A Culinary Destination for Chefs

Portugal is a country where food, culture, and tradition are inseparable. Its history is written not just in books, but in flavors— flavors fromthe sea, the land, and generations of traditions. For chefs, Portugal offers more than just ingredients. It’s a place to find inspiration, discover unique products, and connect with traditions that make food memorable.

With the launch of Portuguese.com, we’re making it easier to explore these stories and bring the very best of Portugal to your menu.

Cheeses from the Edge of the Atlantic

Out in the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores islands are shaped by volcanic soil, ocean winds, and lush pastures. It’s here that some of Portugal’s most distinctive cheeses are made, each one carrying the character of the islands.

• Sao Miguel Cheese (PDO): Buttery and smooth, this award-winning cow’s milk cheese has a mellow richness that chefs love for boards, pairings, or adding depth to recipes. Recognized at the World Cheese Awards, it’s a standout for both quality and heritage.
• Ilha Azul Cheese: Known locally as Queijo Prato, this semi-hard cured cheese has a golden rind and a soft, aromatic flavor. It’s versatile, approachable, and beloved across Portugal—winner of the National Competition of Traditional Cheeses.

These cheeses don’t just taste good; they tell the story of a region where nature and tradition work hand in hand.

Discover our portuguese cheeses here.

The Spirit of the Alentejo

South of Lisbon, the Alentejo is known for its rolling plains, cork forests, and a slower way of life. It’s also the birthplace of Black Pig Gin, a spirit distilled in copper stills using citrus, juniper, rosemary, lavender, and elderflower grown on the coastal dunes.

The flavor is bright, herbal, and layered—perfect for creative pairings and cocktail programs. Beyond the glass, it represents the Alentejo itself: a region where respect for land and tradition produces something truly distinctive.

Discover Black Pig Gin here.

Culture That Shapes Cuisine

To cook with Portuguese ingredients is to cook with Portuguese culture. Every region has its own story, and every tradition leaves its mark on the country’s cuisine:

• The seven hills of Lisbon shape the city’s identity, from the way its trams climb steep streets to the taverns tucked into hillside alleys.
• Along the coast, the tradition of tuna fishing reflects Portugal’s deep relationship with the sea.
• The Romans left their mark with garum, the fermented fish sauce that flavored kitchens thousands of years ago and shows how Portugal’s cuisine has always been connected to the wider world.
• Beyond the kitchen, traditions like fado music and shoemaking echo the same values chefs recognize: patience, craft, and the pursuit of something lasting.

Portugal’s food is never just about ingredients—it’s about the way land, history, and culture come together on the plate.

Why Portuguese.com

For chefs, sourcing is about more than availability. It’s about finding products with integrity, flavor, and a story worth telling. With Portuguese.com, we’re creating a platform to showcase Portugal’s hidden treasures—from award-winning cheeses and distinctive spirits to the heritage and traditions that make them unique.

It’s a resource designed to inspire menus, spark new ideas, and help chefs connect with products that bring a sense of place to the table.

Discover Portugal. Discover What’s Next.

Portugal is more than a destination—it’s an experience, one you can now explore through its flavors. From Azorean cheeses to Alentejo spirits, every product carries a story that chefs can share with their guests.

Begin your journey today at Portuguese.com.

‍