4 Traditional Foods
You Have To Try in Vila Nova De Milfontes

This traditional Portugal dish combines marinated pieces of pork with clams and a lightly spicy, wine-infused sauce. Though the name of this classic might imply it originated in Alentejo, it is believed that it initially appeared in the Algarve region, but was given its current name because of the highly-prized black pigs that are most commonly reared in Alentejo. The dish is a restaurant staple that is found throughout Portugal. It is usually garnished with fresh cilantro and paired with lemon wedges, pan-fried potatoes, and country-style bread on the side.Expand

The Portuguese açorda is a popular bread soup appearing in numerous varieties throughout the country. Most açorda soups have a smooth and thick consistency and employ a variety of pounded herbs, garlic, olive oil, and boiling water that is poured over diced bread and left to soften. Two of the most famous types include the seafood-based açorda de marisco and açorda Alentejana, a regional specialty in which whole slices of bread are served over the broth. Even though it originated as a poor man’s dish, today these comforting soups represent an integral part of Portuguese national cuisine.Expand

Though similar to the traditional shellfish bread soup, açorda de camarão is prepared exclusively with shrimps. The flavorful seafood broth is combined with bread, sautéed onions, cooked shrimp, and olive oil into a creamy mash that is thickened with eggs and generously seasoned with cilantro. The soup is typically garnished with shelled shrimps, and it is recommended to serve it warm and freshly prepared.Expand

Arroz de marisco is a delicious Portuguese dish consisting of rice and various seafood ingredients. Unlike the popular Spanish paella, this Portuguese variety is not completely reduced and is often described as a thick rice stew. It can employ various seafood ingredients such as prawns, mussels, squid, or clams, and is usually seasoned with fresh herbs and white wine, then complemented with vegetables such as peas or tomatoes. With the possible origin in Leira, the dish is traditionally associated with coastal areas, and it is one of the most popular seafood dishes in the country.Expand