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A world of Portuguese food

May 2, 2020 | Michael Turtle | 7 Comments

FOOD AND DRINK

Portugal’s restaurant scene

Portuguese chef Paulo Morais often gets strange looks when he tells people what he does. He looks traditionally Portuguese and speaks with a Portuguese accent. So perhaps the confusion is understandable when people find out he is a sushi chef.

Portuguese food, Michelin stars, Madeira

Paulo Morais runs arguably Lisbon’s top Japanese restaurant, Umai, but has spent 25 years defending his ability to make Asian food as a Westerner.

“I feel because of that I need to make even better,” he tells me.

“Because I’m not Japanese I need to work even harder to compensate that part and feel myself I did the best I could. And now, 25 years has passed, I feel ok. I don’t mind anymore about what people say or think as long as they try the food and see if it’s good or not.”

Portuguese food, Michelin stars, Madeira
Portuguese food, Michelin stars, Madeira

It’s not such a strange idea, though, a Portuguese chef working with the cuisine of a foreign country. I had never thought about it before but Paulo explains to me how the Portuguese were actually the original innovators when it came to global food. Hundreds of years ago, through sea exploration and trade, they revolutionised what different cultures ate.

“We were all over the world,” he says.

“We changed the way the world is now eating because we brought the chilli from Brazil and brought it to Africa and brought it to Asia – it was us. We brought the spices back to Portugal, we brought the rice to Africa and to Brazil. So we change everything. So if there are some people who should have the right to say something about global food it should be the Portuguese because we mix everything.”

Portuguese food, Michelin stars, Madeira

Paulo Morais is one of the chefs at the Rota das Estrelas (The Stars Route) food festival in Portugal. I meet him at the opening events on the island of Madeira, hosted by Porto Bay Hotels. (I’ve got more information about the festival in my story about The Stars Route.)

Although there are chefs from across the world here, the majority are Portuguese and it’s a good chance to find out more about the restaurant industry in the country. Unfortunately it’s a mixed grill of success and disappointment.

Portuguese food, Michelin stars, Madeira

The disappointments mainly stem from the past and the perception of the scene at the moment. Portugal – and Lisbon in particular – has struggled with reputation for many years and has never been seen in the same light as nearby countries like Spain, Italy or France.

You only need to look at the prestigious Michelin Guides to see how that manifests itself. Spain has 159 restaurants that have been awarded a Michelin star; Italy has 328; France has 610. Portugal has just 12.

Portuguese food, Michelin stars, Madeira

Portugal’s Michelin Stars

Miguel Laffan is another Portuguese chef at the opening events of the Rota das Estrelas food festival and he has just been awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant L’And. He believes the renaissance has started.

“You have to grow,” he tells me.

“We cannot stick to our food and not change anything. We have to try to make it better and try to have some adventures.”

Portuguese food, Michelin stars, Madeira

He thinks festivals like this one – which will hold another six events this year across the country – are a perfect way to showcase Portuguese food and raise its perception. Although he likes to put a unique twist on his dishes, he also tries to use conventional Portuguese cooking methods.

“It’s a very rich country and has very good fish,” he says.

“It has very Mediterranean flavours – a lot of onion, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil. You have beautiful meat – great lamb and great pork. It’s a small country but with so many influences.”

Portuguese food, Michelin stars, Madeira
Portuguese food, Michelin stars, Madeira

It’s partly about the food – but also partly about business and culture. The financial crisis hit hard in Portugal and many of the country’s restaurants suffered. Paulo Morais says it has been uncommon recently for chefs to own their own restaurants and that’s something the Michelin Guide sees as a negative, for example.

Portuguese food, Michelin stars, Madeira

But there’s a lot of hope as things improve. Miguel Laffan, for one, is optimistic about the future.

“I’m sure Portugal will be in 5 years where Spain already was,” he tells me earnestly.

“It’s our time now, we’re getting there. In five years now, I’m sure… I hope.”

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN MADEIRA

Although there are a few areas you could stay in Madeira, I think it makes sense to base yourself in the capital Funchal and do trips from here.

BACKPACKER

For a backpacker option, I recommend Santa Maria Hostel, which is in an old renovated school.

BUDGET

If you would like something affordable, Vitorina Corte Guesthouse has lovely rooms right by the water.

BOUTIQUE

With an amazing pool, Castanheiro Boutique Hotel is a great choice for something with style.

LUXURY

And when it comes to luxury, Les Suites at Cliff Bay is an incredible property!

>> More info about The Stars Route Food Festival <<

Time Travel Turtle was a guest of Porto Bay Hotels and Resorts and Madeira Promotion Bureau but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.

Reader Interactions

    Comments Cancel reply

  1. TammyOnTheMove |

    April 6, 2014 at 11:38 am

    Reply

    I have never tried Portuguese food actually. While there are plenty of Spanish restaurants all over Europe I have never seen a Portuguese one. The food looks gorgeous though. Would love to try it one day.

    • Michael Turtle |

      April 23, 2014 at 10:59 pm

      Reply

      You don’t see them very often at all, do you? I know a couple of Portuguese chicken shops (which are delicious!) but I’m surprised there aren’t more. Maybe now is the time for a new wave of Portuguese restaurants to begin!!

  2. Jennifer |

    May 6, 2014 at 9:52 am

    Reply

    I’m really surprised Portugal has so few Michelin-starred restaurants. Though when I spent some time in Portugal two years ago, not much stands out as memorable meals. This festival seems like a great way to showcase Portuguese dishes though.

  3. Adam The Caterer |

    May 6, 2014 at 9:22 pm

    Reply

    The only Portuguese chicken I have ever eaten is the one at nandos. If that is a small taste of the food Portugal can produce I need to head over there next time we are doing a menu update. Good too see the Michelin star restaurants popping up more and more.

    • Dahlia Fauzi |

      July 16, 2014 at 3:41 am

      Reply

      Hi Adam, before I came to Portugal I had the same thought too about Nando’s being the flavour of Portugal but I was wrong. The taste is not even close. Nando’s is by far my most favourite food of all but the chicken dish in Portugal is way different and delicious on its own way. I can’t decide which is better but you should try their food when you have the chance. It’s delightful! 🙂

  4. Mary @ Green Global Travel |

    July 16, 2014 at 3:31 am

    Reply

    Interesting how a Portuguese chef specializes in sushi and how Portuguese have made some foods global. Looking forward to the new wave of Portuguese restaurants! Thanks for sharing!

  5. Dahlia Fauzi |

    July 16, 2014 at 3:37 am

    Reply

    I’ve lived in Portugal for a few months before. I had the best experience ever. I love everything about Portugal; the place, the people and the food! Their frango or chicken is fantastic! If anyone is going to Porto, find a place called Churrasqueira Cidade. They have one of the BEST chicken grilled ever! Located near Combatentes metro station. Cafe Majestic is also a must go. Their food carries the name well. I’d love to go back to Portugal again.

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This is the website of travel writer, Michael Turtle. After working in broadcast journalism for a decade in Australia, Michael left Sydney to travel the world indefinitely and write about the places, people and experiences he discovers. This isn't a diary - these are real stories from the world.

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