Portugal is a renowned destination for its culinary heritage, offering both affordable and high-quality dining options. While food prices may not be proportionally lower than in countries with higher wages, like the US and the UK, dining out remains accessible to many expats and travellers. The food quality is generally high, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our “How Expensive is Food in Portugal?” article brought up topics such as “How Cheap is it to Eat Out in Portugal?, “How Much is a Meal for Two in Portugal?” and “What is the Food Quality in Portugal?”. Now, we want to bring an update to show potential expats how food pricing fluctuates when grocery shopping and dining out in Portugal.
Supermarkets in Portugal offer the advantage of buying on budget with the “Poupe Está Semana” (save this week). These brochures are made to show the best deal for every category of each aisle in the supermarket. The discounts go from 20% to 40% of the total price. Supermarkets such as Froiz and Pingo Doce are some examples of places offering this kind of benefit. You can access their brochures here: Froiz and Pingo Doce.
For example, the weekly cost of groceries is essential when budgeting for life in Portugal for a family of four. Based on current prices in 2024, the total estimated amount for a week’s worth of groceries is approximately €88.39. This figure includes various essential items, including fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy, and pantry staples, providing a balanced and nutritious diet. Below, we have a list to guide you properly through each item:
Total approximate weekly: €88.39
Many Supermarkets offer weekly deals on fresh whole meals. Pingo Doce supermarket, for instance, provides a variety of dishes with its “Volta ao Mundo em 28 Pratos.” The menu presents delicacies from Indonesia to France. The prices vary from 4,99 euros to 8,99 euros. It’s a fun way to try new flavours worldwide for an affordable price.
Whether you’re looking for a budget lunch menu, street food like pastéis de nata (custard tarts) for €1, or a sit-down meal for the family, Portugal’s vibrant food scene offers plenty of affordable options. For larger families, these restaurants provide excellent value, making it easy to dine out while staying within your budget. Expats can find various budget-friendly choices when considering affordable dining options in Portugal. In Lisbon and Porto, for example, these places range from local family-run restaurants to international cuisine, offering great value for individual diners or families.
In Lisbon, you can explore family-run restaurants and affordable markets for budget-conscious dining:
A Provinciana: This cosy spot offers daily specials (prato do dia) like chicken with rice (arroz de cabidela), bean stew (feijoada), or Portuguese stew (cozido) for around €10. The portions are generous, perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.
Taberna da Casa do Alentejo: Located in a beautiful historic building, this restaurant serves small traditional dishes (petiscos) for as low as €5. If you want a larger meal, daily specials cost around €10, and the cosy atmosphere adds to the appeal.
Rosa da Rua: This spot is known for its all-you-can-eat buffet, especially on Wednesdays when they serve cozido (a hearty meat and vegetable stew). It is excellent for families looking for large portions. Prices start around €15 per person.
Cantinho do Aziz: This restaurant offers dishes like spicy lamb with coconut rice to give you a taste of Mozambique. The menu of the day is priced under €10.
In Porto, several restaurants provide meals at a fraction of the cost:
Pimenta Rosa: A buffet at the Miguel Bombarda Mall offers hot and cold dishes for €4.60. Pizzas start at just €1 for an affordable snack after 7 pm.
Novo Paris: A classic spot in the heart of Porto with a daily menu ranging from €4 to €7, serving traditional grilled dishes like mackerel.
O Caseirinho: For seafood lovers, this restaurant offers seafood rice or arroz de cabidela (chicken rice) made from home-grown ingredients, with prices ranging from €6 to €8 per dish. A meal for a family of four could total €30-35.
Adega Rio Douro: Known for its Portuguese snacks and Thursday fado nights, this restaurant serves inexpensive local dishes like codfish cakes and octopus salad. Prices start around €5-6 per dish.
Summing up, Portugal’s food quality is high, emphasising fresh ingredients, especially in regions like Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira. Shopping at local markets such as Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon or Mercado do Bolhão in Porto ensures access to fresh, high-quality produce. But if you feel more comfortable buying from worldwide brands, it is manageable with a bit of restriction if you still aim to follow a budget. Maintaining a healthy diet on a budget is also accessible by purchasing seasonal produce from markets, cooking at home, and using deals and discounts such as teh fresh whole dishes mentioned before. Portugal continues strengthening its food regulations, particularly in labelling and quality control. Shoppers are encouraged to focus on fresh, locally sourced foods to avoid unhealthy industrialised products.
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