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Portuguese dishes explained for the menu

A visitor reading “Francesinha” or “Bacalhau à Brás” has no idea what will arrive. Translating the name does not help either: “Little French girl” confuses more than it explains. The rule we follow is simple — keep the Portuguese name and add one line that explains the dish. Each page gives that line in four languages and the allergens the traditional recipe usually contains.

Updated October 2026

How to use these pages

Copy the explanation onto your menu and adapt it to your recipe: if your francesinha comes with an egg, say so; if your caldo verde is made without chouriço, say that too. The allergen list is a starting point, not a certification — only your recipe and your suppliers tell you what the dish contains.

In Platerio this explanation is written automatically when you import your menu, and it stays a proposal until you approve it. For allergens, see the guide to Portugal’s allergen rules and the printable allergen chart.

Dishes

FrancesinhaHow to write Francesinha on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Bacalhau à BrásHow to write Bacalhau à Brás on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Bacalhau com natasHow to write Bacalhau com natas on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Bacalhau à Gomes de SáHow to write Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Pastel de nataHow to write Pastel de nata on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Caldo verdeHow to write Caldo verde on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Tripas à moda do PortoHow to write Tripas à moda do Porto on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Polvo à lagareiroHow to write Polvo à lagareiro on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Arroz de mariscoHow to write Arroz de marisco on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.CataplanaHow to write Cataplana on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Sardinhas assadasHow to write Sardinhas assadas on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.BifanaHow to write Bifana on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.PregoHow to write Prego on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Leitão da BairradaHow to write Leitão da Bairrada on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Cozido à portuguesaHow to write Cozido à portuguesa on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.AlheiraHow to write Alheira on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Carne de porco à alentejanaHow to write Carne de porco à alentejana on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Amêijoas à Bulhão PatoHow to write Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Espetada madeirenseHow to write Espetada madeirense on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Bolo do cacoHow to write Bolo do caco on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.ChanfanaHow to write Chanfana on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.Cozido das FurnasHow to write Cozido das Furnas on a restaurant menu: the name and a line of explanation in English, Spanish and French for visitors, and the allergens the recipe usually has.

Frequently asked questions

Should I translate the names of Portuguese dishes?

Usually not. Keep the original name, which is what visitors look for and order, and add a short explanation in their language. Literal translations such as “Little French girl” for francesinha confuse people.

Which languages should the menu have?

It depends on the region: English almost everywhere, Spanish in the North, Centre and Alentejo, French where many guests come from France. See the page for your city.