Summer holidays: typical regional culinary specialities from Portugal

Portugal, a country of a thousand flavours and culinary traditions, is full of typical regional specialities just waiting to be discovered. From the north to the south, via the centre, every corner of the country offers unique dishes and local produce that reflect the authenticity of Portuguese cuisine.

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But let’' start with some of the most iconic and delicious dishes from Portugal:

Francesinha

On your journey through Portugal's typical regional specialities, you must pass through Porto to try the famous Francesinha, also known as "the little French one". Inspired by the French croque-monsieur, the Francesinha will surprise you with its generosity.

Imagine an XXL sandwich with sliced bread, sausages, beef, and ham topped with melting cheese and a tasty sauce made from tomato, beer, and chilli pepper. Sometimes, a fried egg is added to the feast. Accompanied by crispy chips, Francesinha is considered to be one of the best sandwiches in the world, no less!

Aletria

Head to the north of the country to try Aletria, a traditional Portuguese dessert. Served at Christmas and New Year's, Aletria is made with milk, sugar, egg yolks and lemon or orange zest. This sweet is similar to Portuguese rice pudding, known as arroz doce, except that here the rice is replaced by vermicelli. Spiced with cinnamon and sometimes shaped like fir trees or stars, Aletria is a festive and tasty culinary experience.

However, as you travel further afield, you'll discover that each region of Portugal has its variation of Aletria. The quantities of pasta and egg yolks can differ, as can the consistency of the dessert, from creamier to more solid. Taste the different versions of Alegria throughout the country to get a taste of Portugal's gastronomic diversity.

Bolinhos de bacalhau

Discover Portugal's typical regional specialities with the delicious bolinhos de bacalhau, also known as cod acras. These fried fritters are very popular throughout the country, either as a starter in restaurants or as tapas, accompanied by a cold beer or a glass of Madeira.

Made from cod, potatoes, eggs, garlic, onion, salt, pepper and parsley, these little marvels explode in your mouth. You really should take advantage of them on your trip to Lisbon. Then head to the Fish & Flavors Festival, where you can discover the local cuisine and, in particular, fish-based specialities such as bolinhos de bacalhau.

Espargos com ovos

In the charming Alentejo region, try one of the typical regional specialities of northern Portugal, the succulent espargos com ovos. Prepared with fresh asparagus and eggs, this delicate dish offers an authentic and refined flavour. Lighter than other Portuguese specialities, it is often served as a starter or main course and is best enjoyed during the asparagus season. Accompanied by slices of toasted farmhouse bread and sometimes with chorizo, it's a real treat.

The sericaia

As you continue your journey towards the centre of the country, let yourself be tempted by the culinary wonders of the Alentejo. Be sure to try sericaia, a soft dessert typical of this region. Prepared in an earthenware dish, this dessert is generously made using eggs and cinnamon. It is also served with plums in syrup. It's a real treat to be savoured without restraint, and it is one of the typical regional specialities to be noticed in Portugal.

Last words

Now, you're ready to embark on a gourmet itinerary through Portugal's typical regional specialities! From north to south, discover the culinary delights for which each region is renowned.

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