The 6 Best Street Foods In Porto

For a city not typically known for its sidewalk snacks, the street food in Porto certainly caught me by surprise. Hearty sandwiches, deep-fried treats, and tantalizing baked goods are all up for grabs on street corners all over the city, showcasing another side of Portuguese cuisine.

Some of the street foods in Porto are unique to northern Portugal, something I’ve become increasingly aware of since creating my Porto food tours. If you’re keen to find out which ones I think are a cut above the rest, you’ll find all my top picks below!

Francesinha

Photo credit: Voltaria in Ribeira

Francesinha is perhaps the most famous of all Portuguese sandwiches. Covered in melted cheese with a beer and tomato-based sauce and stuffed with layers of ham and beef, francesinha is the ultimate comfort food.

After spending years working in France, Portuguese chef David Silva put a spin on the beloved croque monsieur sandwich, and the francesinha was born. It quickly became a Porto delicacy despite only coming around in the 1950s.

No matter where I’ve tried francesinha, there’s always a little variance in the sauce, as each chef has their own recipe. Some spots also serve it with a runny egg on top.

Where to Eat It?

The quaint and compact Voltaria in Ribeira is one of the top Porto restaurants for street food, tapas, and various Portuguese dishes. Trust me when I say the francesinha here is the stuff of legends.

When I took my first bite of the doughy bread and coating of mild cheese, I was met with a medley of meats inside, including smokey sausage meat and juicy steak. Their smooth and spicy sauce was infused with hints of musky port wine and bitter local beer.

Voltaria (€) – R. de Afonso Martins Alho 109, Porto, Portugal – Open every Monday and Thursday to Saturday, closed every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday

 

Cachorrinhos

Photo credit: Gazela

Hot dogs aren’t exactly typical of Southern European cuisine, so when I began sampling street food in Porto, I was taken aback by cachorrinhos. This quirky Porto food consists of fresh pork sausage and melted cheese in a crusty grilled bread roll.

Cachorrinhos has been a go-to drinking snack for locals since the 1960s, and eating one is as much about the experience as it is about the incredible flavors.

Traditionally, cachorrinhos are cut into bite-sized pieces once ready and are washed down with a glass bottle of Super Bock, the local beer.

Where to Eat It?

Gazela is a Porto institution, and this must-try spot has been made even more notable thanks to Anthony Bourdain’s visit. It’s located close to both São Bento train station and the Church of Saint Ildefonso, so there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself in the area.

I’m not sure what I enjoyed more: the crispy bread, savory sausage, or their special spicy sauce, which had just the right amount of a kick to it. Despite the name, it wasn’t overly spicy, yet it elevated all the dish’s flavors.

Gazela (€) – Tv. do Cimo de Vila 4, 4000-434 Porto, Portugal – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm, closed every Sunday

 

Bifana

Photo credit: Conga

As someone who loves to travel and explore the world through its food, I have to say, the bifana holds a special place in my heart. I first tasted this simple yet flavorful sandwich in a small, unassuming tavern in Porto. The aroma hit me before the plate even landed on the table – a mouthwatering blend of garlic, paprika, and wine wafting from the sautéed pork.

What I love most about the bifana is how it embodies Portugal’s straightforward approach to food: simple, high-quality ingredients prepared with care. It’s perfect as a quick bite or enjoyed slowly with a cold beer. Each bite deepened my appreciation for Portugal’s culinary traditions, making me eager to return for more.

Where to Eat It?

Conga – Casa das Bifanas is a beloved establishment in Porto, known for its no-frills, authentic approach to serving the iconic bifana. Situated near Aliados Avenue, this popular eatery has earned a reputation for its excellent, straightforward fare. The décor is minimalistic and functional, emphasizing the focus on food rather than ambiance.

The star of the menu is the bifana, it is a masterpiece of minimalism. Thin slices of pork, marinated to perfection, tucked inside a soft, crusty roll. The bread was the perfect contrast to the tender, juicy pork, which had soaked up all the flavors of the marinade. I added a dab of mustard, which gave it that extra punch I crave in street food.

Conga also offers a variety of other Portuguese snacks, but the star is undoubtedly the bifana.

Conga Casa das Bifanas(€) – R. do Bonjardim 318, 4000-115 Porto, Portugal – Open Monday to Satruday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm

 

Alheira

Alheira is the Portuguese word for ‘garlicky,’ though this much-loved Porto street food is actually a particular type of sausage. Although garlic is a key ingredient for this snack, the blend of meats, bread, and olive oil is just as important.

During the 16th century, the Jewish community in Porto faced pressure to convert to Christianity. To practice their beliefs without questioning from the authorities, they created these tasty sausages, which many didn’t realize were pork-free and completely kosher.

Nowadays, people of all religions have become enamored with this flavorful snack, which can be eaten alone or with fresh bread.

Where to Eat It?

Taberna d’Avó sits south of Jardim da Cordoaria in the city center and is one of the best foodie spots for local cuisine. If you’re looking for authentic takes on traditional Portuguese fare, this is the place to go.

The alheira here is in a league of its own. With each bite came an explosion of robust flavors, the most prominent of which were from the rich beef and buttery garlic. I was just as impressed with the texture as the mix was moist and succulent without feeling mushy.

Taberna d’Avó (€€) – R. de São Bento da Vitória 48, 4050-542 Porto, Portugal – Open every Monday from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm, and closed every Sunday

 

Pastéis de Bacalhau

Photo credit: MS World

Have you even dabbled in street food in Porto if you haven’t tried pastéis de bacalhau? These mouthwatering croquettes combine potatoes, salted cod, onion, and parsley to form a satisfying treat that I love feasting on when I’m on the go.

As sought-after as they are in pretty much every corner of Portugal, pastéis de bacalhau hail from the north. Porto natives had long been fond of salted cod, but it wasn’t until the 18th century, when potatoes were introduced to the country, that these fried snacks were born.

I’ve often seen them served as part of a larger dish, but if you ask me, they’re best enjoyed alone. Better still, they’re just as tasty hot as they are cold and pair well with an aioli mayonnaise or peri-peri sauce.

Where to Eat It?

The first time I tried a pastel de bacalhau in Porto was at Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau in Vila Nova de Gaia,nestled alongside the Douro River. It might look incredibly upscale from the outside, which it is, but it’s known for serving some of the best food in the city. Recognized as one of the best restaurants for traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Every element was divine, from the mild cod and creamy potato to the peppery parsley and mellow onion. While the inside was soft and tender, the outer layer was beautifully crisp. Unlike most pastéis de bacalhau, the ones here come with a helping of gooey Serra da Estrela cheese.

Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau (€€€) – Av. de Diogo Leite 122, 4400-111 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal – Open every day from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm

 

Rissóis de Camarão

Photo credit: Oficina dos Rissóis

Despite how drool-worthy rissóis de camarão is, it’s among the most underrated street foods in Porto. Also known as shrimp turnovers, these deep-fried nibbles are filled with, unsurprisingly, finely chopped shrimp, garlic, parsley, and onion.

Like many great Portuguese dishes, there’s quite a lot of uncertainty surrounding the history of rissóis de camarão. Nonetheless, the city’s affinity for seafood and spices from around the globe undoubtedly led to their formation.

Rissóis de camarão usually comes with a lemon wedge and a pinch of cilantro or parsley.

Where to Eat It?

I’ve sampled my fair share of these half-moon-shaped morsels, but nowhere makes them quite like Oficina dos Rissóis. Lying along the edge of the Bolhão neighborhood, this is an understated and chilled-out spot that specializes in unique takes on rissóis de camarãos.

The shrimp and carrot-filled option has always been my first choice, but they also have a menu full of meat and veggie alternatives. Both the shrimp and the carrot are subtly sweet, with gentle notes of umami and bitterness seeping through under the crunchy batter.

Oficina dos Rissóis (€) – Passeio de São Lázaro 5A, 4000-507 Porto, Portugal – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, closed every Sunday

 

Conclusion

You don’t have to flock to the most upmarket establishments in town to find delicious food, as Porto proves time and time again. When it comes to street food, Porto is up there with the best of Europe‘s culinary hubs; you just need to know what to eat and where to find it!