Do you wonder about the best street food in Lisbon? Lisbon, the second oldest city in Western Europe is also one of the coolest cities in Europe. Lisbon has so many historical treasures and it is filled with beautiful things from modern times. It is famously known for its nightlife, food, friendly people, fado music, etc. . Here you can savor generations-old recipes passed down through families and a delicious immersion into the city’s vibrant soul.
What is the Best street food in Lisbon?
The city is filled with energy, and you will find incredible types of delicious meals on the street. Beyond the Michelin-starred establishments, the magic unfolds on bustling street corners, lively markets, and the windows of unassuming bakeries. As a traveler or visitor, you don’t have to be worried about where to find food at any moment in Lisbon. And besides that, Lisbon’s street food scene is a cultural experience. Now let’s talk about the best street food in Lisbon.
Bifana
Bifana is one of the best street foods in Lisbon. It is a special traditional sandwich made with pork. In Lisbon, Bifana is made with thick chunks of garlic that are smashed and placed on top of the pork and bread, so that the garlic soaks in.
You will love it if you are a garlic fan. It is common to see some locals eat Bifana with soft drinks or Belgian beer. However, the taste of the Bifana depends on the kind of condiments that is used to spice it.
Bifana is one great meal that is loved in Lisbon and they are sold in various places. For example, McDonald’s has their special Bifana, which they call McBifana. You can also find grilled Bifana in any street fair or carnival. Each serving of Bifana may cost you up to 3 – 4 euros.
Prego (steak sandwich)
Prego sandwich is a very close relative to Bifana. The major difference is that Prego sandwiches are made with beef. So, if you are not a pork fan, you will love Prego sandwiches. Wonder how Prego is made?
The steak is first marinated overnight, then fried and put on a soft roll. The roll is first coated with garlic, butter, and parsley leaves. Before the little slice of steaks are put in between to absorb the sauce.
Prego is usually served with Salgados or French fries, alongside a bottle of soft drink or cold beer. Prego is small in size, but in recent times restaurants and eateries prepare bigger sizes of Prego. Nevertheless, Prego often costs about 3 to 8 euros or even more.
Pão com chouriço (bread with chorizo sausage)
Pão com chouriço is also the best street food in Lisbon. It is made by baking Portuguese chouriço into a roll of bread. If you are hungry late at night, you can easily find where to get this simple snack in Pastelerias and on the streets of Lisbon. Expect to get each Pão com chouriço around 2 to 3 euros.
Salgados (fried savory pastries)
Salgados are salty fried treats that you can easily get in the streets of Lisbon. They are commonly displayed on the counters in cafés and bakeries. Salgados have different fillings and the popular ones are croquettes, pasteis de bacalhau, and rissois. Each type of filling has its unique taste.
You can try Pasteis de bacalhau. The combination of Bacalhau and potato croquettes is a nice way to have an introductory taste of the powerful flavor of salted cod. While, rissóis are pastries that are shaped like a moon, mostly with a prawn or pork filling. You can also enjoy croquettes which are long and cylinder-like, pieced croquettes with meaty fillings.
Endeavor to try any of these varieties when you are in Lisbon. You can find Salgados in pastelarias or cafe bars. But for a start, I will recommend you try eating it in a restaurant. One restaurant that comes to mind is O Velho Eurico. Salgados are not expensive. Generally, they cost you about 1-3 euros. And they can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a bottle of beer.
Tosta Mista (toasted ham and cheese sandwich):
One reliable thing about Tosta Mista is that you can rely on it when you are damn hungry. It is a combination of a toasted ham and cheese sandwich. It is coated with butter. You can easily find them at bakeries and cafes.
If you are very hungry, you can ask for the Alentejo bread, because it is massive and can even feed two people. Top-notch spots top it with oregano. With 2.5 to 5 euros, you can get this delicious street food.
Grilled Sardines
In Lisbon, the whole of June is usually filled with street parties, pop-up bars, restaurants, and barbecues all over the streets.
This is the only time of the year you can lavishly eat grilled sardines. The grilled sardines are so much in abundance that you can be served one per slice of bread. The June season is just filled with so much grilled sardines for you to enjoy.
With as low as 1.5 to 3 euros you can get grilled sardine. They’re available in large numbers in street parties during June. However, at other times of the year, you can order them in restaurants.
Peixinhos da Horta (fried green beans):
Peixinhos da Horta is an ancient vegetarian dish. The dish is the real tempura. It will interest you to know that the Portuguese are the ones who taught the Japanese the tempura technique. The Portuguese style of preparing this dish is by smashing and frying just long, flat green beans.
It is crispy and has a unique taste. Since it is an ancient vegetarian dish, it could be a bit difficult to find. However, modern Petisco bars and diners are beginning to make it more popular as a street food in Lisbon. With 4 to 8 euros you can get Peixinhos da Horta.
Francesinha (Porto’s sandwich)
Francesinha is a unique sandwich that originated from Porto. It tastes yummy and is a quick snack you can eat just to top up. It is made up mainly of bread, melted cheese, assorted meats, and sauce. The sauce is made from tomatoes and beer. Then topped with a Sunny-side-up egg. Most times, it is served with French fries. Although it is popularly called Porto’s sandwich, you can still find them in some places in Lisbon.
Cachorro (hot dog)
Cachorro is not the regular hot dog you are used to. For Cachorro, pork sausage is placed in the bottom half of the bread and grilled. After that, cheese is added to the upper part of the bread and grilled until the cheese melts. In Lisbon,
Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese custard tarts)
Pastéis de Nata, are flaky pastries filled with creamy custards in the middle. This meal is eaten almost every day in Lisbon by its locals and visitors like you. You can eat it as breakfast with an espresso or as a snack. It was first produced by Catholic Monks in Jeronimos Monastery, Belem, Lisbon. You can get Pastéis de Nata at Manteigaria, Pastelaria Santo Antonio, Confeitaria Nacional, Fábrica de Nata, and others.
Bolas de Berlim (Berliners)
If you love going to the beach, in Lisbon you will notice vendors carrying cooler boxes under their both arms. Screaming “Olha bolinhas” Inside those boxes, they are Berliners or filled doughnuts. These beach snacks have a striking resemblance to donuts. They come in different filings and variations. You can get the one with cream or without cream. That is, getting the one with clear yellow, sweet egg custard. You can also try the ones that have chocolate or Nutella. Some vendors carry some flavors that are not common, such as Oreo or Kinder Cream.
With 1.80 to 2.50 euros you can get Bolas de Berlim. As said earlier, you get them easily on the beach, bakeries also sell them, or you find them at Berlinetta.
Pão de Deus (bread of God)
Pão de Deus is an amazing street food in Lisbon. It is translated as “bread of God”. It is a delicious bread with a fluffy texture, which is topped with a sweet coconut layer. You can eat it alone, though some people prefer to eat theirs together with ham and cheese. They can be found in bakeries. Besides, You can get each of Pão de Deus at 2 to 3 euros.
Conclusion
From savory delights like juicy Bifana sandwiches and crispy Peixinhos da Horta to melt-in-your-mouth Pastéis de Nata and indulgent Bolas de Berlim, Lisbon’s street food scene offers a kaleidoscope of flavors and textures. Whether you crave classic Portuguese staples or more adventurous bites reflecting global influences, Lisbon’s streets have something to tantalize your taste buds.
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and explore the vibrant kiosks, bustling markets, and trendy food trucks. With every delicious bite, you’ll be savoring not just the food, but also a true taste of Lisbon’s vibrant culture. So, grab a napkin, embrace the energy of the city, and embark on a delicious adventure through Lisbon’s unforgettable street food scene!
FAQ
Where can I find the best street food in Lisbon?
There are tons of street food markets in Lisbon. Popular street food markets in Lisbon are “Time Out Market” and “Soi.”
What is the 4th meal of the day in Portugal called?
There is a cultural meal that can be termed as the fourth meal of the day. Eaten mostly around 5 pm every day. It is common to see families queuing up outside gelato shops for this special meal. Those who miss the timing for this meal will be found queuing at local Pasteleria (pastry shops/bakeries).
How’s the food scene classified in Lisbon?
Portugal virtually has the variety of food eateries, cafes and restaurants that other countries have. Let’s look at popular terms and some famous spots you could try:
- Cafes: Some cafes in Lisbon sell street food. Some of them are, “The Pizza Wizard” and “A Padaria Portuguesa.”
- Restaurants: Some restaurants in Lisbon also have amazing street food. You can check out “Wurst” and “Casa Brasileira.”
- Fast food vendors: In Lisbon, you can also see fast food vendors of street food. “Pizza Pezzi” and “Crispy Mafya” are great fast food vendors that sell street food.
- Street food trucks in Lisbon: Some street foods are sold in trucks. These trucks are most of the time stationary. Some of them you can check out are “Hot Dog Lovers Kiosk” and “Weeel Kiosk.”
- Bars: Bars like “Delirium” and “French Tacos & Company” are famous bars in Lisbon where you can buy street food.
- Vending booths: In Lisbon, you can also get street food from vending booths such as “Hamburgueria da Parada” and “Grab and Go.
