lisbon – BonAppetour

Dishes you have GOT to try in Lisbon

Being the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is a city of gastronomic heaven. With this guide, we will gurantee that you get good authentic local food while not breaking the bank.

1. Caracois

Caracois are snails. I know the French seem to have taken the snail-serving crown but Lisbon is definitely where you should be trying this delicacy. These slimy little creatures are best eaten with beer. Served in almost all restaurants and bars in Lisbon, a huge serving plate of these costs only less than 5 Euros. Bargain!

2. Pasteis de Belem

These portugeuse egg tarts are soft, crispy and aromatic at the same time. The crusts are crispy and has multiple layers while the fillings are soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Made with eggs and milk, the custard filling is to die for and has a very rich milk aroma. Did you know that the small, darker spots are actually burnt on purpose to give them this traditional look.

3. Bacalhau

Bacalhau is portuguese for dried and salted cod. It is said that there are 365 ways of making Bacalhau, one way for each day of the year. This dish has become the icon of Portugeuse cooking. One of the recommended restaurant to eat Bacalhau is at Restaurante Laurentina o Rei du Bacalhau. This restaurant has the most authentic Bacalhau and features many different ways of cooking such as grilled or barbequed.

4. Caldo Verde

Usually eaten on special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and other celebratory occasions. This hearty soup is made of potatoes, the currently very trendy kale and olive oil. Most of the time it is served with ham hock or sausages, along with some bread to dip in.

5. Sapateira Recheada

Seafood fans will love this dish. The crab's own roes and insides are stuffed in it's shell and served together with potato salad. This unique combination creates a flavour that is better than that of the crab meat. It is creamy and rich as the potato salad mixes in with the roe and insides. Even those who aren't lovers of seafood will be persuaded by this dish.

I can see we have given you a taste of Portuguese cuisine…Why not take that step further and eat it with a local? Check out our amazing BonAppetour hosts in Lisbon! They provide a range of experiences from market tours and chatting with the locals to enjoying a cooking class on local Lisbon food.

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Must see attractions in Lisbon

Lisbon is one of Europe's most underrated cities. It may not have the glitz and grandeur of more well-known European cities but the Portuguese capital charms visitors with its rustic and picturesque sidewalks, neighbourhoods and monuments.

During your visit to Lisbon, be sure to visit the follow attractions!

1. Belem Tower

The Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage monument that is a symbol of the country and represents Portugal's Age of Discovery. It was built in the 16th century as a fortress to defend the port of Lisbon and is an example of Manueline architecture, which is reflected in the monument's lavish details. Such an architectural style symbolises the wealth and prosperity that Portugal was enjoying then.

2. Feira Da Ladra

If you are hoping to snag a good deal during your stay in Lisbon, visit Feira Da Ladra, a flea market held every Tuesday and Thursday. The name of the market translates into 'female theives' market' but fear not, the market is safe and legal and packed full of bargains. You can expect to find antiques, hand-made crafts, books, clothing, furniture and other knick knacks here. Do drop down early if you are intending to do some serious shopping here!

3. Roman Theatre Museum

Discover Lisbon's Roman Past at the Roman Theatre Museum, which features the remains of Lisbon's Roman theatre as well as other archaeological findings such as columns and structures. It is believed that the Roman theatre was built during the Augustan age but was abandoned by the 4th century. The massive earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755 piled rubble onto this site and it was only during the 1960s that excavations of the city's Roman Theatre began.

4. Jeronimos Monastery

Like the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and a monument to the Portuguese Age of Discovery. It is one of the most iconic examples of late-Gothic Manueline style architecture and houses a church, cloister and two museums – the Maritime Museum and Archaeology Museum. Discover Portugal's rich maritime history and its expeditions at sea as well at the Maritime Museum as well as Egyptian antiques and relics excavated throughout the country at the Archaeology Museum.

5. Carmo Convent

Carmo Convent was once Portugal's largest church. Following the massive earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755, the church was ruined and its library of 5,000 books were reduced to ashes. All that remains of Carmo Convent are its ruined arches and its roofless nave is a feature intentionally kept as a reminder of the disaster then. There is a small archaelogical museum at where the main altar was once situated, displaying a collection of artifacts, old coins as well as ancient tombstones.

6. Castelo de Sao Jorge

Located at the top of a hill, the Castelo de Sao Jorge visible from nearly anywhere in Lisbon. The castle was mainly used to house military personnel but was once the residence of the Moorish royals. During the 1755 earthquake, much of the castle was destroyed but a series of rebuilding and restoration projects soon followed. Today, the castle houses a Camera Obscura, archaeological site as well as a gallery. Given the hilltop location of the castle, you will also get to enjoy spectacular views of the city.

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