stronger and juicier the flavors get. In Portugal, it is usually a quick and easy meal when one’s in a hurry. Frangasqueira Naciona, a food joint which celebrates tradition with a hint of modernity, serves great barbequed chicken but it is only open during the lunch and dinner hours.

Frangasqueira Nacional

Address: Tv. Monte do Carmo 19, 1250-127 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: Around 10.60 EUR (12.10 USD)

Website: Frangasqueira Nacional

10. Caldo Verde

Caldo Verde is a popular Portuguese soup made with potatoes, collard greens, salt and olive oil. This rustic soup is perfect when you are searching for comfort food and a hearty meal - all in one. Each household has its interpretation and some love adding meat and chorizo to it to turn it into a heavier meal. Caldo Verde translates to “green broth” and is a very nutritious and earthy dish. You can find a taste-worthy version at Merendinha do Arco in Lisbon.

A Merendinha do Arco

Address: R. dos Sapateiros 230, 1100-486 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: around 1.50 EUR (1.71 USD)

11. Polvo à Lagareiro

Polvo à Lagareiro is a quintessential Portuguese flavor - baked octopus with mashed potatoes in spicy, herby oil. Frade dos Mares Restaurant is well known for the huge variety of seafood they serve, especially octopus. This unpretentious restaurant will satisfy your food cravings without burning a hole in your pocket. A plus is that locals love visiting this place for the authentic flavors and fresh meat.

Frade Dos Mares

Address: Av. Dom Carlos i 55A, 1200-647 Lisboa, Portugal

Price: From 18 EUR (20.55 USD)

Website: Frade Dos Mares

Eat like a Lisbonite when you visit the charming city of Lisbon

Have a food-fueled holiday in Lisbon and during your food trail, try some popular picks, as well as some unknown local favorite dishes. The top-notch seafood, the exotic spices and the traditional cooking methods have an allure to them that you just cannot afford to miss out on. Also, do not skip the great wines from the region while you are exploring the food scene in Lisbon.