15 of the ultimate foodie moments you can expect in Portugal

Portugal is one of the best hidden gems in Europe, and one of our favourite things about it is all of the amazing foods and flavours that are waiting to be explored.

Savoury? Got it. Sweets? Nailed them all with creamy custardy goodness. Meats? As many as you can fit in each dish. And the spices and flavours? Truly legendary and unique.

The best news? You can throw yourself into plenty of foodie experiences on our new Portugal City & Surf Trip. Here are 15 instances where a trip to Portugal will leave your taste buds tingly and your tummy wanting more…

When you sink your teeth into the warm custard and pastry of a real pasteis de nata

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A post shared by Os Melhores Pastéis de Nata (@manteigaria.oficial) on Nov 22, 2018 at 3:46am PST

When you learn the delicious simplicity of a good arroz doce for dessert

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A post shared by Andreia (@andi_da_coja) on Nov 27, 2018 at 3:45am PST

When you rip into your first juicy and perfectly seasoned piri piri chicken

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When you opt to up the spice level and have your taste buds rocked by a spicier piri piri

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When a natas do ceu takes you right from dessert into heaven

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A post shared by BOM DIA (@bom_dia_oficial) on Jul 29, 2018 at 4:00am PDT

When you realize you never actually hated sardines, you’d just never had them Portuguese style (when they’re actually delicious)

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A post shared by Falice Chin (@faliceemo) on Oct 29, 2018 at 12:16pm PDT

When you discover that port is the wine that will turn you into a wine lover if you aren’t already

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When you've finally tried every flavour of Sumol and you realize it’s basically Fanta but better

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A post shared by Mimosa Kingston (@mimosa_kingston) on Nov 18, 2018 at 6:49am PST

When a Francesinha completely changes your idea of what a sandwich is with its delicious steak, sausage and ham

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A post shared by Harris Boubis (@harrisboubis) on May 17, 2018 at 4:03pm PDT

When you try a real Portuguese salt cod and discover what cod is supposed to taste like

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A post shared by T I G E R L I L Y (@djtigerlily) on Jun 25, 2017 at 6:23am PDT

When you pack your suitcase full of chewy Sugus candies because normal Starburst just won’t compare

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When you reach a new level of coziness with a bowl of caldo verde, filled with potatoes, sausage and collard greens

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A post shared by Suisso Cozinha Artesanal (@suissocozinhaartesanal) on Aug 27, 2019 at 11:19am PDT

When it’s the holidays and your first bolo rei completely changes your negative opinion of fruit cake

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A post shared by Daddy & Food Blogger (@apitadadopai) on Nov 25, 2018 at 7:59am PST

When you dig into a Cozido a Portuguesa stew and get your fill of meats, potatoes and greens

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A post shared by Aldaci Dadá dos Santos (@sorriso_dada) on May 24, 2017 at 10:41am PDT

And when you have some Licor Beirão and feel the pride of Portugal coursing through your bloodstream

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A post shared by Queijaria de Coimbra (@queijariadecoimbra) on Aug 16, 2019 at 9:48am PDT

15 times you’re guaranteed to have the ultimate foodie experience in Portugal