The Northern Portugal Food Experience
Vitela no Espeto
While a small country, Portugal has diverse food in each of its regions. Each region has its own traditional food. Because most of Portugal is on the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal has many fish dishes. A favorite fish is cod. In fact, the Portuguese have more than 350 different ways to prepare cod. In Portuguese, cod is called bacalhau. Portugal is very famous for its wine, especially the widely exported Port Wine. Vinho Verde both from Northern Portgal, is also exported. The Portuguese version of filet mignon is served with ham and green olves in garlic and wine sauce
Cozido a Portugesa
There are a few things to know about Northern Portugal dining that can be helpful. Although Northern Portugal dining etiquette is nothing to be feared there are a few tips about things to do. Table manners are formal and Continental while dress is very informal apart from Sundays when families go out together. If dining in a formal atmosphere or invited to join a Portugese family dinner there are a few things that are good to know. The couverts, or appetizers brought at the beginning of the meal are very much like the idea of Spanish tapas. Food is served in large quantities and fairly inexpensive with 5 Euros buying a hearty café meal and under 12 Euros enough to get a great meal in most restaurants.
Couverts include bread, cheese and an olive oil mixture for dipping the bread into and are a customary start to a meal. Some restaurants charge for this while others don’t but all normally start guests off with this so be sure to ask if there’s an extra charge. Casa Aleixo in Porto has been serving hearty, family-style, traditional Portugese food since 1948. For a truly authentic experience try lunch or dinner there and don’t miss their specialties of octopus or the baked veal.
Bola
Soupa Dourada
Northern Portugal is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the west and so it is only natural that much of their diet will comprise of fish meat. Therefore it is found that they enjoy caldeirada, sardines and cod and there are various recipes of these fishes which make up their menu. However, it is also necessary to mention that they enjoy other non vegetarian food as well like pork, beef, chicken and lamb. These meat preparations are often consumed by applying them as add ons with sandwiches. Also, it should be referred to here that the Portuguese art of making pastry is also very well known and are well loved all over.
Portugese cuisine has had a lasting influence in far-off places such as Macau and Goa, yet Portugal food is extremely under-represented outside of the country. It is often confused with Spanish cuisine but is infact quite distinct. Simple ingredients that are impeccably prepared defines Portugal food. Fish, meat, olive oil, tomato and spices as well as hearty soups, homemade cheeses and breads and blends of shellfish and meat are emphasized.
Bacalhau a Gomes de sa
Pasteis de Bacalhau
Truta de Barroso
Rabacal & Monte Cheese
Rogoes
Franco Piri Piri
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