Braga, a city in northern Portugal, offers a distinctive gastronomic identity that reflects a rich blend of traditional Portuguese cuisine with a touch of Northern flair. When visiting Braga, there are several main dishes, food traditions, and useful tips to help you fully savor the city’s unique culinary heritage. Here’s a glimpse of what to taste and what to know:

Main Dishes to Try:

Rojões à Minhota: Rojões are succulent chunks of marinated and pan-fried pork, typically served with crispy crackling. In Braga, it’s often accompanied by arroz pica-no-chão, a flavorful rice dish.
Bacalhau à Braga: Bacalhau, or salted codfish, is a staple in Portuguese cuisine. In Braga, you’ll find it prepared in a unique style, often featuring codfish cooked with onions, garlic, and potatoes in a rich sauce.
Papas de Sarrabulho: This is a hearty and traditional dish made from pork blood and rice, flavored with aromatic spices. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also showcases the region’s food heritage.
Francesinha à Braga: Francesinha is a popular Portuguese sandwich, and in Braga, it often features a spicy twist with a hot sauce that adds an extra kick.

Food Traditions:

Conventual Sweets: Braga is known for its Conventual sweets, which are traditional pastries and desserts crafted by local convents. These include delights like Pudim Abade de Priscos, Toucinho do Céu, and Morgado.
Wine Culture: Northern Portugal is famous for its wines, and while in Braga, you can explore the rich Vinho Verde region. Pairing local wines with your meals is a delightful way to experience the region’s wine culture.

Useful Tips:

Local Markets: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore local markets like the Mercado Municipal de Braga, where you can find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and other ingredients used in traditional recipes.
Language: While many people in the tourist industry speak English, knowing a few basic Portuguese phrases can go a long way in enhancing your dining experience and connecting with locals.
Restaurant Hours: In Braga, restaurants typically adhere to traditional Portuguese dining hours, with lunch served between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM and dinner often starting after 8:00 PM.
Reservations: If you plan to dine in popular restaurants, making a reservation, especially during peak dining hours, is advisable to secure a table.
Taste the Local Sweets: As mentioned earlier, Braga is famous for its Conventual sweets. Don’t leave without trying some of these delectable treats.

Restaurants & Bars

Restaurante Centurium:

Overview: Restaurante Centurium is a charming and traditional Portuguese eatery offering a mix of local and regional dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Address: R. de São Marcos 1, 4700-328 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante Centurium
Average Price per Person: €15 – €25
Suggested Dish: Try the “Bacalhau à Braga,” a local codfish specialty.

Taberna Belga:

Overview: Taberna Belga is a trendy and eclectic restaurant that offers Belgian-inspired dishes alongside Portuguese classics.
Address: R. de São Vicente, 4700-312 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Taberna Belga
Average Price per Person: €15 – €30
Suggested Dish: Taste the “Moules Frites,” a classic Belgian dish of mussels and fries.

Restaurante Orquídea:

Overview: Restaurante Orquídea is a family-run restaurant that serves Portuguese cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional flavors.
Address: R. Eça de Queirós 15, 4710-404 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante Orquídea
Average Price per Person: €15 – €25
Suggested Dish: Try the “Francesinha,” a classic Portuguese sandwich.

Nandos Grill Braga:

Overview: Nandos Grill Braga is a casual eatery known for its grilled chicken and flavorful piri-piri sauce. It’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
Address: Av. General Norton de Matos 1043, 4700-390 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Nandos Grill Braga
Average Price per Person: €10 – €15
Suggested Dish: Try the “Frango Assado,” delicious grilled chicken.

Mastro d’Ouro:

Overview: Mastro d’Ouro is an upscale Italian restaurant offering a range of authentic Italian dishes in an elegant setting.
Address: Rua Dr. José Vilaça 123, 4715-056 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Mastro d’Ouro
Average Price per Person: €20 – €40
Suggested Dish: Indulge in the “Risotto ai Frutti di Mare,” a seafood risotto.

Bira dos Namorados:

Overview: Bira dos Namorados is a lively restaurant that celebrates traditional Portuguese cuisine with a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
Address: R. de São Vicente, 4700-312 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Bira dos Namorados
Average Price per Person: €10 – €20
Suggested Dish: Try the “Bifana,” a Portuguese pork sandwich.

Restaurante Centurium:

Overview: Restaurante Centurium is a charming and traditional Portuguese eatery offering a mix of local and regional dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Address: R. de São Marcos 1, 4700-328 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante Centurium
Average Price per Person: €15 – €25
Suggested Dish: Try the “Bacalhau à Braga,” a local codfish specialty.

Tasquinha Dom Barata:

Overview: Tasquinha Dom Barata is a small and welcoming eatery known for its traditional Portuguese petiscos, or small plates, and friendly ambiance.
Address: Rua Dom Gonçalo Pereira 85, 4700-285 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Tasquinha Dom Barata
Average Price per Person: €10 – €20
Suggested Dish: Try a selection of petiscos, including “Alheira” and “Pica-Pau.”

The Slow Food Braga:

Overview: The Slow Food Braga is a cozy and modern restaurant offering a variety of international and Portuguese dishes with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients.
Address: R. Dr. José Augusto Ferreira, 62, 4715-005 Braga, Portugal.
Website: The Slow Food Braga
Average Price per Person: €20 – €35
Suggested Dish: Try the “Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá,” a classic Portuguese codfish dish.

Mercearia da Sé:

Overview: Mercearia da Sé is a unique concept, combining a restaurant with a grocery store. It offers Portuguese dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Address: R. D. Paio Mendes 5, 4700-424 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Mercearia da Sé
Average Price per Person: €15 – €30
Suggested Dish: Try the “Arroz de Pato,” a flavorful duck rice dish.

Confeitaria da Sé:

Overview: Confeitaria da Sé is a traditional bakery and café known for its delightful pastries and coffee. It’s perfect for a quick snack or coffee break.
Address: Rua Dom Paio Mendes 7, 4700-424 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Confeitaria da Sé
Average Price per Person: €5 – €10
Suggested Dish: Enjoy a “Pastel de Nata,” a famous Portuguese custard tart.

Lavrador:

Overview: Lavrador is a family-friendly restaurant offering a mix of Portuguese and international dishes in a comfortable and relaxed setting.
Address: R. Dr. Domingos S. Ferreira, 27, 4700-423 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Lavrador
Average Price per Person: €15 – €30
Suggested Dish: Try the “Francesinha,” a hearty Portuguese sandwich.

Petiscos do Cávado:

Overview: Petiscos do Cávado is a cozy restaurant known for its variety of petiscos, or Portuguese tapas, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Address: R. dos Chaos 99, 4710-645 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Petiscos do Cávado
Average Price per Person: €10 – €20
Suggested Dish: Try a selection of petiscos, including “Pica-Pau” and “Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá.”

Restaurante Cor de Tangerina:

Overview: Restaurante Cor de Tangerina offers a contemporary and artsy atmosphere, with a menu that combines Portuguese and international cuisine.
Address: R. Dr. Francisco Duarte, 432, 4710-285 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante Cor de Tangerina
Average Price per Person: €20 – €35
Suggested Dish: Try the “Polvo à Lagareiro,” a succulent octopus dish.

Restaurante São Frutuoso:

Overview: Restaurante São Frutuoso is a traditional Portuguese restaurant known for its homestyle dishes and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Address: R. de São Frutuoso 15, 4700-319 Braga, Portugal.
Website: Restaurante São Frutuoso
Average Price per Person: €15 – €25
Suggested Dish: Try the “Arroz de Pato,” a flavorful duck rice dish.