Top 5 Setubal District Food: A Delicious Guide

Setubal, that scenic district south of Lisbon, it’s almost like a bit of a secret foodie paradise waiting to be uncovered, you know? I mean, it’s certainly not as overrun with tourists as some other Portuguese regions are, which actually just means you get a more authentic taste of the local cuisine, at the end of the day. Think super- fresh seafood, flavorful cheeses, plus some pretty darn good wines, basically. If you find yourself wandering around this beautiful part of Portugal, honestly, you have to make time to try some of these delicious offerings. You will be more than happy you did.

You know, these aren’t really just any old recommendations, you know, these are places I’ve visited, flavors I’ve personally savored, too. They’re honestly like snapshots of my time spent soaking in that wonderfully relaxed Portuguese way of life. So, it’s not really a straightforward food guide; it’s very much like a compilation of fond memories tied together with some darn tasty bites, very. Come with me, and perhaps we can, like, take a closer peek into this delightful, scrumptious section of Portugal.

1. Choco Frito: Setúbal’s Claim to Fame

Right, so you just can’t talk about food, in Setúbal, without bringing up choco frito, I think, right? It’s essentially fried cuttlefish, yet it’s more than just a simple seafood dish; it’s quite like a cultural emblem around there. Honestly, what makes Setúbal’s choco frito stand out from all the others, you know, it’s this: that it’s incredibly fresh, often caught the same day it is cooked. I mean, that does really make a difference, in fact!

The trick, very much like they do it, is how they get it amazingly crispy on the outside, and almost perfectly tender on the inside, I think. They’re not wrong when they season it too, and they keep it oh so very simple – with salt, pepper and a spritz of lemon – which honestly really allows the natural flavors of the cuttlefish to just truly shine through. It is that simple.

Basically, some of the best places to try this are the local tascas (you know, the small eateries) around the docks. These restaurants usually offer super fresh choco frito, typically served with, maybe, some fries or a simple salad. It’s such a great and casual bite, best shared with friends, really! You should experience that kind of comradery!

Read our full review: Choco Frito Setubal Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Choco Frito in Setubal)

2. Queijo de Azeitão: A Creamy Delight

Let’s see, moving away from the ocean and inland, a little, right? Then you stumble upon Queijo de Azeitão, basically, a protected cheese, too, that’s basically made in that specific region. Right, what kind of experience are you in for when you sample some? Well, it’s, like, a creamy, almost buttery cheese made from sheep’s milk, alright?

Like, what makes it different is very much that it is coagulated using thistle-flower extract. I did not know that, very! This provides the cheese, really, with that distinctive slightly bitter aftertaste which only complements the richness very nicely. Most locals around there serve it with bread or crackers so that the cheese flavor just lingers after every single bite, seriously!

There are a few places in Azeitão where you might be able to taste it. Maybe visit some local cheese factories to actually see how it’s made? It could be educational, but you can have some snacks, like. Otherwise, a specialty cheese shop should allow for sample tastings! It really does give, very, quite an insight to what locals like.

Read our full review: Queijo de Azeitão Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Queijo de Azeitão Tasting)

3. Moscatel de Setúbal: A Sweet Elixir

Now, it’s quite right to wash all that delicious food down with a great local wine, eh? So Moscatel de Setúbal comes into play, really. It’s one, a very delicious, fortified wine that almost only comes from that region. People know how well it does after all.

Its grape, what can one tell about it? Usually the grapes get fortified with grape spirit during fermentation, like it’s almost a winemaking process! After it ferments, the result? That intense aroma and sweetness! It is truly that delicious. Normally tasting notes often say orange peel, honey, and caramel, which are not wrong to suggest since this taste combination does make for quite a treat!

As far as when to pair it, really, it should pair very well after a meal alongside that dessert course! You could probably drink this type of drink anytime but honestly, that is its niche purpose. You should also look around the wineries too around there if you want the full drinking experience from local vintners!

Read our full review: Moscatel de Setúbal Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Moscatel de Setúbal)

4. Arroz de Marisco: Seafood Rice

Portugal and its great history, very similar to Spain, does amazing rice! It also likes to serve with, you know, like a little brother would copy, haha. But seriously, *arroz de marisco* could probably just be a great Portuguese interpretation of paella anyway! Usually local restaurants prepare with different fresh seafood – shrimps, clams, mussels – all cooked in a flavorful tomato-based broth with that perfect touch of herbs.

And the most critical point – very importantly the rice, absorbs every kind of flavor, every spice. With the rice, every grain puffs a tiny juicy bit of seawater at your face with every single bite! Locals generally suggest people eat from one, big, sharing pot – because apparently that makes it extra yummy! One usually wants this prepared nice and wet – far different than that Spanish cousin paella – giving it this stew-like rice broth and the warmth only found in very rustic places. This place is pretty top tier and should be found and tested when in Setubal District.

Read our full review: Arroz de Marisco Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Arroz de Marisco in Portugal)

5. Sardinhas Assadas: Grilled Sardines

Sardines don’t smell, at first, really, so what better than smelling fish for 15 minutes and the reward be these grilled ones right off that grill, eh? Locals eat these especially, and honestly religiously so, during their summer festivals but basically many people who enjoy it may ask, is that a requirement to eat or a hard time to source sardines? Well thankfully, Setúbal, obviously has tons of seafood options everywhere! These super tiny guys get basically flame kissed with just a tiny bit sprinkling of coarse salt – very Portuguese, is that the food keeps itself in a basic presentation. What flavors develop!

These oily-based flavors don’t only satisfy taste buds though: the flavor and protein here? They will actually contribute much too! Locals usually plop a sardine over bread so the salty taste kind of just sinks on in that bread so it absorbs all those charred flavors while simultaneously just tasting the salty ocean at play with you! Many coastal restaurants are around – they typically grill sardines outside to try getting you to notice. I tell you, one, follow their lead – they may know just what they are doing.

Read our full review: Sardinhas Assadas Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sardinhas Assadas Locations)