Portuguese don’t really appreciate critique. Especially not from a foreigner! So here you go, their responses on various social media and my replies.
“You clearly don’t understand Portuguese food.”
It won’t go on about the reasoning for this question, which will equally be countered if you have an opinion on politics, or even football. On the contrary, on Portuguese food again, I understand it so well that I could probably prepare bacalhau in at least 50 of its 365 variations. My critique isn’t about ignorance—it’s about potential. Portugal has incredible ingredients, but tradition sometimes holds back what could be an even more exciting cuisine.
“Typical foreigner who only eats in tourist traps.”
If only it was that simple. I’ve eaten in many local tasquinhas, hidden grandma-run kitchens, and home-cooked meals. The common thread? A deep love for boiling things. There are exceptions, of course, but you have to admit: Portuguese seasoning is often just salt and nostalgia.
“Our food is simple and doesn’t need to be covered in spices to be good.”
You folks are famtastic at this, yes. Simplicity is great—when it enhances ingredients rather than stripping them of flavor. A beautifully grilled fish with just olive oil? Unbelievable. But boiled bacalhau with a side of boiled potatoes, followed by a boiled dessert? At some point, you have to wonder if it’s simplicity or just stubbornness.
“You forgot about [insert dish name here]! That has tons of flavor!”
I didn’t forget—there are some fantastic, flavorful dishes. Pica-pau, leitão, and chanfana all bring the excitement. But let’s be honest: they stand out because they contrast so sharply with the rest.
“British food is worse, so you have no right to criticize.”
If we’re ranking cuisines, I fully admit British food has its own crimes against taste. Trust me, it must have been already been reported to the International Tribunal in The Hague. But ‘we’re better than fried beef’ is hardly a strong defense. Wouldn’t you rather aim higher?
“If you don’t like it, leave.”
Oh, I like Portugal very much—that’s why I cared to write this post. It’s precisely because I see so much potential in its cuisine that I wish it would step up and rediscover its lost spice-loving soul. And don’t worry, I am leaving!
“You just have an unrefined palate.”
I appreciate subtle flavors, but there’s a difference between ‘subtle’ and ‘nonexistent.’ One is intentional; the other feels like something went missing in the kitchen.
“You don’t get it—Portuguese food is about tradition.”
Tradition is beautiful, but so is evolution. If Portuguese cuisine embraced the spirit of its explorers, it wouldn’t just preserve the past—it would create an even more exciting future.
“You should try real homemade food.”
I have! And homemade dishes often highlight the best of Portuguese cooking. But even at home, the ‘boil everything’ approach is alive and well. Surely we can agree that a little extra seasoning wouldn’t hurt?
“This is offensive.”
It’s not meant to offend—it’s meant to spark conversation and the comments on this post on my social media proves this. Portugal’s cuisine has all the right ingredients to be even better. A little self-reflection never hurt anyone.
“We don’t need to change our cuisine just to please foreigners.”
Absolutely not! But wouldn’t it be ironic if a country famous for global exploration refused to explore new flavors itself?
“You clearly haven’t tried our cheeses, sausages, or seafood.”
Oh, I have, and they’re fantastic! Which is exactly why it’s so frustrating that they often end up in dishes that don’t let them shine.
“If it’s so bad, why do millions of tourists love it?”
Tourists also love pastel de nata and port wine — two of Portugal’s greatest hits. But even the best albums have some filler tracks, and let’s be honest: boiled bacalhau is the ‘skip’ button on the menu.
“You just don’t appreciate real, authentic flavors.”
I do! That’s why I’m asking — where did all the spices go? Portugal used to bring the world flavor, but somewhere along the way, it seems to have misplaced its own.
“Maybe your taste buds are broken.”
Possibly! Or maybe they’re just desperately searching for something beyond salt and boiled potatoes. Either way, I promise to keep investigating — preferably somewhere with paprika.