Porto Food Tour: Pastries, Petiscos, Green Wine & City Tour

Porto’s food scene is a reflection of its rich culinary history, where traditional peasant dishes have been infused with international flavours and modern twists.

The city’s petiscos culture is a testament to the conviviality of its people, who gather in small groups to enjoy tapas-style snacks and catch up over a drink.

Add delicious pastries, the unique Francesinha sandwich and refreshing green wine, and you have an incredible gourmet experience ahead of you.

To taste the best of these specialties, a guided Porto food tour is the perfect way to explore the city’s top cafes, bakeries and food markets.

A food tour in Porto is not just a culinary journey, but also an opportunity to learn about the city’s culture and history through its delicious cuisine.

Best Porto Food Tour

With a local guide, you’ll navigate the old town’s narrow streets, discover famous waterfront landmarks, and learn about the intricacies of Portuguese architecture and their tiled facades, all while indulging in the famous pastries that Porto is renowned for.

There are plenty of sweets and baked goods to try, from traditional pastel de nata to innovative eclairs and custard-filled croissants.

Don’t forget to pair your pastry with a strong, rich espresso or a glass of local port wine for the ultimate Porto experience.

Definitely worth experiencing is the local tradition of petiscos. These small snacks or plates of food are perfect for sharing or as a quick meal.

There are many different types of petiscos, ranging from the classic bacalhau (salt cod) fritters to the spicy chouriço (sausage) and pimentos (peppers).

Other popular options include presunto (cured ham), queijo (cheese), and pão com chouriço (bread with chouriço baked inside).

Surprisingly, there are many food tours to choose from in Porto, with many offering walking tours of the old city centre.

However, a few tours will also take you along the scenic Douro River and into the heart of Portugal’s wine country.

Next Best

Secret Food Tour
For a different food tour that takes you around the Ribeira neighbourhood of Porto as well as the narrow streets of the historic old town, this Secret Food Tour will have you feeling very full after three and a half hours of eating.

On this tour, you will get to try fresh Atlantic sardines, a Portuguese classic, traditional sponge cake and espresso from a cafe and the most famous dishes from Porto, the francesinha. There’s plenty of wine and beer on this tour too, and a secret dish to finish the day.

Both of these food and wine tours of Porto have so much to offer. You’ll get to taste a huge range of dishes, snacks and drinks.

You’ll also learn about Porto’s history, culture, customs and people. It’s a great introduction to Portuguese life and cuisine.

Portuguese Food & Culture

At the heart of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage is its diverse and flavourful cuisine, which has been influenced by centuries of history, trade and exploration.

From the famous seafood dishes of Lisbon to the hearty stews of the north, Portuguese cuisine is a reflection of the country’s regional diversity and the bounty of its natural resources.

Made in Porto

As you explore the town, keep an eye out for Porto’s most famous dishes and drinks. Don’t hesitate to try or ask a local where to go.

Here are a few ideas to get you started, but I really suggest taking a food tour to get a local’s perspective.

• Francesinha: A hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, sausage, and cheese, covered in a hot tomato sauce and served with french fries.
• Tripas à Moda do Porto: A traditional dish of Porto made with tripe, white beans, and various types of meat, typically served with rice.
• Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá: A popular codfish dish made with potatoes, onions, garlic, and olives.
• Pastel de Nata: A famous Portuguese pastry made with a crispy, flaky crust and a creamy custard filling. Originally from Belem, but you can find them in Porto too.
• Port Wine: A sweet fortified wine that is produced in the Douro Valley near Porto.
• Green Wine: A refreshing, slightly effervescent white wine that is produced in the Minho region of northern Portugal, often served young and chilled.
• Vinho do Porto Tónico: A refreshing cocktail made with Port wine and tonic water, served over ice and garnished with a slice of lemon.
• Caldo Verde: A traditional Portuguese soup made with kale, potatoes, and chorizo.
• Petiscos: Small plates of savoury snacks, similar to Spanish tapas, that are typically served with drinks in Porto’s bars and restaurants.

More from This Series

Through this series on Portuguese food and culture, I aim to take you on a culinary journey, exploring Portugal’s unique flavours and traditions.

If you’re planning a trip to Porto and looking for helpful information on the city’s attractions, accommodations, and events, Visit Portugal has a comprehensive section on Porto with all the resources you need to plan your visit.

Responsible Food Travel Tips

Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability. Here are a few ideas on how we can travel more responsibly when eating your way around Porto.

• Firstly, try to minimise food waste by ordering only what you can eat and asking to take any leftovers with you. You can have the leftovers on a picnic the following day, especially if you’re visiting Porto when the weather is warm.
• Consider choosing dishes that support sustainable diets, such as those made with locally sourced, organic ingredients or vegetarian and vegan options.
• Additionally, try to support the local community by choosing family-owned or independent restaurants and buying from places that source ingredients from local farmers and producers.
• To reduce your carbon footprint, use public transport, such as buses or the tram, to get around. Even better, you can explore Porto on foot or by bike. Porto is quite hilly, so I suggest renting an e-bike.

If you have questions or want to leave a tour review, please do so in the comments.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to food tours in Porto, Portugal. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.