Being one of the oldest countries in Europe, Portugal is well known for its delicious and diverse cuisine. From regional stews to Piri-Piri chicken, Portuguese recipes are traveling across the globe, beckoning tourists to try the authentic version. Whether you’ve recently moved to Portugal or are planning a vacation, here’s a list of dishes you need to try:
1. Bifanas
Beginning the list with a Portuguese staple, Bifanas is a delicious sandwich from the small town of Vendas Novas. However, locals still have heated debates about its origins. This sandwich isn’t like anything you’ve had before, served on a soft bun; this includes a sliced of thinly cut pork and mustard. What makes this sandwich one of the best in the country is that the pork is marinated for several hours in a fine blend of garlic, white wine, and paprika. Also known as the national sandwich of Portugal, you can enjoy this as a cold sandwich and ask for it to be toasted as well.
2. Sardinhas Assadas
Portuguese dishes are heavily influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, which is why it’s no surprise that seafood is always a top choice. Like mac and cheese is America’s comfort food, the Portuguese turn to a plate of freshly grilled sardines to go into a food coma.
This is often found at summer festivals and food streets across the country. The sardines are roasted on an open-fire grill and s seasoned with sea salt. Once it turns smoky and charred, the fish is removed from the fire and plated to serve. Yes, that’s right, with the head and bones intact! The locals usually eat them whole by holding the head in one hand and the tail in the other while biting the fish from the side.
3. Chicken Piri-Piri
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Age of Exploration, explorers from Portugal traveled through Africa and discovered several spices. One of the spices was a spicy chili pepper known as “African devil” or Piri Piri.
Today this spice is widely used in Portugal and is mainly used with chicken. Typically served with French fries and an onion salad, the chicken is grilled and covered in Piri–Piri. One of the most famous places that sell chicken Piri-Piri is churrascarias, located in every neighborhood. Whether you have it for dinner, lunch, or even as a snack, churrascarias is the place to go. Nando’s, a popular food chain, was why peri chicken spread globally. However, in Portugal, you won’t find Nando’s and will have to try the local version instead.
Apply For Citizenship in Portugal
Along with its diverse cuisine, Portugal is one of the most peaceful and beautiful countries in Europe. The country also offers various citizenship processes. According to the Law of Return, descendants of Sephardic Jews can acquire citizenship via naturalization. At Cohen & Cohen, we have a team of experts who help Sephardic Jews with their Portuguese Sephardic citizenship applications. We also help them obtain the Rabbi’s certificate, which is required to prove your Jewish-Sephardic origin. Get in touch with our team to learn more.
Warning: The Portuguese government is expected to change the laws in the future. The best time to apply for Portuguese nationality due to Sephardic Origin is now!
