GASTRONOMY

Specialists say that a people’s true identity is best expressed and revealed at the table, as the dish’s and glass’ ingredients tell tales, thereby acting as truly edible cultural treasures.

So, in Lisbon, a city where the river and sea define its outline, there is nothing like some snails for starters followed by a grilled sardine dripping onto some bread, or any grilled fish, a nicely fried cuttlefish from Setúbal, a stew tasting of peppers or a seafood bread stew sprinkled with coriander.

You should also try the noted Cozido à Portuguesa (boiled meats and vegetables), poached broad beans, succulent peixinhos da horta (breaded green beans), small mackerel accompanied by seasoned tomato rice and a caldo verde (kale and potato soup) with chorizo to add a nice rural touch.

While the menus are extremely diverse, the king of the recipes is still, in fact, codfish: codfish patties, pataniscas (codfish fritters), pan-seared, boiled, au Zé do Pipo (codfish and potato casserole), with cream, au Gomes de Sá (northern codfish recipe), Espiritual (codfish soufflé), à Brás (cod, potatoes and eggs), with cornbread, à Minhota (codfish fried with onions and garlic), à Lagareiro (grilled codfish with plenty of olive oil and baked potatoes), à Narcisa (cod fillet steaks fried in olive oil), among others.

To finish your meal off, don’t miss out on the authentic taste of a freshly caramelised egg and milk custard, rice pudding smelling of cinnamon, a Travesseiro de Sintra (puff pastry with egg and almonds) sprinkled with crispy sugar, a generous Fofo de Belas (cream cake), a crunchy Pastel de Belém (custard tart) or a really creamy Torta de Azeitão (egg custard and cinnamon sponge).

To accompany each delicacy there is a vast variety of wines to choose from that can include a charismatic Douro wine, a light Alvarinho from the Minho, a full-bodied wine from the Alentejan plains or to round off the whole culinary experience, a sophisticated wine from Oporto. You will be amazed at our superior quality gastronomy.

Note: If you wish, Medidental can organise the whole of your stay in terms of gastronomy, namely with regard to a selection/recommendation of restaurants according to your previously defined tastes.