August 22, 2023

August 22, 2023: Lisbon, Portugal - Lisbon Love: Tasting Portugal's Pastries and Piri-Piri

Lisbon, with its iconic yellow trams, azulejo-clad buildings, and the sound of Fado music wafting through its labyrinthine alleyways, serves as a backdrop to my latest culinary quest. As the morning sun casts a golden hue upon the city, my appetite leads me on a journey that begins at the doorsteps of the renowned Pastéis de Belém.

These custard tarts, with their flaky crust and creamy custard filling, crowned with a touch of cinnamon and powdered sugar, are more than just a pastry. They are a narrative of Portuguese history, wrapped in layers of buttery dough, conveying tales of monks, revolutions, and age-old recipes. Each bite is a dance of textures; crispy, creamy, and utterly divine.

But Lisbon doesn't just cater to the sweet-toothed. As the day wanes, I'm lured by the aromatic promise of Piri-Piri. This fiery chili sauce, of African origin but wholly embraced by the Portuguese, graces many a plate in Lisbon. Whether drizzled over tender grilled chicken, spread onto freshly baked bread, or incorporated into a hearty stew, its fiery kick and zesty flavor profile are emblematic of Lisbon's multicultural tapestry.

One cannot speak of Lisbon and not mention its seafood. The city’s geographical positioning has blessed it with an abundance of oceanic delights. Dishes like 'Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato' - clams prepared in a sumptuous garlic and coriander broth, or the Octopus Salad, are but mere glimpses into the vast seafood repertoire that Lisbon proudly boasts.

Yet, amidst the symphony of flavors, it's perhaps the city itself that leaves the most lasting impression. The melodies of street musicians, the embrace of the warm ocean breeze, the clinking of glasses filled with Vinho Verde, and laughter shared over communal tables – all these elements combined to capture the essence of my Lisbon experience.

In my journey through this storied city, I've not only tasted its cuisine but also imbibed a piece of its soul. And so, as the day concludes and Lisbon's streets shimmer under the soft glow of streetlamps, I find myself deeply enamored, both by its food and its indomitable spirit. Here's to many more explorations in this city of seven hills. 

Até logo, dear Lisbon.

Buster Vanray