TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Portuguese Foods
This variety of Iberian ham is produced with meat coming from acorn-fed Iberian pigs that are either 75% or 50% pure Iberian breed, meaning they have been crossbred with other pigs such as the Duroc breed. As in the case of jamón 100% ibérico de bellota, the pigs used in the production of this ham are allowed to roam freely across the oak pasturelands in their final rearing stage, known as the montanera, eating an acorn-based diet until they reach the desired weight for the sacrifice, or the matanza as the Spanish call it. Jamón ibérico de bellota makes for about 13% of the total Iberian ham production and is distinguished by a red label.
The designated areas of Iberian bellota ham production include the Dehesa de Extremadura, Salamanca, Huelva, and Valle de Los Pedroches in Spain, along with Barrancos in Portugal.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Jamón Ibérico
Pastel de Belém is a traditional egg custard tart and a predecessor to the famous pastel de nata. The tarts are made with a pastry shell that's filled with a combination of milk, eggs, sugar, lemon, and cinnamon. The first recipe for pastel de Belém dates back to 1837 when it was produced by the monks of the Jerónimos monastery.
Only the custard tarts produced at the Fábrica Pastéis de Belém can be called pastel de Belém, while all the others, produced by other patisseries in Lisbon are called pastel de nata. Regardless of the name, these tarts can be served hot or cold and in 2009, The Guardian listed pastel de Belém as one of the 50 'best things to eat' in the world.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Pastel de nata
Serra da Estrela is a semi-soft cheese made from the milk of Bordaleira Serra da Estrela and Churra Mondegueira breeds of sheep. Milking is done by hand, after which the milk is heated, salted, and curdled using thistle extract.
The curd is formed into cheeses, which are left to ripen in humid and cold conditions. The cheese has a creamy, semi-soft interior that is yellowish-white in color, while its flavor is clean, sweet, and slightly sour. This cheese is Portugal's oldest, most traditional food product with international acclaim.
Pair with
Azeitão is a semi-soft cheese made from unpasteurized sheep milk. The origins of this cheese date back to the 19th century, when Gaspar Henriques de Paiva emigrated to the town of Azeitão. Out of nostalgia for his place of birth, he imported black dairy sheep from his home town to Azeitão and brought cheesemakers from Beira Baixa to make cheeses.
De Paiva's Azeitão cheeses quickly became famous throughout Portugal, winning several awards at agricultural fairs. The milk for this cheese is taken from sheep that graze on natural vegetation in the pastures of Azeitão. The sheep are milked manually, and the milk is mixed with the extract of a local variety of thistle to start the curdling process instead of animal rennet, meaning the cheese is 100% vegetarian.
Pair with
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Pão alentejano refers to a traditional Portuguese bread originating from the Alentejo region of Portugal. Recognized for its round shape and distinctive crust, this bread is made with a mix of different types of wheat flour and sometimes incorporates a sourdough starter, which lends it a slightly tangy flavor.
Its thick, rustic crust contrasts beautifully with the soft, airy crumb inside. The bread's unique taste and texture make it a perfect accompaniment to Portuguese meals, particularly when paired with cheeses, olives, or the region's famed cured meats.
Beja paio sausage is a smoked meat product made from pork of the Alentejo breed of pigs. Roughly 70-90% of the sausage consists of lean meat, while the remaining 10-30% is fat. The pork meat and fat are diced and mixed with water, garlic, paprika, and salt before being stuffed into sausage casings.
The smoking process lasts for several days, and is carried out at a low temperature using local oak wood. Paio has a firm consistency and a pleasant, delicate flavor that is savory and slightly spicy. Served with bread, this sausage is a traditional meal that is brought to the fields by local farmers during the harvest.
Alentejo ham is a regional specialty made from the legs and shoulders of Alentejo pigs produced in the districts of Castelo Branco, Portalegre, Santarém, Évora, Beja, Setubal, and Faro. These areas typically have hot and dry summers and cold winters.
Throughout the centuries, the residents of these regions learned to work with this climate to develop a natural drying process for ham that does not resort to the use of smoke or any other external factors besides the addition of salt. When cut, the ham is reddish-pink to dark red and highly marbled.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Espetada is a traditional dish and a specialty of the island of Madeira. It consists of big pieces of beef that are marinated in salt and garlic, then skewered on a bay leaf stick. The stick is placed over hot coals until the meat is properly cooked.
It is the most popular dish to serve at picnics or parties in Madeira. Espetada is often served with the skewer hung vertically from a hook, so that the flavorful juices can drip down onto a plate filled with thick-sliced, crusty bread. Pork, sausages, and squid can all act as a substitute for beef in espetada, but then it is not a typical Madeira dish anymore.
MOST ICONIC Espetada
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Hailing from Madeira, this rustic, leavened bread is prepared with wheat flour, mashed sweet potatoes, water, and salt. Traditionally baked on large basalt stone slabs, bolo do caco is typically flat and round, though it can vary in size. It is the most common bread variety on Madeira that is usually served as a warm appetizer with garlic butter spread, but it can also be enjoyed as a sandwich or an accompaniment to various traditional Portuguese dishes.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
This traditional Portugal dish combines marinated pieces of pork with clams and a lightly spicy, wine-infused sauce. Though the name of this classic might imply it originated in Alentejo, it is believed that it initially appeared in the Algarve region, but was given its current name because of the highly-prized black pigs that are most commonly reared in Alentejo.
The dish is a restaurant staple that is found throughout Portugal. It is usually garnished with fresh cilantro and paired with lemon wedges, pan-fried potatoes, and country-style bread on the side.
MOST ICONIC Carne de porco à Alentejana
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Best Portuguese Food Producers
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2016

Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2022, 2019, 2015
BEST Acushla Olive Oils
Trás-os-Montes Prime is an olive oil producer based in the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal. The company specializes in high-quality olive oils that highlight the unique characteristics of local olive varieties. They utilize traditional and sustainable farming techniques to produce their oils.
The region's unique climate and soil conditions contribute to the distinctive flavor profile of their olive oils.
AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold
2023

Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023, 2019, 2018, 2016
BEST Trás-os-montes Prime Olive Oils
Esporão is an established Portuguese company known for its production of high-quality olive oil. It is based in Lisbon and has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company owns extensive olive groves and uses modern techniques in both cultivation and extraction to ensure premium products.
Esporão also produces wine and has a long-standing reputation in the industry for its dedication to quality and innovation.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2024, 2023, 2017

NYIOOC - Gold
2023

Olive Japan - Gold
2022, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013
BEST Esporão Olive Oils
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2017

Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2019, 2018, 2017

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2023, 2019
BEST Sociedade Agrícola Alberto Manso Olive Oils
Cooperativa Agrícola dos Olivicultores de Murça is a renowned Portuguese olive oil cooperative established in 1956. Located in the Trás-os-Montes region, it specializes in producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil, including the award-winning Azeite Porca de Murça DOP.
Committed to tradition and sustainability, the cooperative brings together local olive growers to preserve the authenticity and rich flavors of Murça’s olive oil heritage.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022

Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2022

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023, 2022
BEST Cooperativa Agrícola Dos Olivicultores De Murça Olive Oils
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018

NYIOOC - Gold
2023
BEST Gallo Worldwide Olive Oils
The Cooperativa de Olivicultores de Valpaços is located in Valpaços, Portugal. It was founded in 1952 and focuses on the production of high-quality olive oil. The cooperative is known for using traditional methods combined with modern technology to ensure the quality of its olive oil.
They cultivate olives primarily from the Verdeal Transmontana, Madural, and Cobrançosa varieties native to the region.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2017

NYIOOC - Gold
2023

Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015
BEST Cooperativa De Olivicultores De Valpaços Olive Oils
Established in 1820, Pereira D’Oliveira today is run by Anibal, Luis and Filipe D’Oliveira, the fifth generation of the family and the direct descendants of Joao Pereira d’Oliveira who founded the company. Their philosophy is to produce wines of the highest possible quality with experience acquired over two centuries of wine making.
Above all their aim is to produce wines of exceptional balance – powerful and textured with wonderful aromatic complexity, yet balanced by freshness.
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2019
BEST Pereira d'Oliveira Vinhos Wines
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2021
BEST Queijos Santiago Cheeses
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023, 2022, 2019

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2018, 2017

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2018
BEST Justino's Madeira Wines Wines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Portuguese Food Products
Oliveira da Serra Lagar do Marmelo is a premium olive oil produced by Sovena Portugal Consumer Goods S. A., one of the leading companies in the olive oil industry. This product is known for its high quality and is often celebrated for its rich flavor profile, which includes a harmonious balance of fruity, bitter, and spicy notes.
The olives used to produce Lagar do Marmelo are usually harvested early to ensure maximum freshness and nutrient content. This olive oil is typically packaged in dark glass bottles to protect it from light and preserve its quality.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2022

Olive Japan - Gold
2022, 2021, 2020, 2015, 2014

London IOOC - Gold
2022
Acushla Gold Edition is a premium extra virgin olive oil from Portugal, sourced from a centenary olive grove in the Tras-os-Montes & Alto Douro region. This oil is a blend of four olive varietals, resulting in a balanced profile that is medium fruity with a subtle bitter and peppery finish.
It is organic and PDO (Protected Designation of Origin)-certified, ensuring both high quality and authenticity. The oil is harvested in 2023 and comes in a 500ml bottle, with the option to purchase it with a gift box. The name "Acushla" is of Celtic origin, meaning "beat of my heart"
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2017

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2022, 2021, 2020, 2016

Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2022, 2015
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

London IOOC - Gold
2021

Olive Japan - Gold
2020, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2014
Oliveira da Serra Gourmet is a high-quality olive oil produced by Sovena Portugal Consumer Goods S. A. This premium olive oil is known for its rich, robust flavor profile and is often used in gourmet cooking to enhance the taste of various dishes.
The brand takes pride in its meticulous production process, which includes the careful selection of olives to ensure the finest quality. The oil is typically characterized by its well-balanced taste, which combines fruity notes with a slight peppery finish.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2018

NYIOOC - Gold
2023

Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2023, 2020, 2019

Olive Japan - Gold
2020, 2016, 2015, 2013

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2020, 2019, 2018
Azeite Porca De Murça DOP is a renowned olive oil produced by Cooperativa Agrícola dos Olivicultores de Murça. This high-quality olive oil is designated as a DOP (Denominação de Origem Protegida) product, indicating it meets stringent production and quality standards specific to the Murça region in Portugal.
The olives used in making this oil are carefully selected to ensure a perfect balance of flavors and aromas, reflecting the region's rich olive-growing tradition.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2024, 2022

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022, 2021, 2018, 2016, 2014
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2023

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2022, 2021, 2020

Olive Japan - Gold
2020, 2019
Casa de Valpereiro Præmium is a distinguished wine produced by Sociedade Agrícola Alberto Manso. Located in the Douro Valley in Portugal, this wine exemplifies the region's rich viticultural heritage. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Casa de Valpereiro Præmium is known for its robust flavor profile, which balances fruitiness with hints of earth and spice.
The wine is made from a blend of traditional Portuguese grape varieties, ensuring a complex and refined taste.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2017

Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2019, 2018, 2017

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2023, 2019
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2022, 2021, 2020

London IOOC - Gold
2023, 2021

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2020
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2022

London IOOC - Gold
2023, 2022

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2023, 2022












TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Portuguese Foods” list until March 05, 2025, 14,967 ratings were recorded, of which 10,616 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.