20 Comments
Feb 3, 2023Liked by Scott H-K

For vegetables, you might want to look into a weekly produce box service - we use one called Pede Salsa (pede-salsa.com) that is located south of the Tejo, sells all-Portuguese produce, and delivers in Lisbon and Oeiras. You can either do a standard weekly box or pick what you want from what you have that week. It is a bit more expensive than buying produce in supermarkets but the quality is great.

Expand full comment

You HAVE to try the spicy version of Portuguese cuisine - hidden in Goa. Try “Tentacoes de Goa” in rua São Pedro Mártir, just one step away from Martim Moniz. They have vindaloo and sarapatel, among other delicacies. Try also balchão de camarao, a true palate pleaser.

Then there’s Macau! There is a restaurant in Anjos that has the regional cuisine of this former Portuguese outpost and it’s worth the trip - I forgot the name though.

For a spicier Portugal, head to Évora and have “burras” (pig cheek with the bone) bathed in pimentao (the mildly spicy red pepper paste) at the Luar de Janeiro restaurant: worth the trip!

For another twist on flavors; head to Abrantes and the Cascada restaurant and ask for bucho and maranho. You’ll plunge in Middle Ages flavor of the best, with pepper and mint.

Expand full comment

Hi Amy, We're not in Portugal yet, but being a cook, I researched where to shop for fresh food to make a beeline once we arrive. I learned Alvalade market in Alvalade Parish is one of, if not the best market in the city. Here is a YouTube tour: https://youtu.be/W1mU6zOlFNg . I think it is not many subway stops from you neighborhood..

Expand full comment
Jan 23, 2023Liked by Scott H-K

Tripe lovers must delight in that beef stew! While we were in the homeland in early spring, each city or town had its farmer's market days. Cheeses, sausage, breads,eggs as well as veg. Lots of veg were imported from Israel. I hope you are able to get to some soon. It must be nearly time for the early crops? The very best of luck ! I'd be really unhappy without good produce!

Expand full comment

I could not disagree more. While I am 95%vegetarian I love the fresh produce and have found the fish the best anywhere. Rebalo, dourada, etc.

Expand full comment

You don’t eat cod like that of course! You need to extract the salt in water a couple of days before eating.

Expand full comment

I don't get it. Both my mother and I adored the fish, and I had (mostly) good meals. Seems to me some of the fish was in a savory tomato base. Maybe they do save the best for tourists, or maybe things have changed a lot since we were there (in the '80s or early '90s, can't remember) . Sorry you are having such a disappointing time of it. Sounds to me as if the negatives of living there are outweighing the positives for you. I'm sorry, but envious of Scott's weight loss. All that walking!

Expand full comment

Last month I ate a Korean restaurant in Coimbra and had asked the owner where they get their Asian supplies. Also asked a Filipino couple who lives in Setubal the same thing. Both said that Lisbon has Asian groceries. Quick googling shows Woori Mercado Coreano, KoPo Mart and Panindang Pinoy (Filipino Goods). Since you're looking for more variety in ingredients (vegetables, spices, maybe snacks?), they could be of help. Good luck!

Expand full comment

I am surprised. In my travels to Mediterranean countries, the food has always been a highlight. Maybe tourists get the pick of the crop!

Expand full comment