15 Traditional Porto Dishes You Absolutely Must Try

Porto isn’t just a city of wine and river views — it’s a place where every dish carries a story. From slow-cooked comfort food to centuries-old recipes passed down through families, Porto offers some of the most authentic flavors in Portugal. This guide highlights 15 traditional dishes you must try in Porto, perfect for travelers wanting to explore the real culinary soul of the city.

If you're looking for something quicker or handheld, make sure to check out our Porto Street Food Guide

🍽️ 15 Traditional Dishes You Must Try in Porto

1. Tripas à Moda do Porto

This legendary stew is the dish that gave Porto’s people their nickname — tripeiros. Made with tripe, white beans, sausages, pork, and vegetables, it’s slow-cooked until rich, hearty, and deeply comforting. It’s one of the most symbolic dishes in northern Portugal, proudly served in traditional restaurants.

A must-try for anyone searching for authentic traditional food in Porto.

2. Caldo Verde

A humble yet iconic Portuguese soup, made with thin-sliced kale, creamy potato, and a slice of chouriço. It’s simple, warming, and beloved by locals — especially late at night, before a Francesinha, or after a football match.

It’s one of the best introductions to the flavors of northern Portugal.

3. Bacalhau à Braga (a.k.a. Bacalhau à Minhota)

Originating from Braga but common throughout Porto, this cod dish is fried and topped with caramelized onions, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. Served with fried potatoes, it’s rich, flavorful, and deeply Portuguese.

Perfect for travelers wanting to taste one of the North’s classic cod dishes.

4. Arroz de Cabidela

A rustic northern classic made from chicken or hen, cooked with rice, vinegar, and blood. The dish has a dark color and a rich, complex flavor that surprises many visitors. It’s deeply traditional and one of the best examples of real Portuguese comfort food.

Authentic, bold, and entirely local.

5. Polvo à Lagareiro

Tender roasted octopus drenched in hot olive oil with garlic and smashed potatoes. It’s simple yet incredibly elegant, relying on high-quality ingredients and slow cooking. Many Porto restaurants have their own version, often passed down for generations.

Perfect for anyone wanting seafood in Porto with true Portuguese character.

6. Rojões à Moda do Minho

Marinated pork cubes fried until golden, often served with rice or papas de sarrabulho. It’s hearty, rustic, and full of northern flavor. You’ll find this dish in traditional tascas across Porto.

It captures the spirit of Portuguese countryside cooking.

7. Papas de Sarrabulho

A winter favorite in the North, made with corn flour, shredded meat, broth, and blood. Creamy, warm, and comforting, it’s often served alongside rojões as a traditional pairing.

A truly regional dish for those eager to try something unique to northern Portugal.

8. Francesinha (Traditional Version)

Porto’s most famous indulgence: layers of steak, sausages, ham, and melted cheese covered in a spicy beer-based sauce. It’s bold, rich, and completely unforgettable.

A rite of passage for anyone asking what to eat in Porto.

9. Posta à Mirandesa

A thick cut of tender Mirandesa beef, grilled to perfection and served with potatoes. Originally from Trás-os-Montes, it has become a favorite in Porto’s traditional restaurants.

A top choice for meat lovers.

10. Arroz de Polvo

A comforting dish made with tender octopus and Portuguese arroz malandrinho — a slightly brothy rice. It’s flavorful, warming, and full of depth.

A perfect introduction to Portugal’s traditional rice dishes.

11. Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá

Created in Porto by José Luís Gomes de Sá in the 19th century, this dish mixes shredded cod, potatoes, onions, eggs, and olive oil. The result is delicate, comforting, and unmistakably Portuguese.

One of Porto’s most iconic cod recipes.

12. Sardinhas Assadas – Grilled Sardines, Porto Style

Grilled sardines are one of Portugal’s most iconic dishes, especially in the North. Charred over open flames, they’re served simply with olive oil, boiled potatoes, and a fresh salad — no tricks, just pure flavor. In Porto, sardines appear everywhere in summer festivals, filling the streets with their unmistakable aroma.

It’s a rustic, authentic meal that perfectly represents traditional food in Porto and the coastal spirit of the region. A must-try for anyone wanting a true Portuguese experience.

13. Arroz de Marisco (Northern Style)

The northern version of seafood rice tends to be thicker and more robust than the southern styles. Packed with prawns, mussels, and sometimes crab, it’s a comforting dish full of flavor and tradition.

Ideal for seafood lovers exploring Porto.

14. Pernil Assado com Batata no Forno

Slow-roasted pork shank served with oven-roasted potatoes — a Sunday favorite in the North. Tender, juicy, and full of flavor, it’s a true taste of Portuguese home cooking.

Rustic, comforting, and deeply traditional.

15. Sopa da Pedra (Northern Version)

Originally from Almeirim but now very common in Porto, this rich soup is made with beans, chouriço, pork, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s thick, warming, and almost a full meal on its own.

Perfect for cold days or anyone wanting traditional Portuguese comfort food.

Ready for the next step in your Porto food adventure? After trying these traditional dishes, dive into our curated Porto Street Food Guide, featuring the must-try bites, local snacks, and quick eats that every traveler should try when visiting the city. Together, both guides give you the full picture of what to eat in Porto — from authentic restaurant dishes to the best street food in town.