The Lisbon street food scene is a delightful adventure to look forward to especially if you’re visiting Portugal and Lisbon for the first time. Lisbon is not just a capital city about stunning architecture and historic charm; it’s also a haven for delicious and affordable eats. And like we’ve said, the best street foods aren’t found at the Michelin restaurants.
You can have the most authentic Portuguese meals on the bustling streets and tucked-away squares. You should also know right away about the concept of the “lanche”, the mid-afternoon snacking culture. It’s the perfect excuse to indulge in an array of savory and sweet treats, all designed for grabbing on the go. Before you read on, check out this article on the best street food in Lisbon.
Now, here we’ll talk about tips on navigating Lisbon street food scene to help you prepare for some of the best delights of Europe.
9 vital tips on enjoying the Lisbon Street Food Scene
Did you know that over 60 percent of the 250 street food concepts in Lisbon were said to have been found in Lisbon? According to Jose Borralho, vice President of Street food Portugal association, this is the truth beyond the varied street food scene you find in Lisbon.
Since 2015, Borralho has hosted several European Street Food Festivals outside the capital. And off-course the street food scene in Lisbon and Portugal, has grown incredibly the past few years. Even some big restaurants are trying out the street food model to promote their food as well.
That said, going through Lisbon’s street food scene is an adventure on its on. Here are some tips that can help you have the most explosive experience there.
Visit the street food markets
While the local cafes and bistros are great to have all kinds of street food and regular meals, the street food markets give you a more curated selection. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of stalls from various chefs and more.
You’ll even find Michelin-starred chefs are getting in on the street food action, offering casual takes on their signature dishes. Here they offer you the opportunity to experience high-quality food at an affordable price.
A great example is the international city guide brand, Time Out which in September 014, opened its first colossal street food court.
There you find long tables surrounded by semi-permanent stalls with dishes from well known names such as Henrique Sá Pessoa, Alexandre Silva (winner of Portuguese Top Chef), haute cook Marlene Vieira and “Portugal’s Jamie Oliver”,
Other street food markets to look out for include:
- Mercado da Ribeira
- LX Factory Market
Embark on a food tour
If you’re worried about missing out on any food delights in Lisbon, taking a food tour is one of the best ways to enjoy all the food and drinks that Lisbon has to offer. This food tours will take you through Tripadvisor has some favorite Lisbon food tours for a variety of budgets. Ensure to check out the meals and neighborhoods the tours you pick will be heading through to prepare for the tastings you’re going to enjoy.
Explore Lisbon’s Neighborhoods through street food
Every neighborhood in Lisbon has its own culinary identity. From the historic district of Alfama, to Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto and Belem you’ll find a variety of meal adventures waiting to be savored.
Lisbon’s nightlife is also a fun fiesta
You’ll find the likes of Bairre Alto and Cais do Sodre transform into vibrant party zones after dark. And there’s a thriving street food scene here alongside the bars and cubs. This is one fun time to enjoy diverse varieties of Petiscos which are small savory plates meant for sharing.
Ask for your preferences
It’s easy to assume that most recipes in Portugal are set in stone. But it would be amazing to discover that you can enjoy tons of vegan versions of the traditional Portuguese dishes. In fact, even the Francesinha, which is a meaty sandwich, has creative vegan offices that can be tailored to your tastes. So, don’t hesitate to ask for any vegan offices. You might be surprised by the great tasting offices that these street food vendors offer.
Explore international street food inspired recipes
Lisbon is a global city, and its street food reflects that. Look for trendy fusion dishes that combine Portuguese flavors with ingredients and techniques from around the world. Think Thai curries in savory pastries or Mexican fillings in tacos.
Get ready for a mix of sustainability and artisanship
The Lisbon street food scene is an exciting place to be. Although these food delights cost only a few Euros, vendors focus on catering high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients in Lisbon street food. Expect artisanal breads, cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal produce taking center stage, offering a delicious and authentic taste of Lisbon. Even so, vendors are super eco-conscious which is the general culture around Europe. You’ll find meals made with locally sourced ingredients, packed in compostable packaging, and more.
Have a craft beer alongside
Craft beer is having a moment in Lisbon. So you can always expand your culinary adventure to get a taste of Lisbon’s craft beer scene. Many street food vendors offer their food with delicious local brews. This is a great way to experience the best of both worlds: flavorful food and refreshing craft beer.
Food Trucks are also perfect extras
Keep an eye out for food trucks as they are also part of the Lisbon street food scene. And even so, Lisbon’s food truck scene is exploding, offering a convenient and delicious way to experience street food. Follow the food trucks on social media to find out where they’ll be parked next.
Some popular street foods found across Lisbon
Lisbon has a long tradition of delicious pastries, and street food vendors are taking it to the next level. Expect to find gourmet cupcakes, artisanal ice cream flavors, and decadent waffles alongside traditional Portuguese sweets. Here are some favorites you’ll find on the Lisbon street food scene.
- Bifana: Bifana is tender, marinated pork nestled in a crusty bread roll. Bifanas are a staple in Lisbon, often flavored with garlic for an extra kick.
- Prego: Prego is a juicy sandwich featuring a juicy steak cooked to your liking, served on a simple bread roll with optional toppings like cheese or fried egg.
- Salgados:These deep-fried delights come in various shapes and sizes, with fillings like creamy codfish (pastéis de bacalhau), succulent shrimp (rissóis), and savory meat (croquettes).
- Frango Assado: This is really a traditional dish of roast chicken served with rice and beans or fries.The chicken is prepared on a rotisserie with tomato or onion-sauce and served across many Lisbon street food stalls.
- Peixinhos da horta or tempura green beans: This are simply fried beans, crisp on the outside, and just a little soggy on the inside.
- Francesinha: Francesinha might seem to be popular in Porto, but Lisbon has variants of this. Francesinha is a ham, sausage and steak sandwich drenched in melted cheese and a spicy sauce.
- Grilled sandwiches: This is another staple found in Lisbon especially during th summer months when celebrating the Festo de Santo Antonio in June.
- Codfish and chorizo fritters:
- Pão com Chouriço:Pão com chouriço is crusty bread filled with a smoky, flavorful sausage – a perfect grab-and-go snack.
- Petiscos: Take your lanche to the next level with petiscos, small plates meant for sharing. Explore options like pica pau (skewered steak with pickles) or gambas à guilho (spicy grilled prawns)
- Pastel de Nata: The pastel de nata is a flaky pastry filled with creamy custard that is a national treasure. And besides Nata, you can also try other sweet treats such as the buttery brioche croissant, the sweet and fluffy Pão de Deus (bread of God), or the Berliner-inspired Bolas de Berlim (fried dough balls)
- Caldo Verde:This hearty soup features shredded kale, potatoes, and olive oil, perfect for a chilly day.
- Chamuças: Portugal’s take on the samosa, chamuças are filled with savory meat or vegetables.
- Caracóis:This delicacy might surprise you, but Lisboners love their snails! They’re typically boiled in a flavorful broth and served with toothpicks.
Concluding Thoughts
Besides traditional delicacies, Portugal’s street food scene also has some staple foods you’ll find across many countries in the world, such as burgers, pizzas and more. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a napkin and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure through Lisbon’s street food scene. Your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked questions about Lisbon Street Food Scene
What is the most popular street food in Portugal?
Portugal and Lisbon have many popular street foods including Pasteis de nata, Bifana, Grilled sausages, Portuguese seafood rice, and Francesinha.
How do you eat like a local in Portugal?
To eat like a local in Portugal, first you need to sit to eat lunch at a table or counter. Know the true definition of a quick meals and make special occasions of your every meal.
What do the Portuguese eat everyday?
The Portuguese have many remarkable cooking ingredients you find in most meals. Popular ingredients in home-cooked meals include chicken, pork, fish, legumes, vegetables, leafy greens in stews and soups and served with bread, cheese and cold cuts.
What is Portugal’s national food?
The Bacalhau, a dish of dried and salted codfish usually soaked in water or milk before cooking is the national dish in Portugal. It’s been around since as early as the 16th century.
What is Lisbon’s national dish?
Lisbon’s national dish is the same as Portugal, the The Bacalhau, a dish of dried and salted codfish usually soaked in water or milk before cooking. You’ll find two popular variants in Lisbon such as the Bacalhau a bras (shredded cod with fried onions and potatoes), and Bacalhau com natas (cod with cream).
Do you tip in Portugal?
Unlike other countries, tipping is not expected in Portugal. However, you can ask the locals if you’d love to tip and follow their lead when it comes to tipping situations. That way, the locals and service providers will appreciate how you aim to blend into the Portuguese culture.
How many Michelin star restaurants are there in Lisbon?
Lisbon has over 13 Michelin star restaurants of which adds to over 39 Michelin awarded restaurants in Portugal.
Where is the famous Portuguese tart place in Lisbon?
The most famous Portuguese tart place is the Pasteis de Belem, a bakery next to the Jeronimos Monastery. Here holds the original recipe for the Pasteis de nata. It’s also a must-visit whenever you’re in Lisbon.
