Before You Bite
Portugal is known for its amazing cuisine, with dishes that combine fresh ingredients and centuries of tradition. While most food in Portugal is delicious, there are some dishes or ingredients that may not suit everyone’s tastes or dietary needs.
10 Foods to Avoid in Portugal
1. Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines)
Grilled sardines are a popular dish in Portugal, especially during summer festivals. However, they have a very strong fishy flavor and smell, which might be too overpowering for some travelers. If you're not a fan of oily fish, it might be best to skip this one.
2. Bucho (Stuffed Pork Stomach)
Bucho is a traditional dish made from pork stomach, stuffed with various ingredients like rice, spices and pork meat. It’s an acquired taste, and the texture might be off-putting for those unfamiliar with this type of dish. If you’re not used to eating organ meats, you may want to steer clear of this one.
3. Tripas à Moda do Porto (Tripe Stew)
Tripas, or tripe, is the stomach lining of a cow, and it’s often used in Portuguese stews. Tripas à Moda do Porto is a famous tripe stew in the northern city of Porto. Tripe has a chewy texture and a distinctive flavor, which isn’t for everyone. If you don’t like the idea of eating tripe, this dish may not be for you.
4. Lampreia (Lamprey Eel)
Lamprey is a type of eel that’s considered a delicacy in some regions of Portugal. The fish has a unique, slightly gelatinous texture that might be unappealing to those who aren’t accustomed to it. Lamprey is also known for having a somewhat earthy flavor, which can be off-putting.
5. Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese Boiled Dinner)
Cozido is a traditional dish made of boiled meats and vegetables. While it’s a beloved dish in Portugal, it can be heavy and greasy due to the variety of meats used, including pork, beef and chicken. The richness of this dish can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to eating fatty meats.
6. Bacalhau (Salted Cod)
Bacalhau is one of the most famous foods in Portugal, with hundreds of different ways to prepare it. However, it is heavily salted and dried before cooking, which can leave the fish tasting quite salty. If you’re sensitive to high-salt foods or don’t like the strong flavor of preserved fish, you may want to pass on this.
7. Morcela (Blood Sausage)
Morcela is a type of blood sausage made with pork blood, fat and spices. It’s popular in many Portuguese dishes, but the idea of eating blood sausage can be off-putting for some people. The rich, iron-like taste might not be to everyone’s liking, so it’s best to try it only if you’re feeling adventurous.
8. Percebes (Goose Barnacles)
Percebes are a type of seafood that look quite unusual and have a unique taste. These barnacles grow on rocks by the sea, and they are considered a delicacy in Portugal. However, their briny, seaweed-like flavor and rubbery texture can be an acquired taste. If you’re not a fan of strong seafood flavors, you might want to avoid these.
9. Alheira (Garlic Sausage)
Alheira is a type of sausage made with a mixture of meats, bread and garlic. While it’s a favorite in Portugal, it has a very strong garlicky flavor, which can be overwhelming if you’re not a big fan of garlic. Additionally, alheira is quite greasy, which may not sit well with some people’s stomachs.
10. Queijo da Serra (Serra Cheese)
Queijo da Serra is a strong, pungent cheese made from sheep’s milk in the Serra da Estrela region. It has a soft, creamy texture and a very intense flavor, which can be too much for people who are used to milder cheeses. If you’re not a fan of strong-smelling or tasting cheeses, this one might not be for you.
Tips for Enjoying Portuguese Cuisine
While some foods might not suit everyone’s tastes, Portugal has an incredible variety of dishes that can cater to all kinds of preferences. If you’re unsure about a particular dish, don’t hesitate to ask the server for more details or opt for something more familiar like grilled chicken, fresh seafood or vegetable-based dishes.
Portugal Food Choices to Navigate
Portugal is a country known for its culinary diversity, but not every dish will appeal to everyone. Whether it’s the strong flavors, unusual textures or just personal preferences, there are some foods you may want to avoid while visiting. By being aware of these foods, you can make more informed choices and enjoy your time exploring the best of Portuguese cuisine.
Read on to learn about some attractions to visit in France.