| Briony Stephenson introduces the hidden delights of | | | | age of discovery was propelled by the desire for |
| Portuguese cuisine.Despite the lasting influence it has | | | | exotic spices and ever since Vasco da Gama |
| had on food in such far-away places as Macau and | | | | discovered the sea route to India at the turn of the |
| Goa, Portuguese cuisine is hugely underrepresented | | | | sixteenth century, they have proved enormously |
| outside Portugal. Often confused with Spanish cooking, | | | | popular. Peri-peri, a Brazilian spice transplanted to the |
| it is, in fact, quite distinct. At its best, Portuguese food is | | | | former African colonies is used to flavour chicken and |
| simple ingredients impeccably prepared. Based on | | | | shrimp. Curry spices from Goa are common |
| regional produce, emphasising fish, meat, olive oil, | | | | seasonings. These spices are typically used very |
| tomato, and spices, it features hearty soups, | | | | sparingly, adding subtle flavour and depth to dishes. It is |
| homemade bread and cheeses, as well as | | | | these influences that have helped make Portuguese |
| unexpected combinations of meat and shellfish.For a | | | | food so markedly different from that of other |
| relatively small nation, Portugal has surprising | | | | Mediterranean countries and in Lisbon today there are |
| gastronomic variety. The Estremadura region, which | | | | scores of restaurants specialising in the cuisines of the |
| includes Lisbon, is famous for its seafood - the fish | | | | old empire as well as Brazilian-style juice bars, offering |
| market at Cascais, just outside the capital, is one of | | | | drinks and ice-cream made from exotic fruits.If there is |
| the largest in the country - while the production of | | | | one thing that typifies traditional Portuguese food, |
| sausages and cheese elsewhere adds another | | | | however, it is fish. From the common anchovy to |
| dimension to the national cuisine. The Algarve, the last | | | | swordfish, sole, sea bream, bass and salmon, markets |
| region of Portugal to achieve independence from the | | | | and menus reveal the full extent of Portugal's love |
| Moors, and situated on North Africa's doorstep, | | | | affair with seafood. In Portugal, even a street-bought |
| contributes a centuries-old tradition of almond and fig | | | | fish burger is filled with flavour. Bacalhau, salted cod, is |
| sweets.Traditional Portuguese food is typified by | | | | the Portuguese fish and said to be the basis for some |
| fish.Indeed, the Portuguese have a long history of | | | | 365 recipes, one for each day of the year. Two |
| absorbing culinary traditions from other peoples. The | | | | dishes are particularly notable. |