Skip to Content

Portuguese Breakfast – Best Traditional Breakfast in Portugal and What to Eat in Portugal

Last updated on March 10th, 2023 at 09:15 pm

Portuguese Breakfast – With the Portuguese Pastel de Nata and delicious Portuguese coffee, it’s easy to say that Portugal has some really good traditional Portugal breakfast dishes not to miss. Whether you’re visiting Portugal or just saving for a future visit, we talk about what to eat for a delicious morning treat in Portugal!

RELATED TRAVEL GUIDES:

Read here best Vegetarian food in Portugal and Portuguese Food

Read here Comparison Azores vs Madeira

What is in a Traditional Portuguese Breakfast – Typical Breakfast in Portugal

A traditional Portuguese breakfast will often consist of a combination of sweet and savory items.

SIM CARD AT LISBON AIRPORT

I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Lisbon airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Lisbon. Read here Portugal sim card for tourist and the best Portugal eSim

You can find the cheapest Portuguese eSim with Airalo Portugal eSim prepaid for $4 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days (USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%). For $7 USD with 3 GB data, for $10 USD with 5 GB data valid for 30 days. For $17 USD with 10 GB data valid for 30 days and for $19 USD with 30 GB data valid for 15 days.

Holafly Portugal eSim for less than $60 USD if you use our code GAMINTRAVELER you will have unlimited internet in Portugal for 30 days just for $2 USD per day.

Where to Stay in Portugal – Portuguese Breakfast

There are cheap hotels available for you at a starting price of €20-25. Hostels with dorms start from €10-15 if you want to travel in Portugal down your accommodation budget. Luxurious hotels in another option for your accommodation in Portugal, the price can range from €90-up. 

Click here to book online your accommodation

Book Your Travel Insurance – Portuguese Breakfast

You can read Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full Heymondo Travel Insurance Review

You can get Safetywing Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included

Pastel de Nata

Pastel de Nata - Egg Tart - Breakfast in Portugal, Portuguese Breakfast, Traditional Breakfast in Portugal
Pastel de Nata – Egg Tart – Portuguese Breakfast – Traditional Breakfast in Portugal

This is a small, flaky pastry filled with a creamy custard made from eggs, sugar, and cinnamon. It’s a staple in Portuguese bakeries and cafes and is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

Pão de Deus

Pão de Deus - Portuguese Sweets with Coconuts - Pao de Deus - Portuguese Breakfast - Typical Breakfast in Portugal, Traditional Breakfast in Portugal to Try
Pão de Deus – Breakfast in Portugal

This sweet bread is made with coconut and sugar, giving it a slightly tropical flavor. It’s often toasted and served with butter or jam.

Pão de ló

Pao de Lo - Portuguese Breakfast - Portuguese Sponge Cake, Portuguese Breakfast - Best Traditional Breakfast in Portugal and What to Eat in Portugal
Pao de Lo – Portuguese Breakfast – Portuguese Sponge Cake

This traditional sponge cake is light and airy, and is often enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert.

Bolo de Arroz

This rice cake is made with leftover rice and sweetened with sugar and cinnamon. It’s a staple in Portuguese households and is often served as a snack or dessert.

Bifana

Bifana - Breakfast in Portugal, Portuguese Breakfast - Best Traditional Breakfast in Portugal and What to Eat in Portugal
Bifana – Breakfast in Portugal

This is a traditional Portuguese sandwich made with marinated pork loin, grilled and served on a roll. It’s typically topped with mustard and served with a side of fries.

Sandes

This is a Portuguese version of a sandwich, and can be made with a variety of fillings, such as ham and cheese, chicken, or steak. It’s typically served on a roll and is a quick and easy breakfast option.

Galão

Galao - Traditional Portuguese Breakfast, Portuguese Breakfast - Best Traditional Breakfast in Portugal and What to Eat in Portugal
Galao – Traditional Portuguese Breakfast

This is a traditional Portuguese coffee drink made with espresso and frothed/foamed milk. It’s similar to a cappuccino and is often enjoyed with a sweet pastry or snack.

Bica

This is another traditional Portuguese coffee, similar to espresso. It’s a strong and bitter coffee, often enjoyed black or with a small amount of sugar.

Port Wine

Madeira Wine and Coffee and Honey Cake - Sweet Port Dessert Wine - Typical Breakfast in Portugal, Portuguese Breakfast, Traditional Breakfast in Portugal
Madeira Wine and Coffee and Honey Cake – Sweet Port Dessert Wine

Port wine is a sweet, fortified wine that is often served as an aperitif before breakfast in Portugal.

Sumol

This is a popular Portuguese fruit drink that is made with a variety of fruit juices, including orange, passion fruit, and pineapple.

Azeite

Olive oil is a staple of Portuguese cuisine and is often served with bread as a dip for breakfast.

In addition to these items, Portuguese breakfast often includes fresh orange juice, along with a variety of other juices and soft drinks. Overall, a traditional Portuguese breakfast offers a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors, and is a great way to start the day.

What to Add to Your Portuguese breakfast

items that are commonly included in a traditional Portuguese breakfast:

Açorda

Açorda - Acorda Soup in Portugal - Breakfast in Portugal, Portuguese Breakfast - Best Traditional Breakfast in Portugal and What to Eat in Portugal
Açorda – Acorda Soup in Portugal – Breakfast in Portugal

A traditional bread soup made with stale bread, garlic, olive oil, and either eggs or fish.

Tostadas

Toast topped with cheese, ham, and eggs.

Queijo da Serra

A type of soft sheep’s cheese that is often served with bread, fruit, and honey.

Chouriço

Chouriço Farinheira - Typical Breakfast in Portugal, Portuguese Breakfast - Best Traditional Breakfast in Portugal and What to Eat in Portugal
Chouriço Farinheira – Typical Breakfast in Portugal

A spicy Portuguese sausage that is often grilled and served with bread and cheese.

Pastéis de Bacalha

Fried pastry filled with salt cod, onion, and parsley.

Ovos Moles

Soft-boiled eggs served in a bed of thinly sliced bread, topped with a sauce made from egg yolks, sugar, and port wine.

Traditional breakfasts in Portugal by Region

Azores

In the Azores, a traditional breakfast might include the following items: grilled sardines, local cheese, sweet bread, and a cup of tea.

Alentejo

In the Alentejo region, a traditional breakfast might include: fresh bread, olive oil, cheese, ham, and eggs.

Madeira

In Madeira, a traditional breakfast might include: bolo do caco (a type of sweet bread), cheeses, and local fruit juices.

Minho

In the Minho region, a traditional breakfast might include: potatoes, eggs, and local sausage, served with a side of cornbread.

Each region of Portugal has its own unique culinary traditions, and traditional breakfasts often reflect the local ingredients and flavors of the area. These breakfasts provide a delicious way to start the day and explore the rich and diverse cuisine of Portugal.

Portuguese Breakfast in Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal has a vibrant food scene, and there are many top restaurants that serve traditional Portuguese breakfast and other breakfast dishes. Here are a few highly recommended options:

Café Janeiro: This classic Lisbon café serves a variety of traditional Portuguese breakfast items, including pastéis de nata, coffee, and fresh juices.

Confeitaria Nacional: Founded in 1829, this historic confectionery serves a variety of sweet and savory breakfast items, including croissants, quiches, and Portuguese sweet bread.

Mercado de Sant’Ana: This bustling market is home to a variety of food stalls, including several that serve breakfast items like pastel de nata, sandwiches, and fresh juices.

Pastelaria Alcôa: This popular pastry shop serves a variety of traditional Portuguese breakfast items, including custard tarts, cakes, and coffee.

Pastelaria Versailles: This classic Lisbon café serves a variety of traditional Portuguese breakfast items, including pastéis de nata, croissants, and coffee.

Best Time to Visit Portugal

Portugal in August is the busiest and most expensive time of the year in the country because this is when locals or tourists choose to take their summer holidays.

The best time to visit Portugal is through the months of between March and June if you to experience as much as possible the beauty of Portugal. The winter is from December to March but it’s warm compared with North Europe.

Click here to know more about the weather in Portugal.

ATMs and Currency in Portugal

Portugal also uses Euro as their currency. The rate is €1 is equivalent to $1.03. When it comes to ATM you can find many around that will accept credit cards and debit cards in most hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Click here to know the exact exchange rate!