Portuguese cuisine is honest, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Bacalhau (salt cod) has 365 ways of preparation — one for every day of the year, they say. Pastéis de nata (custard tarts), best eaten warm from the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém in Lisbon, are world-famous.
Francesinha (a boozy meat sandwich covered in cheese and tomato-beer sauce) is Porto's guilty pleasure. Fresh grilled fish, piri-piri chicken, and the seafood caldeirada (stew) showcase Portugal's Atlantic coastline. Vinho Verde (young green wine) and Douro reds are affordable and excellent.