Portuguese Vocab for Foodies: Dining Out in Portugal

Portugal is a haven for foodies! From the freshest seafood to hearty stews and delicious desserts, Portuguese cuisine will tantalize your taste buds. Let’s master a few essential Portuguese words and phrases to enhance your dining experience.

Entradas – Appetizers

• Pão: Bread. The Portuguese eat a lot of bread and the waiter will most likely ask if you’d like some bread while waiting for your order (often served with olive oil, butter, and pâté).
• Broa de milho: Cornbread, very popular all across the country. 
• Azeitonas: Olives, a staple in Portuguese cuisine.
• Manteiga: Butter, a versatile ingredient used in various dishes.
• Patê de atum: Tuna pâté, a creamy spread often served as an appetizer.
• Patê de sardinha: Sardine pâté, a tangy and flavorful appetizer.

Sopas – Soups

• Sopa de peixe: Fish soup, a hearty and comforting dish.
• Sopa de legumes: Vegetable soup, a light and refreshing option.
• Caldo verde: A thick and creamy soup made with potatoes, kale, and chouriço sausage.

Prato principal – Main Course

• Bacalhau à Brás: Codfish and egg scrambled with potatoes and onions, a signature Portuguese dish.
• Francesinha: A grilled sandwich filled with meat, sausage, and cheese, topped with a rich tomato and beer sauce.
• Leitão assado: Roast suckling pig, a decadent and flavorful dish very popular around central Portugal (Coimbra, Mealhada).
• Frango assado: Roast chicken, a classic and popular choice.
• Peixe grelhado: Grilled fish, a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy fresh seafood.

Sobremesa – Dessert

• Pastel de nata: A custard tart, a must-try Portuguese dessert.
• Serradura: Sawdust pudding, a delicious treat that gets its name from the use of crushed cookies (which resemble sawdust when layered in the dish).
• Arroz doce: Sweet rice pudding, a creamy and comforting treat.
• Maçã cozida: Stewed apples, a classic Portuguese dessert.

Essential Phrases for Dining Out

• Boa noite (Good evening): The customary greeting when dining out in the evening.
• Uma mesa para dois, por favor (A table for two, please): Request a table for two when arriving at the restaurant.
• O que recomendam? (What do you recommend?): Ask the waiter for their recommendations.
• Queria um (I would like a): Use this phrase before ordering your dish.
• Uma garrafa de água, por favor (A bottle of water, please): Order a bottle of water to accompany your meal.
• A conta, por favor (The bill, please): When you’re ready to pay, request the bill.

Now you are all set to embark on your Portuguese culinary adventure. Bom apetite!