Explore Portugal’s hidden culinary gems, quirky local stories, and delicious treats for a playful and unforgettable journey.
Portugal is famous for its stunning landscapes and charming towns, but the country is also packed with culinary secrets and playful tales that make exploring even more delightful. From convent pastries with unusual origins to centuries-old drinking rituals, these fun facts bring Portugal’s culture to life.
Pastéis de nata, Portugal’s beloved custard tarts, were first created by monks and nuns at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. They used egg yolks left over after egg whites were employed to starch clothing and filter wine. Rather than waste the yolks, they baked them into sweet pastries. Today, these treats are world-famous, but their quirky backstory makes them taste even better when eaten just steps from where they were first made.
Lisbon locals have long enjoyed ginja, a cherry liqueur often served in tiny glasses at hole-in-the-wall bars. The quirky tradition is to ask “with cherry or without” before drinking. Those in the know chew the sour cherry at the bottom for the full experience. It’s a playful ritual that has turned a simple shot into a beloved cultural custom.
Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio may look like a grand open square, but it was once the site of a royal palace destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. Locals say the earthquake was so powerful it was felt across much of Europe, yet today the square has been transformed into a lively hub filled with street performers, markets, and festivals. Standing there is like being at the crossroads of Portugal’s dramatic history and vibrant present.
Portugal is full of culinary surprises if you know where to look. In Lisbon, tiny family-run shops sell bifanas, juicy pork sandwiches often eaten standing at the counter with mustard and a beer. In Porto, you might stumble upon the francesinha, a colossal sandwich layered with meat, cheese, and smothered in spicy sauce, a quirky twist on the French croque monsieur. And tucked away in Lisbon’s neighbourhoods are gelaterias serving some of the best ice cream you’ll ever taste, a delight that catches travellers off guard in a country known more for wine and seafood.
Portugal is full of delightful flavours, playful history, and quirky secrets waiting to be discovered by only the most curious travellers. Download MyGuideGuru on the Google Play or the Apple Store to start your personalised culinary adventure and experience Lisbon in a way that is fun, immersive, and unforgettable.
.png)
