The Prego sandwich has deep roots in Portuguese cuisine and is beloved by locals and visitors alike. It is a true representation of the country's culinary prowess and is often enjoyed as a quick and delicious snack or even as a full meal.

The star of the Prego sandwich is the thinly sliced marinated beef. The beef is typically marinated in a mixture of garlic, herbs, spices, and olive oil, which infuses the meat with a rich and savory flavor. Once marinated, the beef is grilled to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy slices that are packed with mouthwatering goodness.

To take the Prego sandwich to the next level, a crusty roll is typically used as the base. The roll is often lightly toasted, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. What sets the Prego sandwich apart is the addition of garlic butter. The roll is generously spread with garlic butter, which enhances the flavors of the beef and adds a creamy and indulgent element to the sandwich.

The Prego sandwich can be found in various regions of Portugal, with each place adding its twist to the classic recipe. Some variations may include additional ingredients such as sautéed onions, melted cheese, or an egg on top, further enhancing the flavors and textures of the sandwich.

Originating in the city of Porto but now enjoyed throughout Portugal, the Francesinha is a culinary masterpiece that demands attention. This decadent sandwich is a true delight for meat lovers, offering a symphony of flavors and textures.

The core components of a Francesinha include layers of various meats, such as ham, sausage, and roast beef. These savory meats are carefully stacked between thick slices of bread, creating a substantial foundation for the sandwich. The meats are often cooked to perfection, ensuring tenderness and optimal flavor.

What truly sets the Francesinha apart is its crowning glory: melted cheese. The entire sandwich is generously covered in cheese, which is then melted to create a luscious, gooey layer that blankets the meats. The cheese adds a creamy richness to the sandwich, complementing the hearty meats and adding a touch of indulgence.

To elevate the flavors even further, a rich tomato and beer sauce is poured over the top. This sauce, made from a combination of tomatoes, beer, and various spices, adds a tangy and robust element to the sandwich. It ties all the ingredients together, infusing them with a unique and unforgettable taste.

Traditionally, the Francesinha is served on a plate, accompanied by a side of french fries. This combination of the sandwich, the savory sauce, and the crispy fries creates a balanced and satisfying meal experience.

When it comes to the best street foods you must try in Lisbon, one dish that should not be missed is the Bifana. This traditional Portuguese sandwich is a true culinary gem that offers a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures.

A Bifana starts with a soft bread roll, which serves as the vessel for the star of the dish: thin cutlets of marinated pork. The pork is typically seasoned with garlic, spices, olive oil, and white wine, creating a flavorful and tender meat that is packed with savory goodness. The marination process involves letting the pork soak in the mixture overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.

Once marinated, the pork cutlets are boiled until they reach the perfect level of tenderness. The result is juicy and succulent meat that practically melts in your mouth. The cooked pork cutlets are then placed inside the bread roll, along with a generous serving of sautéed onions that add a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor to the sandwich.

The Bifana is not just a delicious snack; it is also deeply rooted in Portuguese culture and tradition. This iconic street food can be found throughout Lisbon, from bustling market stalls to quaint cafes and bars. It is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike, offering a quick and satisfying meal option that can be enjoyed on the go or as a prelude to exploring the city's historic sites.

Salgados are a popular type of savory pastry that can be found in various pastelarias throughout Lisbon. These delicious treats are deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior while maintaining a mouthwatering filling inside. Salgados come in a variety of flavors and fillings, catering to different tastes and preferences.

One of the most common types of Salgados is filled with meat. These meat-filled pastries are often made with a combination of flavorful ingredients such as ground beef or chicken, onions, garlic, and aromatic spices. The filling is cooked until tender and then encased in a pastry dough before being deep-fried to golden perfection. The result is a savory and satisfying snack that is perfect for any meat lover.

Another popular variety of Salgados is filled with cheese. These cheesy delights are made with a combination of creamy cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or even local varieties. The cheese filling is mixed with herbs or spices to enhance the flavor and then enveloped in a flaky pastry. When deep-fried, the cheese melts and becomes gooey, creating a delightful experience with every bite.

For seafood enthusiasts, shrimp-filled Salgados are a must-try. These pastries are filled with succulent shrimp that is seasoned to perfection. The shrimp filling is often mixed with herbs, spices, and sometimes even a touch of chili for an extra kick. The combination of the crisp pastry shell and the juicy shrimp filling creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Bacalhau, also known as salted codfish, holds a special place in Portuguese cuisine and is highly regarded as one of the national dishes. In Lisbon, this culinary gem can be found in various street food stalls, offering an array of mouthwatering bacalhau dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

One popular bacalhau dish that you must try in Lisbon is Bacalhau à Brás. This dish features shredded codfish cooked with eggs, onions, and potatoes. The codfish is first soaked to remove its excess saltiness before being sautéed with onions and combined with golden-fried potatoes. Then, beaten eggs are added and stir-fried until they are lightly cooked. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with the delicate taste of the codfish complimented by the savory notes of the onions and the satisfying crunch of the potatoes.

Another delectable bacalhau dish to savor in Lisbon is Bacalhau com Natas. This dish showcases the codfish in a creamy and indulgent gratin. The salted codfish is poached until tender and then layered with a rich, creamy sauce made from cream, milk, and sometimes a touch of cheese. The dish is then baked until golden and bubbling, creating a velvety texture and a delightful contrast between the creamy sauce and the flaky fish.

Caldo Verde is a beloved and traditional Portuguese soup that has gained popularity not only in Portugal but also in other parts of the world. The soup is known for its simple yet delicious combination of kale, potatoes, and thinly sliced Portuguese chorizo. This hearty and flavorful dish is often enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.

To make Caldo Verde, the first step is to cook the potatoes. Floury potatoes are typically used, as they easily break down during cooking, helping to thicken the broth. The cooked potatoes are then mashed or pureed to create a creamy base for the soup.

Next, kale is added to the soup. The kale is thinly sliced, giving the soup its signature green color and vibrant appearance. The kale adds a nutritious element to the dish, as it is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Thinly sliced Portuguese chorizo is another key ingredient in Caldo Verde. The chorizo adds a delightful smoky flavor and a hint of spiciness to the soup. It complements the earthy flavors of the kale and potatoes, creating a harmonious balance of tastes.

Once all the ingredients are combined, the soup is simmered until the flavors meld together and the kale becomes tender. The result is a comforting and nourishing soup that warms both the body and soul.

When it comes to immersing yourself in the culinary delights of Lisbon, there is one dish that stands out: the Grilled Sardines. If you're looking to tantalize your taste buds with an authentic and savory Portuguese dish, grilled sardines are an absolute must-try.

Lisbon is renowned for its long-standing tradition of Grilled Sardines, and it's no surprise that this fish has become an iconic symbol of the city's cuisine. The sardines are typically seasoned with sea salt and grilled over an open flame, which imparts a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the fish.

To truly experience the essence of this dish, head to one of the many Lisbon restaurants that specialize in serving Grilled Sardines. These establishments take pride in sourcing the freshest fish daily and ensuring that it is cooked to perfection. Alongside the grilled sardines, you can expect to find a side salad and potatoes, which complement the fish beautifully.

If you happen to visit Lisbon in June, you're in for a treat. This is when the city celebrates the Lisbon Sardine Festival, a month-long event that pays homage to this beloved delicacy. During the festival, you can explore booths scattered throughout the city that serve up mouthwatering Grilled Sardines. Make sure not to miss the grilled fish on cornbread, as it's a delightful combination that allows the cornbread to soak up the flavorful fish juices and oils, resulting in an unforgettable taste experience.

Seafood lovers rejoice, because Arroz de Marisco is a delightful Portuguese dish that you simply can't afford to miss. This flavorful seafood rice dish is a culinary masterpiece that showcases the bounty of the ocean and perfectly captures the essence of Portuguese cuisine.

Arroz de Marisco is a vibrant and fragrant dish that combines a variety of fresh seafood such as shrimp, clams, mussels, and sometimes even lobster. These delicious treasures from the sea are beautifully cooked and lovingly arranged on a bed of perfectly cooked rice.

To create this mouthwatering dish, the rice is typically cooked in a rich and flavorful seafood broth. This broth is made by cooking the seafood with aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, infusing the rice with incredible flavor.

The seafood is then gently cooked and added to the rice, along with the broth. The combination of tender shrimp, briny clams and mussels, and succulent lobster results in a medley of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Eating Arroz de Marisco is an experience that goes beyond the food itself. Picture yourself sitting by the ocean, the waves crashing gently as you savor each spoonful of the aromatic rice and the succulent seafood. It's a sensory journey that transports you to the beautiful coastal towns of Portugal, where seafood is a way of life.

The iconic Portuguese custard tart, Pastel de Nata, is a must-try street food delicacy that holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists in Lisbon. These creamy, flaky pastries with their caramelized tops are a true culinary delight.

Originating in the Belém neighborhood of Lisbon, Pastel de Nata has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. They were created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery, who used the leftover egg yolks from the winemaking process to make the custard filling. The recipe was eventually passed down to a nearby sugar refinery, where the tarts were produced and sold to the public.

Today, Pastel de Nata can be found in bakeries and cafes throughout Lisbon, and their popularity has transcended borders. These delectable treats have become a global sensation, with Portuguese custard tarts being served in establishments around the world. From specialized pastry shops in Macau to popular supermarkets like Trader Joe's in the United States, the love for Pastel de Nata knows no bounds.

The secret to the irresistibility of Pastel de Nata lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smooth and creamy custard filling is made with a combination of egg yolks, sugar, cream, and a hint of vanilla. Encased in a delicate, flaky pastry shell, the tarts are baked at high temperatures, resulting in a beautifully caramelized top. Just before serving, a sprinkle of cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and aroma.

Frango Assado, also known as Portuguese grilled chicken, is a beloved street food you must try in Lisbon, Portugal. This delicious dish showcases the rich culinary heritage of the country and has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The preparation of Frango Assado involves marinating chicken in a delightful blend of spices and herbs. The most common marinade includes ingredients such as garlic, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and crushed chilies. These flavors infuse into the chicken, creating a tantalizing aroma and taste.

Once marinated, the chicken is expertly grilled to perfection, ensuring that it is both tender and juicy. The grilling process imparts a delightful smoky flavor to the meat, enhancing its overall appeal. The result is a succulent and flavorful chicken that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

You can find Frango Assado being prepared on small outdoor grills across the streets of Lisbon. These grills are often operated by skilled chefs who have perfected the art of grilling chicken. Alternatively, there are specialty restaurants where you can indulge in this mouthwatering dish. These establishments take great pride in serving authentic and delicious Frango Assado, often accompanying it with crispy fries and a fresh salad.