Coffee in Portugal is more than just a beverage; it’s a beloved part of daily life that blends rich flavors with social interactions.
From the lively cafés of Lisbon to the quaint local spots in Porto, Portuguese coffee culture offers a variety of unique drinks and traditions. This guide will help you navigate the world of Portuguese coffee, including popular beverages, essential ordering tips, and cultural practices to ensure you enjoy coffee like a true local. Bem vindo!
Where to Order
In Portugal, coffee is typically enjoyed at local cafés, known as “pastelarias” or “cafés.” These establishments are central to Portuguese social life, where locals gather to chat, relax, and savor their favorite coffee drinks.
Unlike in some other countries, coffee to-go is uncommon. People prefer to take a moment to enjoy their coffee at a table, often accompanied by a small pastry or just the coffee itself.
The most common time for coffee, as you might guess, is breakfast. Portuguese people usually have their coffee with a toast with butter or “tosta.” Sometimes it could be a sweet bread roll with ham and cheese called “Pão de Deus,” or it could also be with a famous “Pastel de Nata,” a creamy egg tart pastry with origins from Belém, Lisbon.
Basically, any place that serves these for breakfast is a great spot to enjoy a cup of coffee.
So, what coffee should you order?
Ordering Tips
Picking up a few local phrases can be really helpful when ordering coffee in Portugal.
For example, if you’re going to a pastelaria for breakfast, you can start by saying “Olá, bom dia!” followed by “um café, por favor.” This will get you a simple espresso. Another way to order a coffee drink is to say, “Queria um galão, por favor.“
Standing at the counter is not only faster but often cheaper than sitting at a table, where prices can be slightly higher.
Cultural Tips
Milk-based coffees like “meia de leite” or “galão” are typically enjoyed in the morning. Portuguese people often joke that only grandmas drink galão past lunchtime, so you might get some funny looks if you order one! But hey, no disrespect to grandmas! Maybe they know something we don’t. So, if you want one, go ahead!
How much does Coffee Cost in Portugal?
The cost of coffee in Portugal is quite reasonable. An espresso or “um café” or “uma bica” could cost between €0.60 and €0.80 when ordered at the counter of a café. A “media de leite” ranges from €0.75 to €1.40.
Prices vary by city and time.
