Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is like a well-kept secret. While much of Europe plunges into winter by December, the Iberian Peninsula still basks in sunshine, especially in Lisbon. Strolling along the city’s coast, the sparkling Tagus River gleams in the sunlight, and the iconic bridge, reminiscent of San Francisco’s Golden Gate, stretches far into the horizon. Truly, Southern Europe is an unbeatable choice for a winter getaway, especially for those eager to explore Portuguese cuisine.
However, what truly steals the show here is the food. While Spain often steals the limelight, Portugal, with its unassuming charm, quietly offers some of the best flavors of the Iberian Peninsula.
Unlike its louder neighbor, Portuguese cuisine shares many culinary staples with Spain but with its unique twist. If you’re a fan of Iberian ham, Portugal’s own version, though less famous, is equally exquisite. If you love Spanish sparkling wine (Cava), Portugal offers its own specialty: green wine and Port wine, both of which will leave you just as impressed. Seafood lovers will find Portuguese seafood rice to be a true contender against Spain’s paella. And, of course, don’t miss the iconic Portuguese pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and the endless variety of bacalhau (codfish) dishes, with over 300 different recipes! 
The Best Place to Taste it All: Mercado da Ribeira
Before I could explore the narrow alleys of Lisbon in search of these delicacies, I stumbled upon something that changed my Portuguese cuisine exploration plans entirely—the Mercado da Ribeira.
Having traveled through Europe, I’ve visited many markets: Barcelona’s lively La Boqueria, Budapest’s historic Central Market, and Venice’s artistic fish market. But Ribeira Market, located near the bustling Cais do Sodré station, was a different experience altogether. The “Time Out” sign is hard to miss, and the crowd flooding in suggests this market offers something special.
Historically, Ribeira faced its own trials. After the 1755 earthquake that devastated Lisbon and triggered a massive tsunami, the market was rebuilt. Over time, it became one of Europe’s most famous fish markets. However, by 2010, the market had lost its vitality until Time Out stepped in to revamp it into what is now known as the world’s first “Michelin-style food street.” This unique concept involves carefully selecting each food stall, with many curated by renowned chefs, and every dish is designed to provide an exceptional culinary experience.
Food Adventures: A Taste of Portugal
Here’s a quick guide to some of the must-try dishes at Mercado da Ribeira:
Seafood Rice & Octopus Rice
Portuguese love for rice may even surpass that of Spain or Italy. Their seafood rice is more liquid, resembling a porridge-like consistency with the rice still firm and flavorful. If you’re a fan of paella, you’ll be amazed by the Portuguese version. The octopus rice at Ribeira is a standout—rich, flavorful, and irresistible.
Bacalhau à Brás
Portugal’s iconic salted codfish, bacalhau, is the centerpiece of many dishes. One of the most famous is Bacalhau à Brás, which combines the salted cod with fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, olives, and parsley. This simple yet flavorful dish is a perfect introduction to bacalhau.
Bacalhau com Natas
Another delicious take on bacalhau, this dish is baked with cream and potatoes, often served as a pie. In Ribeira, they serve it with crispy sweet potato chips, and the cod remains fresh and light, offering a surprising contrast to its traditional salty version.
Bacalhau Cake
Bacalhau cakes are small, deep-fried codfish balls that make for a perfect starter. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re a great snack before diving into the heavier main courses.
Bifana & Prego
These Portuguese sandwiches are street food staples. A Bifana is a tender, marinated pork chop, while the Prego features juicy beef. Both are packed in a soft roll, often served with spicy sauce or garlic sauce, making them the ultimate comfort food.
Francesinha
Originating from Porto, the Francesinha is a sandwich stuffed with layers of ham, beef, and sausage, topped with melted cheese and smothered in a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a meat lover’s dream, and you’ll find it in Ribeira, too.
Cheese Selection
Portugal produces an array of excellent cheeses, especially sheep’s milk cheeses like Serra da Estrela. One of the most famous is Azeitão, a creamy, fragrant cheese that’s best enjoyed with freshly baked bread.
Ginjinha
No visit to Lisbon is complete without trying Ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur. It’s typically served with a piece of fruit at the bottom of the glass. For a unique twist, you can even find it served in a small chocolate cup—definitely a treat to savor!
Final Thoughts: Portugal’s Quiet Brilliance
What’s surprising about Portuguese cuisine is how humble it remains despite its undeniable brilliance. Lisbon feels like a noble city that has seen both great prosperity and painful disaster. Yet, it seems unbothered by being overshadowed by its larger neighbor. At Ribeira Market, the atmosphere feels relaxed and inviting, as if it’s urging you to forget about the past and simply enjoy the present moment, along with the food.
