If you want to be authentic and eat like a local, you should definitely go to a “Tasca”. And what is this thing that all the Portuguese people love so much?
“Tascas” are known to be inexpensive, most of the times they are tiny spaces that serve home-style food in large portions at affordable prices. The only risk here is that you might feel so comfortable that it would seem like you’re at home. These traditional places are great to learn more about Portuguese culture because for us Portuguese, having a meal is an important part of our daily routine.
Here are some of the ones that I highly recommend:
This is the kind of place that feels like home, it is very typical and familiar. Even the paving (floor) is typical from Portugal, the Calçada Portuguesa, one of the oldest features of the city, it is one of Lisbon’s trademarks.
Contacts: Tv. do Sequeiro 38, 1200-259 Lisboa, Portugal. +351 21 347 9243.
This is the best place for “petiscos” (typical tasty delicacies similar to tapas) like moelas or pataniscas. This is the typical Tasca, where you have the traditional environment of a tavern, with the aluminum display case and the enormous jugs of wine.
Contacts: Rua dos Sapateiros, 230 Lisboa 1100-581.213425135. https://www.facebook.com/Merendinha-do-Arco-363697533735831/
This Tasca is very known for the Fado (popular Portuguese music genre), here you can eat traditional Portuguese food while enjoying traditional Fado music, normally accompanied by Portuguese guitar.
Contacts: R. do Diário de Notícias 39, 1200-141 Lisboa, Portugal. +351 961 339 696. http://www.tascadochico.com/
The best dish to eat here is the “bacalhau” (codfish), this restaurant, located in Mouraria has tasteful traditional Portuguese food.
Contacts: R. João do Outeiro 24, 1100-584 Lisboa, Portugal. +351 21 886 5436.
This place has all the traditional Portuguese food you can think of, the pleasant atmosphere allows you to taste some of the best wines of Portugal. It’s the perfect combination between a restaurant and a tavern.
Contacts: Rua dos Fanqueiros, 161, Lisboa. 218 870 290.
This is definitely an affordable place that you don’t want to skip. The barbecue, especially the entrecosto (pork ribs) is great and served in big portions so that you can share it.
Contacts: Beco dos Surradores, 3, Lisboa. +351 218 869 641.
- Rui do Barrote
The “picanha”, “maminha” and “bitoque” steak are a must try, this restaurant has great beef and well-grilled strips that you should not miss. It is in Marvila, a neighborhood that is becoming a hot spot.
Contacts: Rua Zofimo Pedroso 33, Lisbon 1950-290, Portugal. +351 21 868 9300.
Tascas are very simple, cheap and typical but the pleasant flavor is appreciated by everyone. The food is well served, looks homemade and the dishes are typical Portuguese foods. It’s a great way to know more about Portuguese Culture without breaking the bank!
Written by Ines Andrade e Sousa, Master in Tourism and Communication.
References:
AFAR: The Experiential Travel Guide (2019). Retrieved from https://www.afar.com/
New in Town (2019). Retrieved from https://nit.pt/
Time Out Lisboa https://www.timeout.pt/lisboa/pt
A tasca do Chico http://www.tascadochico.com/
Taberna da baixa https://www.tabernadabaixa.pt/