In this article, you will get to know the best Lisbon street food options so that you can taste the real Portugal on your vacations in the country!
Lisbon is a magical place, and its food scene reflects that.
It’s hard to find a city full of life and energy than Lisbon, where locals love to eat, drink and dance the night away with friends. There are many wonderful restaurants where you can try traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) or feijoada (a stew made with pork and beans). Still, Lisbon also has an abundance of street food—and it’s some of the best in Europe!
Lisbon Street Food: Must-Try Lisbon Street Foods
Pastel de Nata
Pastel de Nata is a Portuguese pastry. It’s a custard tart that’s been around for centuries. Pastel de Nata means “pastry of the nun” and refers to its humble origins when nuns make a tasty treat in their convents.
The original Pastel de Nata was made with eggs, flour, and sugar, and it still is! It can be served warm or cold (usually at room temperature), with different toppings depending on where you buy one: chocolate sprinkles are common, but there are also options like cinnamon sugar or sesame seeds available if you want something more exotic than plain old powdered sugar on top of your treat!
Frango Assado
Frango Assado is a Portuguese dish of roast chicken. It’s usually served with rice and beans, but it can also be served with other side dishes such as fries or potatoes. The chicken is cooked on a rotisserie, which gives it its characteristic taste and texture. It’s juicy, tender, and flavorful!
Frango assado is traditionally prepared with tomato sauce. However, onion-based sauces are also popular in Lisbon street food stalls across the city.
Caldo Verde
Caldo Verde is a simple soup with Portuguese kale, potatoes, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s traditionally served with some meat. Usually, sausage or pork is sold on street corners as a quick lunch option.
If you’re looking to try it out yourself, here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup olive oil (or more if your pan isn’t very large)
- 2 onions sliced into rings or diced
- 4 cups water or broth (vegetable-based)
Francesinha
The Francesinha is a sandwich that originated in Porto, Portugal. It’s made with ham, sausage, and steak piled high between two slices of bread slathered with melted cheese and special sauce. The Francesinha can be very spicy; if you are sensitive to hot food or want something milder, ask for it without chorizo (a type of pork sausage).
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try more authentic Portuguese cuisine, check out these other Lisbon street food options!
Bifana
The greatest bifanas include large pieces of garlic on top, although you may also purchase them without if you don’t like garlic. Locals often drink a bifana with a cool imperial, sometimes known as a bit of beer.
Because of its popularity, McDonald’s has its own McBifana. Instead of McDonald’s, try the bifanas. It is offered at several of Lisbon’s top street food markets, including Café Beira Gare, O Trevo (as recommended by Anthony Bourdain), and As Bifanas do Afonso.
Lisbon Street Food Tours
Sardines
The whole city celebrates the Festo de Santo Antonio in June when fresh sardines are offered everywhere. Lisbon’s wonderful street food is at its most delectable and juiciest this time of year. Once you smell grilled sardines at the Festo, you’ll always identify it with the city.
Top Lisbon Street Food Markets
Lisbon’s vibrant street food scene comes to life through its eclectic array of markets, each offering a unique culinary adventure. One standout destination is Mercado da Ribeira, renowned for its captivating variety of stalls that showcase the very essence of Lisbon street food. Amidst the bustling ambiance, visitors can savor a tapestry of flavors ranging from the savory delights of pork steak sandwiches braised to perfection, to the mouthwatering simplicity of traditional Portuguese sandwiches. With chalked street food suggestions guiding the way, this market is a haven for street food fans and those seeking to explore the best of Lisbon’s gastronomy.
For an artistic and unconventional experience, the LX Factory Market steals the spotlight with its innovative spirit. Set within a creative hub, this market boasts an artsy atmosphere that sets the stage for an extraordinary street food journey. Unique vendors present their delectable offerings, treating visitors to deliciously simple street food infused with creativity and flair. Whether you’re a fan of classic street foods or you’re seeking adventurous culinary surprises, the LX Factory Market promises an unforgettable encounter with Lisbon’s dynamic food scene.
Time Out Market takes the food hall concept to new heights, showcasing the pinnacle of Lisbon street food offerings. This culinary haven curates a collection of exceptional street food suggestions, ensuring that visitors experience Lisbon’s full spectrum of flavors. The market caters to diverse palates, from traditional Portuguese sandwiches bursting with authentic taste to hot dog lovers’ kiosks offering playful twists. As the aroma of mouthwatering delicacies fills the air, visitors can explore the richness of street foods while enjoying the perfect blend of authenticity and innovation.
Read more: Discover all Food in Lisbon blogposts
Navigating Lisbon’s Street Food Scene
Navigating Lisbon’s dynamic street food scene is an exciting journey that promises to introduce you to some of the city’s best and most delicious food. As you venture through the charming neighborhoods, the allure of street food in Lisbon is impossible to resist, with each corner offering a new culinary delight waiting to be savored.
To ensure your exploration is both satisfying and safe, it’s essential to keep a few key tips in mind. When scouting for street food options, keep an eye out for vendors with street food suggestions chalked on their boards. These recommendations often indicate popular and well-loved dishes, guiding you toward the top-notch offerings. Prioritize stalls that are bustling with both locals and tourists, as their popularity attests to the quality of their fare.
As you dive into the maze of flavors, don’t hesitate to inquire with the locals for their street food suggestions. Their insights can lead you to hidden treasures that might not appear in guidebooks. Immerse yourself in the neighborhoods’ culinary diversity and let your taste buds travel through a rich tapestry of tastes, from traditional favorites to innovative twists.
To navigate this culinary odyssey with precision, consider utilizing a curated map that pinpoints the best street food spots across Lisbon’s various districts. This map can be your compass, guiding you through a delectable exploration of the city’s vibrant food culture. So, armed with your map and these tips, set out to indulge in a street food adventure that will leave you with lasting memories of Lisbon’s remarkable gastronomic scene.
Lisbon has some of the best food in the world.
Lisbon has some of the best food in the world. The city is home to many traditional Portuguese dishes, but it also has a unique cuisine that you won’t find anywhere else.
The most iconic Lisbon street food is pastel de nata (a flaky pastry filled with custard). These are sold by vendors who often set up shop next to one another on street corners throughout the city center and suburbs. They’ll also sell them at cafés and restaurants–sometimes even in boxes! You can order them warm or cold, depending on how you like your dessert: hot for breakfast, ice-cold with coffee after dinner…or both!
Another popular dish is frango assado (roasted chicken), eaten either as a sandwich or on its own with fries or salad (or both). Frango assado sandwiches are often served with chips instead of bread; this makes them easier for travelers who want something quick yet tasty before heading out into Lisbon’s busy streets later in the day.
Wrapping Up: Lisbon Street Food Scene
Lisbon has a rich culinary history. You can find many of these dishes in street food carts throughout the city. If you’re looking for a taste of Portugal, then make sure to try one of these delicious treats next time you visit Lisbon!
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