Tasting Portugal: Between The Sun, The Moon, And A Spoonful of Feelings
- Sandra Sarkissian
- Jul 8
- 5 min read
One of the things I’ve never quite managed to put into words is how food anchors itself to a place. In certain corners of the world, you don’t just see a country; you taste it. Flavor becomes feeling. Spices carry bits of history. And in every grain of salt, you can taste a trace of the coast, the land, and the people. It’s in those humble elements that something stirs: a quiet, unburdened joy rising from somewhere deep within. That’s when you understand… food is a language. A love letter quietly passed between time, memory, and body.
And when you let your guard down, when you stop trying to check off a place and just let it happen to you, that’s when it really gets good. I’m no food blogger, and this definitely isn’t a review. There are no star ratings, no wine pairings, and absolutely zero “best-of” lists, sorry! It’s just a personal take on what it felt like to eat my way through Portugal: one bite, one memory, and one glorious carb at a time.
I didn’t know how to start this post because I wasn’t sure where it really began. The moment I stepped into Porto, it felt like time hit pause. Everything slowed down, and I found myself moving to a different rhythm, one that involved getting lost (quite a lot) and falling in love with the simplest things: the streets, the air, the way the city just exists without trying too hard.. Somehow, what I couldn’t explain in words made perfect sense on a plate. So here we go; feelings, told through some bold and irresistible flavors (photos included).
Moqueca de Camarão: A Bowl of Liquid Gold, Warmth & Wonder
Let’s get one thing straight: Moqueca de Camarão is Brazilian. But here’s the fun part, Portugal doesn’t shy away from a little flavorful crossover. You can taste the fusion, feel the influence, and honestly? It just makes everything more delicious. From the first bite, the warmth of the coconut milk hit instantly. Then came the shrimp, quietly and confidently amplifying every note of flavor. The rice pulled it all together, soaking up just enough sauce to make every bite feel complete. This dish gave me feelings I wasn’t emotionally prepared for.. The warmth of the palate just hit home! Verdict? Exceptional. I was exactly where I was meant to be (slowly devouring the Moqueca).
Francesinha: Rich, Reckless & Unapologetic
They call it a beast, but the Francesinha melted away like a dream. Rich and indulgent, no doubt; layers of steak, ham, and sausage stacked between slices of soft bread and melted cheese (triple yum), drenched in a spiced tomato-beer sauce, and topped with an egg that said it all! How could anyone forget that? And yet, somehow, this hearty masterpiece lands light and easy. Hard to believe, but utterly true. It’s pure comfort, wrapped in cheese and happiness.
I can’t fit everything here, of course. So much of it felt surreal. But if Porto gave me anything, it was a renewed hunger for the intangible; for mysticism, raw presence, and the kind of wonder that lives in flavor, in quiet streets, and in moments you can’t quite explain.
And then came Lisbon, with a whole new energy. If Porto felt like pausing to breathe, Lisbon felt like hitting play. The city buzzes with life: loud, vibrant, and just chaotic enough to make you feel awake in the best way. After a few days of quiet reflection in Porto, Lisbon was the nudge I didn’t know I needed. It was like stepping out of a shell and straight into the beat of something bigger. It fills you up, makes your heart flutter, and suddenly, dancing the night away doesn’t sound like such a cliché after all. Lisbon consumes you in the most unforgettable way.
Now, when it comes to food, I think you get the gist. Lisbon screams vibrant, daring, fresh, and zesty. Throw in a good drizzle of olive oil, and you’ve got yourself a little plate of sunshine.
Pink Swordfish Ceviche: Sunshine In Slices & A Spoonful Of The Ocean
Just look at that! If anything can reset your senses, it’s a good ceviche. This one tasted like the ocean itself: sharp, clean, and then suddenly bright and electrifying, thanks to a hit of passion fruit. And just when you start to drift off into citrusy bliss, the red pepper sauce shakes you up and brings you right back to earth. The perfect bib to your gourmand, Zunzum Gastrobar is a hidden gem tucked away in the Alfama district. (P.S. I’m still thinking about that ceviche).
Just a quick 30-minute train ride from Lisbon, and suddenly you’re in Cascais; a coastal town that feels like a deep breath. It leans into the Atlantic with confidence, inviting you to unplug from the city and indulge in life’s simplest luxuries: a walk by the sea, a dip in the ocean, or the rare joy of doing absolutely nothing.
And that’s how we ended up at Cantinho do Avillez. A small, easygoing spot by Michelin-starred chef José Avillez. Contemporary Portugese, with touches from his travels. But mostly, it just hit the right note that day. Free-range chicken anyone?
Roasted Chicken Leg With Piri Piri: Free-Range and Far From the City
This dish is just as spicy, warm, and unexpectedly lively as the town itself. The piri piri hits with just enough fire to wake you up, but not enough to scare you off. With crispy skin and tender meat, it was the kind of meal you come across by chance.
But before I bid you farewell, one last dish deserves a mention. How could we forget the squid? Grilled just right, tender with a slight char, and tasting like it came straight from the Atlantic. No frills, no drama, just really, really good squid.
Lisbon and Porto are like the sun and the moon, so different in energy, yet somehow made to coexist. One pulls you inward, the other pushes you out into the world. And through it all, the food was the thread: bold, comforting, enticing and surprising. It gave shape to the feelings I couldn’t name. I didn’t just taste Portugal, I truly felt it. And I think that’s the kind of experience that stays with you, long after the last bite. Now if you’ll excuse me… it’s definitely time for lunch. Over and out!
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