Portugal

Daniel Seßler

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Taste the Warmth of the Sea and History in Portuguese Cuisine!

Portugal, a country on the very edge of Europe, looked out to the ocean for centuries and was the cradle of great maritime discoveries. From the historic streets of Lisbon, through the picturesque vineyards of the Douro Valley, to the sunny beaches of the Algarve, Portugal is a land of strong traditions and deep respect for history. Its location on the Atlantic coast fundamentally influences its culture and, most importantly, its food.

Portuguese cuisine is rustic, comforting, and deeply rooted in the sea. It gained its flavor thanks to the spices brought back by navigators from all over the world. No other dish characterizes Portugal as much as bacalhau (dried and salted codfish), which is prepared in over 365 ways—one for every day of the year. Other icons include the hearty soup caldo verde (kale soup), grilled sardines, and, of course, the world-famous dessert Pastéis de Nata (creamy custard tart). Meat lovers will appreciate francesinha, a massive sandwich with cheese and a rich Port wine sauce, and chicken with the spicy piri-piri sauce.