Top 15 Must-Eat Street Foods: Savouring the Flavours of Portugal

Olá, foodies! Embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey through the sun-kissed streets of Portugal, where rich traditions and fresh ingredients come together to create a tapestry of delightful flavours.

a street food cart in the evening of portugal.

Portuguese cuisine is a treasure trove of seafood, grilled meats, and delectable pastries that will captivate your taste buds.

Join us as we explore the "Top 15 Must-Eat Street Foods" that showcase the delicious and diverse culinary heritage of this Iberian paradise.

Disclaimer: The images of the recommended food in this blog post were generated by an AI image creator. As a result, the depicted images may not be the exact representation of the actual dishes. Still, the AI image creator endeavours to provide visuals as close to the real food as possible. The purpose of these images is to offer a visual reference for the culinary delights mentioned in the article.

1. Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts)

holding up a piece of pasteis de nata in a busy food street in portugal.

Pastéis de Nata, Portugal's iconic custard tarts, are a heavenly combination of flaky pastry and creamy custard.

These golden delights, sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar, are best enjoyed warm from the oven.

Category: Dessert/Snack
Where to Find: Pastelarias and street food vendors
Average Price Range: €1 - €2 (USD 1.20 - USD 2.40) per pastel de nata

Pro Tip: Pair your pastéis de nata with a bica (Portuguese espresso) for a true Portuguese experience.

2. Bifana (pork sandwich)

a bifana in front of a street food cart in portugal.

Bifana, a mouthwatering pork sandwich, features marinated and thinly sliced pork served in a crusty bread roll.

The simple yet flavourful combination of meat, garlic, and spices makes it a popular street food choice.

Category: Snack
Where to Find: Tasquinhas and food kiosks
Average Price Range: €2 - €4 (USD 2.40 - USD 4.70) per bifana

Pro Tip: Add a dash of piri-piri sauce for an extra kick of spice.

3. Caldo Verde (green soup)

a bowl of caldo verde from a local eatery on a table facing the street.

Caldo Verde, a traditional Portuguese soup, showcases a comforting blend of potatoes, kale, and chouriço (sausage).

This hearty and flavourful dish is a staple at festivals and family gatherings.

Category: Soup/Appetizer
Where to Find: Local eateries and restaurants
Average Price Range: €3 - €5 (USD 3.50 - USD 6) per serving

Pro Tip: Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the caldo verde for added richness.

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4. Prego no Pão (steak sandwich)

holding up a prego no pao in front of the street food cart in portugal.

Prego no Pão, a succulent steak sandwich, features marinated beef steak served in a crusty bread roll.

The juicy and flavourful meat is often topped with garlic and a hint of spice.

Category: Snack
Where to Find: Snack bars and street food vendors
Average Price Range: €3 - €5 (USD 3.50 - USD 6) per prego no pão

Pro Tip: Enjoy your prego no pão with a refreshing glass of Portuguese beer.

5. Francesinha (meat sandwich with sauce)

a plate of francesinha from a traditional restaurant in portugal.

Francesinha, a Portuguese sandwich influenced by French and Belgian cuisine, consists of layers of cured ham, linguiça (sausage), steak, and cheese, all smothered in a rich and spicy tomato and beer sauce.

This indulgent delight is a must-try for those with a hearty appetite.

Category: Meal
Where to Find: Traditional tascas and restaurants
Average Price Range: €8 - €12 (USD 9.50 - USD 14) per francesinha

Pro Tip: Order your francesinha with a fried egg on top for a traditional touch.

6. Pão com Chouriço (chorizo bread)

Pão com Chouriço, a beloved Portuguese street food, features freshly baked bread stuffed with slices of flavourful chouriço sausage.

The combination of warm bread and smoky chouriço is a match made in street food heaven.

Category: Snack
Where to Find: Street food vendors and local bakeries
Average Price Range: €2 - €4 (USD 2.40 - USD 4.70) per pão com chouriço

Pro Tip: Enjoy your pão com chouriço with a glass of vinho verde (young Portuguese wine).

Related blog post: Essential Travel Phrases: A Simple Guide to Exploring Portugal

7. Bolas de Berlim (custard-filled doughnuts)

holding up a piece of bolas de berlim in front of a beachside kiosk in portugal.

Bolas de Berlim, Portuguese custard-filled doughnuts, are a sweet and indulgent treat.

Rolled in sugar and filled with rich custard cream, these delights are a popular choice at the beach and beyond.

Category: Dessert/Snack
Where to Find: Beachside kiosks and pastry shops
Average Price Range: €1 - €2 (USD 1.20 - USD 2.40) per bolo de berlim

Pro Tip: Opt for a traditional custard filling or try other flavours like chocolate or fruit.

8. Sardinhas Assadas (grilled sardines)

a plate of sadrinhas assadas served on a table of a seafront restaurant in portugal.

Sardinhas Assadas, grilled sardines seasoned with sea salt and olive oil, are a true taste of the Portuguese coastline.

Served with bread and roasted peppers, this classic dish is a favourite during festivals and summer months.

Category: Snack/Appetizer
Where to Find: Seafront restaurants and seafood markets
Average Price Range: €5 - €10 (USD 6 - USD 12) per serving

Pro Tip: Enjoy your sardinhas assadas with a glass of vinho verde for a delightful pairing.

9. Bolinhos de Bacalhau (codfish cakes)

holding up a take-away box with bolinhos de bacalhau along a shopping street in the evening of portugal.

Bolinhos de Bacalhau, crispy and flavourful codfish cakes, are a popular Portuguese appetizer.

Made with salted cod, potatoes, and herbs, these savoury delights are a true crowd-pleaser.

Category: Snack/Appetizer
Where to Find: Tascas and traditional eateries
Average Price Range: €2 - €5 (USD 2.40 - USD 6) per portion

Pro Tip: Dip your bolinhos de bacalhau in aioli or tartar sauce for added taste.

Related blog post: Top 10 Must-Try Desserts: A Sweet Tooth's Journey to Portugal

10. Chouriço Assado (grilled chorizo sausage)

a street food vendor grilling some chourico assado in portugal.

Chouriço Assado, grilled chorizo sausage served with bread, is a smoky and savoury delight.

The flavourful chouriço is perfect for sharing with friends over a glass of wine.

Category: Snack/Appetizer
Where to Find: Street food stalls and local eateries
Average Price Range: €3 - €5 (USD 3.50 - USD 6) per portion

Pro Tip: Pair your chouriço assado with a glass of Portuguese red wine for a delightful experience.

11. Queijadas (cheese tarts)

a serving of queijadas served with a cup of coffee in a local bakery in portugal.

Queijadas, Portuguese cheese tarts made with fresh cheese, sugar, and eggs, are a sweet and creamy treat.

These delightful pastries come in various sizes and are a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee.

Category: Dessert/Snack
Where to Find: Pastelarias and local bakeries
Average Price Range: €1 - €2 (USD 1.20 - USD 2.40) per queijada

Pro Tip: Try queijadas made with regional cheeses for unique flavours.

12. Acorda (bread soup with seafood)

a pot of acorda from a traditional restaurant in portugal.

Acorda, a traditional Portuguese bread soup, features a hearty mix of bread, garlic, olive oil, and seafood such as prawns or cod.

This rustic dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavours.

Category: Soup/Meal
Where to Find: Traditional restaurants and seafood taverns
Average Price Range: €8 - €15 (USD 9.50 - USD 18) per serving

Pro Tip: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the acorda for a zesty kick.

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13. Pica-pau (marinated meat dish)

a late of pica-pau from a traditional eatery in portugal.

Pica-pau, a marinated meat dish usually made with pork or beef, features bite-sized pieces cooked with garlic, pickles, and spices.

This flavourful tapas-style dish is perfect for sharing.

Category: Snack/Appetizer
Where to Find: Petiscarias and traditional eateries
Average Price Range: €5 - €10 (USD 6 - USD 12) per serving

Pro Tip: Order pica-pau with a side of bread to soak up the delicious marinade.

14. Tripas à Moda do Porto (tripe stew)

a plate of tripas a moda do porto from a local traditional eatery in portugal.

Tripas à Moda do Porto, a hearty tripe stew, is a traditional dish from Porto.

Made with white beans, vegetables, and spices, this robust dish is a must-try for those seeking an authentic Portuguese culinary experience.

Category: Meal
Where to Find: Local restaurants and traditional eateries
Average Price Range: €10 - €20 (USD 12 - USD 24) per serving

Pro Tip: Pair your tripas à moda do Porto with a glass of Douro wine for a regional touch.

15. Ovos Moles (egg yolk sweets)

a few pieces of ovos moles on a plain surface.

Ovos Moles, delicate egg yolk sweets shaped like shells or fish, are a traditional Portuguese confection.

Made with egg yolks and sugar, these sweets are a sweet and luxurious treat.

Category: Dessert/Snack
Where to Find: Confectioneries and souvenir shops
Average Price Range: €1 - €3 (USD 1.20 - USD 3.50) per pack

Pro Tip: Look for artisanal ovos moles made by local confectioners for authentic flavours.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the "Top 15 Must-Eat Street Foods in Portugal."

Each dish reflects the country's rich culinary heritage, offering a delightful array of flavours and textures.

So, when you wander the streets of Portugal, be sure to savour these gastronomic treasures and immerse yourself in the country's delectable food culture.

Note: The average price range provided is an estimate and may vary depending on the establishment and location.