Nothing appeals more to the Portuguese than the true national obsession about food ! It's always about having (hopefully) long pleasant meals with family and friends, paired with exquisite wines and cheerful conversations. The meaning of life can be found at the table. The epicentre of the Portuguese way of life.
It is the most Portuguese of all places: the Table. A place to come together, to taste endless mouth-watering specialities, memorable wines and to say cheers to life!
In order to fully grasp the Portuguese identity, there are a few fun facts to bear in mind:
- Portuguese love soup: fish soup, vegetable soup, "stone" soup, French garlic soup, you-name-it soup. Actually, soup cushions what's to come next.
- Bread of all sorts is a must during meals and just like soup, it provides a digestive soothing effect.
- Olives and cheese are also welcome while we wait for the main course(s)!
- The all-mighty King of the Portuguese table: his Highness, the Codfish, because in Cod we trust! There are over 1001 thousand ways to cook it and to taste it, all of them divine!
- Portuguese love grilled fish paired with outstanding white wines, enjoying a stunning view over the ocean and a soul-soothing maritime breeze, as if Time stood still.
- Portuguese also love meat, especially suckling pig of Bairrada region - also home of the notable sparkling wines - and Portuguese from all over the country flock to Bairrada in order to taste this supreme delicacy.
- All meals in Portugal inevitably end with "something sweet", paying homage to the century-old legacy of convent-based sweets or other classic treats like "arroz doce" (sweet rice), leite-creme (Portuguese version of crème brûlée), pudding, just to name a few of the most popular temptations!
- A "cafézinho" is the perfect way to round off a hearty meal !
- The favourite subject during lunch and dinner is ... the next meal! Or simply sharing with others exciting foodie experiences, restaurant insider's tips or discussions on more controversial dishes like "cabidela" (chicken blood stew"), lamprey or "chanfana" (old goat meat).
The world outside may fall into pieces, while the Portuguese happily enjoy their last supper !
