Despite the country's relative isolation from the rest of the world throughout certain parts of its history, many influences on the Portuguese cuisine can be attributed to Portuguese explorers in the East Indies, the Far East and in the Americas and their discoveries of new types of food. In the south of the country and on the island of Madeira, Moorish and African influence can still be detected to this day, while Spanish cooking managed to make its mark especially in the north where dishes similar to Galicia across the border can be found. The southern border of Portugal touches on the Mediterranean from whence garlic and pasta were introduced. Still, Portugal has accepted these influences in its own way. It's national dishes are completely her own: unique and delicious!
Portuguese cuisine is a hearty fare, originally prepared to satisfy hard working peasants. Later, it was slightly refined for all the classes and the foreign visitors. The countries position in the Atlantic Ocean is reflected in her cuisine, which features a vast if not confusing assortment of fish dishes including salt dried cod, a staple in the Portuguese diet. Pork is the most popular meat stemming from the countries shortage of sizable pastures, which meant that it did not make good grazing land for cows. A wide variety of tantalizing spices are used in Portuguese dishes, even touches of curry imported from Portugal's many conquests in the Far East.
In general the regional dishes of Portugal are innumerable and varied. Thus, whatever your taste dictates, you will surely find a favourite dish Portuguese style.
