Portugal is a fascinating country, full of history, culture, and unique traditions. However, for those arriving from abroad, some things may seem a bit strange or unexpected. From eating habits to social behaviors, there are many small differences that surprise foreigners—some in a funny way, others in a more intriguing way.
If you’re planning to visit or live in Portugal, this article will help you avoid cultural shock and better understand what to expect!
Coffee Is Always Small (and Strong!)
Portuguese people take their coffee very seriously. But for many foreigners, there is something strange about Portuguese coffee: it is served in tiny portions!
If you order a “café”, you will receive a small and strong espresso. Large cups of filtered coffee, like in the United States or the United Kingdom, are practically non-existent. If you want something bigger, you need to ask for an “abatanado” (similar to an Americano) or a “meia de leite” (similar to a latte).
Don’t order “an espresso”, because for the Portuguese, “café” already means espresso!
The Obsession with Codfish (and the Confusion Over Recipes!)
Portuguese people love bacalhau (codfish) – so much that they say there are over 365 different recipes for cooking it. For foreigners, it can be hard to understand how a single type of fish can be prepared in so many ways.
Codfish in Portugal is not fresh but rather dried and salted before being cooked. It needs to be soaked in water for hours or even days before use. It is served in dishes with mysterious names like “Bacalhau à Brás”, “Bacalhau com Natas”, and “Bacalhau à Gomes Sá” – and it’s not always obvious what each one means!
If you are invited to dinner and there’s bacalhau, be prepared for a traditional and intense meal!
The Habit of Saying “Com Licença” Even Without a Reason
Portuguese people say “com licença” (“excuse me”) in many situations, some of them unexpected.
It is common to say “com licença” before entering a shop, even if no one is blocking the entrance. If someone is walking past you on the street, they might say “com licença”, even if there’s plenty of space. Even when leaving a room, some people say “com licença.”
Don’t worry – no one is actually asking for permission to pass – it’s just a polite habit!
The Passion for Football (Even for Small Teams)
Foreigners know that Portugal is a football-loving country. But many are surprised by how any football match, even for small teams, can be a major event. Even less famous teams attract fans who fill cafés and bars to watch and discuss the games.
If someone says “we won” or “we lost,” they are probably not talking about the national team – but rather about their club!
On days of major matches between Benfica, Porto, and Sporting, the whole country practically stops.
If you want to quickly make Portuguese friends, try saying “O Benfica tem uma boa equipa este ano” (Benfica has a good team this year), or replace it with “Porto” or “Sporting”, depending on the city you’re in!
The Tradition of Eating Soup Before a Meal
For Portuguese people, a meal starts with soup. For many foreigners, this is strange because:
– Even in summer, with 40°C (104°F), soup is still served.
– Soup rarely has large pieces – it is almost always pureed.
– For many families, soup is mandatory before the main dish.
If you refuse soup at a family dinner, it might seem odd—so at least accept a small bowl!
Spending Hours in a Restaurant After the Meal
In many countries, as soon as people finish eating at a restaurant, they pay the bill and leave. In Portugal, dinner can last for hours, even after the food is finished!
There’s no rush to leave – people enjoy long conversations after the meal. Waiters rarely bring the bill unless you ask for it (this is not bad service—it’s cultural). Even after paying, no one gets up immediately!
If you’re at a dinner with Portuguese people, don’t be in a hurry to leave. Relax, order a coffee, and enjoy the conversation!
The “Strange” Eating and Nightlife Hours
The meal times and nightlife schedules in Portugal may surprise people from countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Lunch is usually around 1 PM-2 PM (later than in many countries). Dinner rarely starts before 8 PM.
Going out before midnight? Almost impossible! Clubs only start getting full around 1 AM-2 AM. If you want to party like a true Portuguese, take a nap before going out!
Cold Houses in Winter (Even When It’s Sunny!)
If you come from a cold country, you may find it strange that Portuguese houses are so cold in winter – even in a country with a mild climate.
Many houses do not have central heating. The walls are thin and poorly insulated. Portuguese people use electric heaters, blankets, and even thick pajamas inside their homes.
In winter, be prepared to wear a jacket even inside the house!
The Mystery of Store Closing Hours
If you are used to shops staying open late (like in the US or the UK), in Portugal you will notice something strange:
– Many shops close for lunch, especially outside big cities.
– On Sundays, some shops simply do not open or close early.
– Small businesses may close “for personal reasons” without prior notice.
If you need to go shopping, do it before lunchtime or check the hours online before heading out!
Conclusion
Portugal has many unique traditions and habits that can surprise foreigners. At first, some of these things may seem strange, but over time, they become part of the experience of living or traveling in the country.
If you have already visited or live in Portugal, which of these things did you find the strangest at first? Share your experience!