Lisbon, Portugal’s sun-kissed capital, is a city that knows how to feed the soul – and the stomach. Known for its iconic tiled facades, historic tram rides, and panoramic miradouros, Lisbon also boasts a vibrant and evolving street food scene that pulses with energy and local flavor.
From time-honored snacks to contemporary twists served out of hip food trucks and market stalls, Lisbon’s streets are a feast waiting to be explored. Here’s your guide to the bustling world of Lisbon street food, and the must-try bites that define it.
Pastéis de Nata: Portugal’s iconic dessert
Where better to begin this overview of Lisbon street food than with its most famous treat: the pastel de nata? This creamy, caramelized egg tart with a flaky crust is beloved by locals and visitors alike, and makes for the perfect street snack – portable, sweet, and utterly addictive
Head to Pastéis de Belém, where the secret recipe dates back to 1837, for a classic version served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar. Meanwhile, many locals swear by Manteigaria, whose open bakery counters offer the irresistible sight (and smell) of pastéis being baked on the spot.
Bifana: working-class hero
The bifana is Lisbon’s answer to the sandwich: a no-frills, flavour-packed roll filled with thin slices of marinated pork, typically doused in mustard or piri-piri sauce.
You’ll find some of the best at O Trevo in Praça Luís de Camões, a favourite of the late, great Anthony Bourdain. And As Bifanas do Afonso, tucked into a corner near Rossio, serves up spicy versions that locals line up for.
Prego: the Bifana’s beefy cousin
A prego is a garlicky beef steak sandwich, often served on crusty pão and sometimes paired with an egg. It’s especially popular as a late-night snack after a night out.
Try a seafood twist with the prego de atum (tuna steak sandwich), served in beachside kiosks and food stalls. For the full experience, order it with a side of batatas fritas (fries) and a cold Imperial (small draft beer).
Sardines and grilled goodness
Grilled sardinhas assadas are a summer staple, especially during Lisbon’s popular June festivals. But even outside of festival season, you’ll find street vendors and outdoor grills smoking with fresh sardines, seasoned simply with olive oil, lemon, and sea salt.
The Feast of Saint Anthony in Alfama is ground zero for sardine overload, where the air is thick with smoke and the music never stops. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find grilled chouriço (spicy sausage) cooked over a clay pig-shaped mini grill – smoky, fatty, and perfect with a piece of bread and some vinho verde (green wine).
Street markets and food halls
Lisbon’s food scene has embraced the global street food movement, with market-style dining hubs offering everything from Portuguese classics to international bites.
Time Out Market Lisbon is the most famous, bringing together some of the city’s top chefs and vendors under one roof. Grab a plate of octopus salad, a gourmet bifana, or even sushi, all while soaking in the energy of communal tables.
Mercado de Campo de Ourique and Mercado da Ribeira also offer great selections of street-style eats in a more local, laid-back atmosphere.
Salgados: fried and fabulous
Portugal’s love of deep-fried snacks is well represented on Lisbon’s streets. Known as salgados, these savoury pastries are perfect for grabbing on the go.
Try rissóis (crescent-shaped turnovers filled with shrimp or meat), pastéis de bacalhau (codfish cakes), and croquetes de carne (meat croquettes).
You’ll find these delights at local bakeries, corner kiosks, and gas station cafés; they’re everywhere, and they’re delicious.
Ginjinha: the street drink of choice
No food tour of Lisbon is complete without sipping a shot of ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur traditionally served in a tiny glass, and sometimes in a chocolate cup.
You’ll often find tiny ginja stalls tucked along alleyways and squares, where you can grab a quick drink and keep exploring. Otherwise, head to A Ginjinha Espinheira, a historic bar near Rossio that’s been serving shots since 1840.
More than just fuel for a walk around the city, Lisbon’s street food is a vibrant expression of Portuguese culture. It tells stories of sailors and saints, of simplicity and spice, of tradition honoured and flavours reborn. Whether you’re munching on a bifana in a busy praça or sipping ginjinha at sunset, Lisbon’s street food invites you to eat with your hands, linger with locals, and savour every bite of this soulful city.
