Wine lovers may be attracted to Porto by its eponymous port wine, but Portugal’s second largest city also has a growing reputation for its quality local cuisine – while Porto food tours give visitors the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds.
Portugal’s restaurants and bars are no longer being overshadowed by its Mediterranean neighbours – Porto is now home to two Michelin starred restaurants. The cuisine balances centuries old traditions with modern influences to create some mouth-watering dishes exclusive to the region.
A food tour in Porto offers an ideal way for visitors to explore the city, taking in the unique history, architecture and culture of the port that rests along the Douro river estuary in northern Portugal. And, of course, there’s the chance to sample delicious food and the region’s most famous export Vinho do Porto. Food tours in Porto, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site, will generally take visitors around the city accompanied by an experienced guide, stopping to visit cafes, restaurants and traditional markets. Among the exclusive local fare on offer are:
With its proximity to the Atlantic, Porto cuisine is unsurprisingly heavily influenced by seafood, inspiring dishes like sardinhas (sardines), pulvo (octopus drenched in olive oil) and ameijoas a Bulhao Pato (colourful clams dressed with coriander). Most cafes sell fresh, sticky and delicious pastries that can be paired with a quick cafe (espresso).
A Francesinha sandwich is a must-try snack (even if it is not especially calorie conscious) consisting of Portuguese bread enveloping ham, fresh sausage and steak slathered with cheese and doused with a local sauce made from tomato and beer. Bacalhau, a dried salted cod dish, is one of the staples of Portuguese meals all over the country and is likely to feature as part of most Porto food tours. The preparation varies between regions, with Porto favouring Bacalhau a Gomes de Sa: a casserole of salted cod, potatoes, eggs, olives, olive oil and onions.
Petiscos are Portugal’s answer to tapas culture, featuring small plates meant for sharing. Taverns tend to specialise in one specific dish, such as bifana (thin pork sandwiches) or snails served in a herby broth, that are usually ordered in large quantities and consumed over hours while drinking cold beers or Vinho Verde. Tripas a Moda do Porto uses the tripe, basically the innards and other unwanted parts of animals to create a casserole dish with butter beans and carrots that is said to symbolise Porto’s generosity.
With its proximity to the Atlantic, Porto cuisine is unsurprisingly heavily influenced by seafood, inspiring dishes like sardinhas (sardines), pulvo (octopus drenched in olive oil) and ameijoas a Bulhao Pato (colourful clams dressed with coriander). Most cafes sell fresh, sticky and delicious pastries that can be paired with a quick cafe (espresso).
Of course, to wash down all this wonderful food, wine travellers can try an extensive range of port wines that are made along the Douro river, which runs through the city. The fortified dessert wine is produced exclusively here and is typically sweet and red, although dry, semi-dry and white varieties are also available.
At Wine Paths our local experts can arrange a bespoke Porto food tour according to your specific requirements .
One of the suggested food tours of Porto takes you behind the scenes of the city to taste traditional local food, extra virgin olive oil and superb wines while simultaneously experiencing Porto’s beautiful architecture like the Saõ Bento Station, a neoclassical jewel, and the Clerigos Church.
Cycling enthusiasts also have the opportunity to explore the city on two wheels, taking in the city, riverside and beaches while tasting port wines and dining on fresh seafood – including shellfish, tasteful barnacles, the coast shrimp or the stuffed spider crab, and a choice of fish to grill – at a traditional fishing village.
Visit our Porto’s destination guide to learn more about this Portuguese gem that has been voted Best European City Destination in 2012, 2014 and 2017.
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