What ’ s in a Name ?
Admittedly , many of the differences between the two cuisines can be boiled down to regional names . Tapas in Spain are petiscos in Portugal . Spanish jamón ’ s equivalent is Portuguese presunto . Chorizo is chouriço , and croquetes in Portugal are made with a thicker mix of meats than their Spanish counterparts . Spain opts for calamari , while throughout Lisbon you ’ ll find fried cuttlefish strips ( choco frito ) instead . Gazpacho , a Spanish staple , is simply gaspacho in Portugal .
“ The Night is Young ”
Compared to America , both countries eat dinner late — but the Portuguese would agree with you that the Spanish eat dinner late . Dinnertime in Portugal is typically somewhere between 7 and 10 p . m ., give or take a half-hour . In contrast , the dinnertime window in Spain doesn ’ t start until 9 p . m . and may be as late as midnight . If it ’ s a holiday , it ’ s not uncommon for a Spanish family to be out until 3 a . m ., still socializing after dinner over churros and hot chocolate .
PORTUGAL ’ S TOP RESTAURANTS
Portugal has only one James Beard Awardwinning restaurant ( Belcanto ); despite this , it ’ s a national treasure . But if you ’ re worried that your fine-dining escapades in Portugal are limited , fear not : There are plenty of world-class venues to visit .
Belcanto ( No . 25 , in Lisbon ) This intimate venue serves as an almostchurch for Portuguese cuisine . Under vaulted ceilings and bathed in light streaming through high windows , you ’ ll embark on a gastronomic journey of contemporary Portuguese cuisine — grilled hake with coriander , cured egg yolk with black truffle , roast squab and scarlet shrimp with green curry are all standout dishes .
The Yeatman ( 2 Michelin Stars , in Vila Nova de Gaia ) Located in the hotel of the same name , a meal at The Yeatman is an opulent affair , promising a sensory journey in an environment of classic comfort . The tasting menu places seafood on a much-deserved pedestal : wafer-thin amberjack sashimi slices and fatty tuna underbelly are some of the delicacies you ’ ll pair with a local fine wine .
Gazpacho
Antiqvvm ( 2 Michelin Stars , in Porto ) Situated in a pristine park in the center of Porto , Antiqvvm radiates a sense of serenity — and that ’ s before you ’ ve even had a bite to eat . Creative seasonal cuisine is the name of the culinary game ; each and every dish seemingly inspired by the surroundings . A favorite to try is the blue lobster with Moqueca .
LUXURY TRAVEL 2024 59