Feeding Five: Where Kids Actually Eat

Beyond the chicken nuggets: Portuguese food that even picky eaters accept

Travelling with fussy eaters requires strategy. Portugal helps: the national cuisine leans heavily on grilled meat, fresh fish, chips, and bread, which covers most children’s essential food groups. Here’s how to navigate menus when feeding a family of five.

Frango assado (grilled chicken) appears on menus everywhere, usually served with chips and rice. It’s cheap, delicious, and satisfies children who’d eat chicken every meal if permitted. Bifana (pork sandwich) and prego (steak sandwich) work for older children who’ll eat meat in bread form. Francesinha, Porto’s legendary cheese-covered meat sandwich, divides opinion violently but is worth trying with adventurous eaters.

Portuguese fish is exceptional, and most restaurants will grill simply for children who reject sauces. Ask for “grelhado simples” (grilled plain) with chips. Bacalhau (salt cod) appears in approximately 1,001 recipes; the croquettes (pastéis de bacalhau) are crispy, savoury, and acceptable to most fish-tolerant children.

For breakfast and snacks, Portuguese bakeries are essential. Pastéis de nata (custard tarts) need no introduction. Bola de Berlim (cream-filled doughnuts) appear at beach bars nationwide. Tosta mista (toasted ham and cheese sandwich) provides reliable sustenance. Fresh bread with butter and jam keeps everyone going.

Restaurant timing matters. Portuguese families eat late — dinner at 8pm is normal — which means restaurants are often empty at 6pm when children need feeding. The upside: you’ll get faster service and more patient waiters before the evening rush.

Budget guidance: a family meal at a local tasca (tavern) costs €40-60 for five; beach restaurants run €60-80; finer dining €100+. Portions are large — sharing works well with children. Many restaurants offer a meia dose (half portion) at roughly 60% of the price.