With summer just around the corner, Portugal in August gains unique flavors that reflect the best of our culinary tradition. At this time of year, people opt for lighter, more refreshing dishes, full of seasonal ingredients and textures that go perfectly with the hot days and long nights. From snacks by the sea to sweets that soothe the heat, each region brings its own specialty.
Find out with us what to try this season and get inspired for your next summer meal. Read on and let yourself be carried away by these delicacies that celebrate Portugal in August.
01 | Entries
01.1 | Bulhão Pato Style Clams
Originally from Lisbon and inspired by 19th century recipes, these clams are cooked with olive oil, garlic, coriander and a touch of lemon juice. The name pays homage to the poet and gastronome Bulhão Pato, who popularized this dish.
Ideal for building up an appetite, it goes perfectly with a slice of bread to “mop up” the sauce.
01.2 | Snails
A classic of summer cafés and festivities, especially in the Alentejo and Beira Baixa, snails are seasoned with garlic, bay leaves, piri-piri and white wine. Served hot, they are an informal and sociable snack, perfect for sharing with friends over a cold beer.
02 | Main Courses
02.1 | Grilled Sardines
A symbol of Santos Populares in Lisbon, Porto and the surrounding areas, sardines are grilled over hot coals with salt and given that unmistakable smoky touch. Traditionally served on bread with roasted peppers, these sardines are the picture of summer: simple, genuine and absolutely irresistible.
02.2 | Barbecue Chicken
Much loved in Algarve, chicken on the barbecue is marinated in garlic, paprika, bay leaf and white wine before being slowly roasted over charcoal embers. The result is crispy skin and succulent meat, eaten with bell pepper salad or roast potatoes, a relaxed meal to enjoy on hot afternoons.
03 | Desserts and Sweets
03.1 | Seasonal Fruits
During the month of August, fruits such as peaches, strawberries, cherries, watermelon and apricots are a perfect choice for any time of day. Whether for breakfast, dessert or even as a snack during a day at the beach, these seasonal fruits offer the natural sweetness that summer demands. Tasty and versatile, they are always a refreshing and delicious option.
03.2 | Berliner
This sweet, very popular in the Algarve’s summer, consists of a type of dream filled with pastry cream. Coming from a Portuguese tradition, Berlin balls are coated in sugar and deliciously fluffy inside. A temptation for any dessert or afternoon snack.
04 | What to drink?
04.1 | Green Wine
Coming from the Minho region, Vinho Verde has become synonymous with freshness. Generally white and slightly sparkling, it has citrus notes and a lower alcohol content, perfect with grilled fish and salads. A must for those who want to toast summer in Portugal.
04.2 | Lemonade
Made with ripe lemons, water and ice, lemonade is the refreshing drink of choice. You can add a touch of mint or basil to give it a sophisticated twist, while maintaining the lightness that the August heat demands.
Where to stay? Stay with us!
Now that you know what to eat in Portugal in August, it’s time to choose where to stay.
At LovelyStay, we manage more than 1,500 tourist properties all over the country – from the Algarve to Madeira, Lisbon, Porto and other enchanting regions. We offer everything from modern city apartments to luxurious villas with pools, always with comfort, privacy and a personalized service. Discover the perfect vacation home for you and live unforgettable moments with LovelyStay.
