Centre Portugal Cooking

The Cooking of Portugal

The Cuisine of the Center of Portugal (see also Cozinha das Beiras) is a cuisine of rich tradition and wide variety of dishes and specialties. the honors of Cuisine from the Center are the traditional Leitão à Bairrada and Lampreia à Bordalesa. The piglet à Bairrada is, without a doubt, the most emblematic dish in the Center of Portugal. From the coast to the interior, we leave the fish and meat plays an important role in feeding the people of the Center.


The Chanfana de Coimbra
This is precisely the case of chanfana, a typical specialty of the city of Coimbra. Made with goat meat (already old), to red wine, among other ingredients. This preparation is done in the traditional way in a pan (pan) of black clay.





Specialties from Central Portugal
Fish - Among the best known specialties and dishes of the Cuisine of the Center of Portugal deserve to be highlighted, in addition to the specialties already mentioned (Leitão à Bairrada, Chanfana, Lampreia à Bordalesa), the stews, fish soups, grilled fish, for the chapter dedicated to fish.

Meat - With regard to meat, the Roasted Veal à Moda do Sever de Vouga deserves to be highlighted, the Veal from Lafões, the Rancho à Moda de Viseu, the Cabrito do Fundão and the Torresmos (in Serra da Estrela) and the Roasted Cabrito in the oven of firewood, in the traditional way.

Hunting - Finally, for hunting lovers, you should not miss the dishes based on Perdiz and Coelho Bravo, from preferably in (or around) Fátima, Leiria and Tomar.


Wine and Cheese
These are chapters that should be seen separately... To know more? Follow the links below about the region's famous wines: Wines of Bairrada and Cheese of Portugal.

A cuisine of the sea

Essential influence of the sea, with its varied products. Various cultural influences. Everything contributes to enrich the experience and gastronomic practice in Portugal. From popular "snacks" to gourmet cuisine. See also: 7 wonders of Portuguese gastronomy.

Vacations and Cuisine

Fish Cod, sea bass, grouper, monkfish, sardines and shellfish. According to the opinion of many experts, fish caught off the coast of Portugal's vast coastlines are among the best in the world.

Other products

Several other traditional products complete the list of ingredients of Portuguese cuisine: chestnuts, sausages (sausages), olive oil, wines, cheeses, local fruits and aromatic herbs, as well as many other elements that enter into the preparation of the delicacies of Portuguese cuisine. and gastronomy.

Main specialties

In this guide to The Cuisine of Portugal we will review the The Main Specialties of delicious Portuguese cuisine.

Typical dish highlighted: Leitão à Bairrada

An iconic dish of Central Portugal cuisine, the Leitão à Bairrada was elected one of the 7 Maravailhas da Portuguese gastronomy. Between Coimbra and Anadia, and especially in Mealhada, there are several restaurants that serve this specialty. of the most traditional and appreciated in the Center of Portugal. Other counties (municipalities) where it is also served include Águeda, Oliveira do Bairro and Cantanhede.