Typical food from Coimbra and Portugal and places to go

Today we are going to talk about the typical Portuguese food and especially Coimbra, so here we go. To do so, we need to note:

Bacalao (Cod)

It is possibly the most typical dish of all of Portugal and there are a thousand and one ways to make it. The most common are bacalao dorado (golden cod) and bacalao à brás (salt cod) . Although, we can buy it in a lot of places like in the central market or in supermarkets.

Sardinas (Sardines)

This is another one of the most typical fish dishes in Portugal because they are caught in Portuguese waters and are delicious. Although, again you can just buy them in tins in souvenir shops.

Sopa (Soup)

Soup, of any kind, is one of the dishes that could never fail anyone in Portugal, be it at home or in a restaurant. It doesn't matter if it's lunch or dinner time, it is always a good time for soup. A typical soup to some regions in Portugal is the Stone soup, which got its name because, there was once a monk without a home, that was going to houses, asking for charity. He showed up with an empty pot with the exception of a stone inside. Then, little by little with all of the ingredients that he collected, he was able to prepare a soup, fit for a king. The soup resembles what we would call 'cocido' (a stew) , but some of the ingredients have been changed.

Also, the other most known soup is the caldo verde (green soup) , which is mainly made with Galician cabbage and I think it is very good.

Francesinha (Croque monsieur)

This is a typical dish in Porto, although they also serve it in most restaurants in Coimbra. This is a sandwich with a lot of layers and filled with meat, ham, egg, sausage and bacon. And on top, you put more cheese and a slightly spicy salsa. You can also add many other ingredients to this.

Alheiras (Sausage)

This is a kind of smoked chorizo which is filled with chicken and pork and some spices. It has a very peculiar flavour and although I don't recommend it for dinner, it is still something nice to eat.

Prego (Steak sandwich)

This, is a Portuguese meat sandwich. It is similar to a burger, although the meat and bread that we use is different. Rather it is made with loin cut in thin slices and the bread is more like two thin slices of toast. It is very good.

Frango (Chicken)

About frango, it is chicken, there isn't much more to add. It is very typical and again there is a thousand and one ways to make it, including roast chicken and piri-piri chicken. You can find countless places that specialise in these dishes, since in Coimbra there are a lot of steak houses and take-aways.

Queijo (Cheese)

Yes, for cheese fanatics like me, this is a little piece of heaven. Almost like Amsterdam. Here, there are more than 12 types of cheese, certificate of origin, mainly in places where you find cheese factories such as Açores.

Pastel de nata (Custard tart)

Although people have attempted to recreate it in other places, it is typical to Portugal and only here do they know the secret recipe that makes this dessert so amazing. You have to try it at least once in your life. There are places that specialise in these.

Bolo de bolacha (Biscuit cake)

It is the most delicious dessert that I have tried here in Portugal. Very similar to the serradura (Sawdust pudding), with biscuit, cream, a little bit of coffee and some other secret ingredient. If you go to any restaurant and it is on the dessert menu, I completely recommend that you try it.

Baba de camelo (Caramle mouse)

This is a typical dessert here and although it is nothing special you have to try it. It is like a kind of condensed milk mix and I personally think that it is very sweet and heavy but it is not bad to try it.

Bolo de arroz (Rice cupcake)

This sweet is sold in all bakeries, and it a kind of cupcake make with a base of rice. It is very good and it is perfect accompanied with a glass of milk or coffee.

Also, something very typical here are the varieties of coffee, since there are a lot.

There are so many dishes and desserts that are typical to Portugal as much as Coimbra and they are all amazing, so I encourage you all to try them little by little.

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