As well as its richly deserved reputation for culture and beautiful coastline Portugal is also an ideal destination for foodie travellers. Peter Morrell reports
One of the great pleasures of visiting Portugal is the superb food. Fresh seafood, meat, ham, dried sausages, cheeses, port and that most revered of ingredients salt cod which makes what is almost the national dish – Bacalhau, in all its forms. Also when you are in Portugal you must try Pastel de Nata, delicate little custard tarts and Cataplana, a rich fish stew. The wines are outstanding, look out for examples from the Douro, Alentejo, Dao and other regions.
If you are still not sure if the culinary scene is right for you then why not sample some delicious Portuguese food right here in the UK? There are lots of restaurants and delis that sell all of the above and more. Here is a round-up of restaurants and delis where you can taste for yourself. The biggest concentration of restaurants is in the Vauxhall/Stockwell area in London and is known as Little Portugal.
Grelha D’Ouro – Vauxhall
Grelha D’Ouro goes beyond the famous bacalhau Portugues! You can experience the true marvels and excellence of Portuguese gastronomy – an exciting combination of simple flavours, fine ingredients, a touch of creativity and tradition thrown in to create mouth-watering dishes.
Canela – Covent Garden
Canela uses produce sourced and imported directly from Portugal and the menu features the freshest, finest food, charcuterie, cheeses and wine from specialist regions around the country. Each dish has been developed from original recipes and family favourites, adding a sophisticated touch with high quality ingredients, careful flavour pairing, and imaginative presentation.
A Torre – Crystal Palace
A Torre offers a mouth watering selection of the finest Portuguese dishes combining fresh, simple ingredients with a genuine love for Portuguese cuisine.
Jorge, the owner trained and worked as manager in some of the top restaurants in the Kent area over the last twenty five years. He says “Our aim is to offer people a place where they can enjoy quality food at reasonable prices in a place where they can sit and relax.”
The food is first class, just authentic, quality food cooked to perfection. It will ensure that each visit to A Torre is a special one, you wont be disappointed.
O Cantinho De Portugal
At Cantinho, we only serve the freshest and most authentic Portuguese cuisine. The food takes you right back to Portugal.
The restaurant is family run, and it really shows. They take much pride and care in every experience they share with their customers.
Cantinho is a well established restaurant within the Portuguese community. Its 20 years experience is a real testament to its quality and taste.
Bar Douro – London Bridge
Bar Douro was created as a way to bring authentic Portuguese food to London. With ties to Portugal traced back through the family, Bar Douro has matched exquisite Portuguese wines with all the tradition of the local Portuguese food.
Lisboa Jardim – Portman Square London
This charming al fresco pop-up re-creates the fun and excitement of Lisbon. It serves canned fish together with pickles and sourdough bread which is a traditional small meal in Portugal. There is an exciting cocktail list including three which are pre-mixed in tuna cans. The atmosphere is relaxed an comfortable, an ideal venue for a warm summer’s evening
Useful Links
The Gastronomy of Portugal
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/experiencias/gastronomia-e-vinhos
Our article on the Centro region – famous for its cod, wine and cultural heritage
http://www.aboutmygeneration.com/?p=19215
Our article on the Alentejo region – farm produce, delicious wines and steeped in history
http://www.aboutmygeneration.com/?p=26787
Our article on the Western Algarve – fresh seafood, beautiful beaches and a lomg heritage
http://www.aboutmygeneration.com/?p=13639
Our article on a cruise up the Douro – Food, Port and natural beauty
http://www.aboutmygeneration.com/?p=14258
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