To all foodies,
With a little over three weeks in Portugal under my belt, I can tell you unequivocally that this country is the place to be. I knew going into UA in Portugal: European Innovation Academy that Porto had a unique gastronomy. As I have explored riverfront restaurants, cozy cafes, Michelin-starred eateries, and local markets, I have been blown away by the culinary charm of this coastal city. Luckily, the prices here in Portugal are extremely reasonable, allowing me to dive deep into the food scene here.
Portuguese Classics
Bifanas
This simple sandwich features marinated pork on a roll. For only 3 Euros, this meal was affordable and tasty!
Francesina
If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a sandwich unlike any other – layers of meat, covered with melted cheese, and topped with a rich beer sauce and an egg. A little too rich for me, but I am glad I tried it!
Alheira
I loved the alheira I tried at Brasão. Jewish people originally made this traditional chicken sausage during the Portuguese Inquisition. Alheira allowed Jewish people to enjoy sausage while avoiding pork.
Cachorro
This Portuguese comfort food features a crispy bun and sausage, topped with cheese and a mustard sauce. There’s no better comfort meal in Porto than a cachorro with a side of fries and a Super Bock, Porto’s beer of choice.
Pastel de Nata
Finding the best pastel de nata, a creamy custard tart, became a mission of mine on this trip. Served in almost every bakery, they certainly weren’t hard to find. Although I haven’t settled on a favorite, I am looking forward to making them back at UA, thanks to a cooking class provided by the program.
High-End Dining
MISTU
MISTU focuses on sharing plates. A fellow Alabama student and I shared salmon ceviche and a tempura prawn dish.
Fauno (2)
Fauno is a Michelin restaurant with a five-course tasting menu for only 60 Euros. The food here was so good that I returned about 3 weeks later to experience the same menu!
Dessert at Fauno
Chama
The best dining experience of my life! My three-hour meal included lively music, drinks on the house, and eight delicious courses!
Global Flavors
Porto is full of international flavors as well. While I have been on the trip, I have enjoyed trying Porto’s take on Cape Verdean, Mexican, Japanese, and Goan cuisine. The fresh seafood here in Porto elevates many dishes!
This list of memorable eats while in Porto is far from comprehensive; this highlight reel does not even cover Porto’s drink, dessert, and coffee scene. Just know, if you love good food, Porto should be at the top of your travel bucket list!
Até logo!