Here you will find 18 unique Lisbon traditional products to buy in Portugal in typical souvenir shops!
Lisbon is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Lisbon has been a city-state for thousands of years, situated on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Belém Tower and Monastery of Jeronimos Monastery (the last remaining medieval building in Lisbon), as well as countless other landmarks and beautiful sights, like its 17th-century Carmo Convent Square, where people go to hang out and enjoy a coffee or beer.
With so much history behind it, you can buy plenty of traditional Portuguese products in Lisbon that you may not find elsewhere. From Portuguese wines to pastel de nata tarts (custard-based) and jamones serra de estrela (hams made by Serra da Estrela pigs), here are some unique souvenirs from Portugal that will make your time spent here even more memorable!
Portuguese Wine
Portuguese wine is among the best in the world, and you can find it all over Lisbon. It’s affordable, too! You can buy Portuguese wine at major supermarkets, shops like El Corte Ingles (a Spanish department store chain), and restaurants. If you’re looking for a special bottle to take home after your trip or want to try something new while you’re here, there are plenty of options around town.
Wine Tastings in Portugal
Azulejos Tilework
Azulejos is a Portuguese name for ceramic tiles. The decorating technique with azulejos originated in 14th-century Spain and Portugal and spread to other parts of Europe in the 16th century, becoming known as majolica. It was brought to the Portuguese colonies during the late 15th century by traders who had seen it in Seville or Granada.
The art was introduced to Portugal in the 16th century from Spain, where Moorish craftsmen had perfected the technique. Portugal had produced azulejos since at least 1515 when King Manuel I sent a group of workers under Don Alvaro de Lima on an expedition to Mafra Palace (Palace of Mafra), where he later established his residence with his wife Queen Isabel, who was crowned Queen Regnant after her husband’s death in 1521.
Pastel de Nata Cream Tarts
Pastel de nata is a Portuguese custard tart with eggs and milk baked in a special rectangular mold. The name “pastel” means “cake,” but it’s not cake. It’s more like a custard pie you eat on the go. Pastel de natas is known as Portugal’s “national cake” and is considered a traditional pastry.
You can find these delicious treats at bakeries all over Lisbon (and beyond). The best ones come from Pasteis de Belém near Rossio Square. They have been making them since 1837!
Lisbon Food Tasting Tours
Lisbon Traditional Products: Presunto Ham
Presunto ham is Portugal’s most popular ham, made from the hind leg of a pig. It is cured for about 5 months, then aged for another year or more until it’s ready to eat. The best presunto comes from the Serra da Estrela region and is deep red with a thick layer of fat that melts in your mouth when you eat it!
Jamones Serra de Estrela and Serra da Estrela Beef
The Serra da Estrela and Serra de Estrela are two of Portugal’s most famous and expensive brands of Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. The PDO designation “Serra da Estrela” was awarded to this region by ministerial decree on 28 February 2004, one of the first regions in Europe to be awarded this recognition.
The ham is produced from free-range pigs which live on acorns during their lifetime (about 2 years). They are slaughtered at a weight between 250 and 300 kg, with an average height between 1m50cm and 2m20cm.
Papel Picado Decorations
Papel Picado is a traditional Mexican folk art that uses colored paper cutouts to create beautiful and intricate designs. It’s used in many ways, from decorating homes and restaurants to creating costumes for festivals and dances.
Papel picado can be seen all over Lisbon during Carnaval, the city’s biggest party of the year! The Portuguese version of Mardi Gras takes place before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 14th).
Alfama Ceramics (Lisbon Pottery)
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district and home to many of the city’s most beautiful sights, including the Church of São Vicente de Fora. The area also has unique ceramics inspired by its Moorish past. Alfama pottery is sold in several shops around town, but if you can’t find any, consider attending one of two annual events: The Alfama Pottery Festival or Festa do Barroco (Festival of Baroque).
Explore More Food Tours in Lisbon
Canned Fish from the Azores Islands (Azeitona, Codfish, and Portuguese Sardines)
The Portuguese have a special relationship with canned fish. It’s not just because they love to eat it. It’s also because they know how to make it taste good. Azeitona is a traditional product from the Azores Islands made by processing olives into a paste similar to tapenade. This paste can be served with bread as an appetizer or spread on slices of toast for breakfast.
Codfish with Rice is Portugal’s national dish, but sardines are also popular here. They’re eaten both fresh from the sea and canned! If you’re into seafood salads like tuna salad or shrimp cocktails, try canned sardines too!
Custard Tarts
Custard tarts are a Portuguese delicacy but are not the same as Bolo de Café (Custard Cake). If you want to try some of the best custard tarts in Lisbon, go to Pasteis de Belém.
Bolo de Café
Bolo de Café is a traditional Portuguese cake made with eggs, sugar, and flour. The most prevalent version has chocolate sprinkles on top and is usually served with coffee or tea at breakfast, but why stop there? You can also find it in supermarkets around the city where they’ll slice off pieces for you if it’s too big to eat whole.
You can also read our article about food in Portugal. This is an ultimate guide that you can’t miss!
Pastéis de Belém
Pastéis de Belém, also known as the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, is a well-known café noted for its sweet egg tart known as the ‘Pastéis de Belém,’ or simply ‘pastel de nata.’ This bakery’s ovens have produced egg tart pastries for almost 150 years. The tarts are comparable to the French pastry crème brûlée and should be served with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Cork Handbags
Cork handbags and shoulder bags are among the most popular things on the market. They are available in several styles, and since they are made of cork, they are waterproof. In addition to bags, you’ll discover cork wallets, caps, and shoes.
Vintage Toys
These antique toys aren’t pricey either for the quality and the sheer nostalgia value supplied by a gift acquired here. Some toys are made of metal, while others are made of plastic and fabric. Visiting here will make you remember how you felt the first time you went to a toy shop. On weekends, the store opens at 2 p.m., but only at 5 p.m. during the week.
Ginjinha
Ginjinha is a well-known Portuguese cherry liqueur that is widely available in Lisbon. Young and elderly consume it on the streets, at home, and at night on the town after dinner and at bars.
The bottles are brightly colored, and the sour cherries can be seen floating within the glass. Ginjinha stores have traditionally been utilized as gathering places for residents. This delicious cherry cocktail is steeped in Portuguese culture and history.
Lisbon Traditional Products: Jams & Honey
Portuguese products will also stock and sell traditional Portuguese jams and honey. These delectable preserves come in various flavors and are elegantly packed in attractive jars. Traditional fruit jams and several additional appealing options and blends are available, such as almonds, muscatel, pumpkin, Port wine, and African chocolate.
Leather Shoes
The downtown pedestrian thoroughfare, Rua Augusta, is known as “shoe central” in Lisbon. Arte, located at Rua Augusta 242, sells men’s and women’s shoes suitable for work or a night out on the town.
Armando Silva & Sofia Costa are two well-known Portuguese labels. Arte’s atmosphere is elegant and designed, so attentive personnel can take excellent care of you. There is a selection of Portuguese-made footwear and some imported Italian styles.
Cheese
There are various varieties of characteristic Lisbon cheese. The Serra de Estrela, Castelo Branco, and Rabacal are excellent examples. The prices are reasonable, and the quality is excellent.
Finally, Sour cherry biscuits
This is one of those beverages visitors love to sip in Lisbon, presented in standard clear shot glasses or within an edible chocolate cup, with real sour cherries mixed with the liquor or simply the vodka straight up, and normally costs just 1 euro. You may not want to purchase a whole bottle of ginjinha to carry home, especially if you’re not flying with checked baggage.
Conclusion on Lisbon Traditional Products!
I hope that this list has helped get you started on your own Lisbon shopping adventure. If you have any more questions, please leave them in the comments below!
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