Lisbon, or Lisboa in Portuguese, is the capital and largest city of Portugal, with a population of approximately 547,000 people. Known for its charming streets, colorful tiles, and traditional fado music, Lisbon is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage that is reflected in its culinary scene. Portuguese cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean flavors and ingredients, heavily influenced by the country's coastal location and its former colonies, resulting in a unique and diverse cuisine that is loved by locals and tourists alike.
One of the most popular dishes in Lisbon is bacalhau, which is salted cod that is usually served with potatoes, onions, and eggs. The dish can be cooked in various ways, such as baked, boiled, or fried, and is often seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and parsley. Another favorite dish is cozido à portuguesa, a hearty stew made with various meats, vegetables, and legumes, such as beef, pork, chicken, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and white beans. It is a traditional Sunday lunch and often served with rice.
Seafood is also an essential part of Lisbon's cuisine, as the city is located on the Atlantic coast. Grilled sardines, or sardinhas assadas, are a must-try during the summer months, and can be found at most restaurants and cafes. They are usually served with roasted bell peppers and potatoes, or as part of a sandwich. Other popular seafood dishes include octopus salad, arroz de marisco (seafood rice), and shrimp in garlic sauce, or gambas à la guilho.
In addition to savory dishes, Lisbon is also famous for its pastries and sweets. Pastéis de nata, or custard tarts, are a national treasure and can be found at almost every bakery in the city. They are made with a flaky, buttery crust and filled with a creamy custard made from eggs, milk, and sugar. Other popular pastries include pastel de feijão, a sweet bean tart, and bola de berlim, a donut filled with custard or jam.
Lisbon is also known for its wine and port. Vinho verde, or green wine, is a light, refreshing wine that is perfect for hot summer days. It is made from young grapes and has a slightly fizzy texture. Red wine from the Alentejo region is also popular, as well as port wine, a sweet fortified wine that is made in the Douro Valley. It is often served as a digestif after a meal.
In terms of dining habits, Lisbon is a city that enjoys a leisurely pace of life, with meals often lasting for several hours. Lunch is usually the main meal of the day and is served between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. Dinner is usually lighter and served between 7:30 and 10:30 pm. Snacks and pastries are also popular throughout the day and can be found at local cafes and bakeries.
As for the distribution of food during the day, breakfast is usually a light meal, consisting of coffee and a pastry, such as a croissant or a bolo de arroz. Lunch is a more substantial meal, with a starter, main course, and dessert. Dinner is often a lighter meal, such as soup, salad, or a sandwich. In between meals, it is common to have a snack, such as a bifana (pork sandwich) or a pastel de bacalhau (codfish pastry).