Pass On These Plates
When traveling to Portugal, you’ll find many amazing dishes. However, if you have certain dietary needs or simply want to make healthier choices, there are some foods you may want to avoid.
10 Foods to Avoid in Portugal
1. Lisbon Food & Wine Tours
While Lisbon food and wine tours are a popular way to experience the country’s cuisine, they often involve a lot of rich, indulgent foods and alcohol. If you're trying to limit your intake of fatty foods or alcohol, you might want to enjoy these tours in moderation or skip them altogether. Instead, consider seeking out lighter or healthier options on your own.
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2. Bifana
The Bifana is a delicious Portuguese sandwich made with marinated pork. While it’s a favorite street food, it’s not the healthiest option due to the high fat and sodium content. The pork is often fried or grilled and served on a soft roll, which can make it heavy on the stomach.
3. Pastéis de Nata
These famous Portuguese custard tarts are tasty but loaded with sugar and fat. If you’re watching your sugar intake or trying to eat healthier, it's best to limit how many of these sweet treats you enjoy during your trip.
4. Bacalhau à Brás
Bacalhau à Brás is a popular Portuguese dish made from salt cod, potatoes and onions. While the ingredients are flavorful, this dish can be very salty and high in calories. If you're on a low-sodium diet or trying to avoid fried foods, you might want to pass on this dish.
5. Sardinhas Assadas
Grilled sardines, or Sardinhas Assadas, are a staple in Portugal. While sardines are generally healthy, they are often cooked with a lot of oil and served with bread, making them higher in fat. If you're looking for a lighter meal, try to find grilled fish without added oils.
6. Feijoada
Feijoada is a traditional Portuguese stew made with beans, pork and sometimes other meats. It’s very filling but also heavy and rich in fat. If you’re trying to avoid fatty meats or large, hearty meals, this might not be the best option for you.
7. Caldo Verde
Caldo Verde is a popular soup made from potatoes, kale and chorizo sausage. While kale and potatoes are healthy ingredients, the chorizo adds a lot of fat and salt. If you want a healthier version, you can ask for the soup without the sausage.
8. Queijo da Serra
This Portuguese cheese is creamy and delicious, but like most cheeses, it’s high in fat and calories. If you're trying to avoid dairy or limit your fat intake, it’s a good idea to enjoy this cheese in small amounts or skip it entirely.
9. Leite Creme
Leite Creme is the Portuguese version of crème brûlée. It’s a rich, creamy dessert topped with caramelized sugar. While it’s a tasty treat, it’s high in sugar and fat, making it a food to avoid if you're trying to eat healthier.
10. Pão
Bread, or Pão, is served with almost every meal in Portugal. While bread can be a good source of carbohydrates, it’s often eaten in large quantities. If you're trying to cut back on carbs or avoid refined grains, it's best to skip the bread or enjoy it in moderation.
The Food Pitfalls of Portugal
Portugal offers many delicious foods, but some may not be the best choice if you're trying to eat healthy or have dietary restrictions. Whether it’s skipping rich dishes on a Lisbon food and wine tour or avoiding fatty cheeses and sweets, making mindful choices will help you enjoy your trip while staying on track with your health goals.