Mouth Watering Selection Of The Best Authentic Portuguese Food in Sydney
Over the centuries, Portugal was influenced by many cultures, and all those are displayed in the unique flavours and cooking techniques of authentic Portuguese food. Discerning palates can detect hints of Roman, Arabic or Spanish flavours in food served in Petersham, the Portuguese quarter of Sydney, Australia.
True Portuguese food and culture
While various cultures influenced Portuguese dishes, this same cuisine was then exported to other countries around the world. It was in 1988 that a single mum with four children opened the first restaurant in Sydney, Australia, that served genuine Portuguese dishes. Known as Gloria’s Cafe, the restaurant remains the iconic eatery in Petersham.
Gloria’s serves a complete menu of Portuguese food with all the flavourings of the homeland. Chief among the menu listings are seafood dishes. Seafood is integral to the diet of Portugal, a seafaring nation with a hearty fishing industry.
Portuguese food would not be complete without salted cod
Cod is the fish most associated with Portuguese dishes because the country’s fishermen have been catching and selling it since the 15th century. However, cod is not the only fish brought home. Therefore, prawns, shrimp, octopus, lobster, squid, sea bass and anything else indigenous to the sea finds its way to the table in Portugal and Portuguese restaurants around the world. You can view the current menu here and be sure to check out the takeaway menu too.
Cooking Portuguese food can be as simple as using olive oil and white wine vinegar. However, for the true flavour of the country, other spices are used. For fire, black pepper and the small piri piri the favourites. Among the other spices that make dishes authentically Portuguese in taste are garlic, vanilla, cinnamon and saffron. Herbs such as parsley and coriander are often included in recipes for Portuguese dishes.
Sides and your main servings
Portuguese meals are made filling and satisfying by the use of many carbohydrates. Often potatoes and rice are served in the same meal. Another favourite carb, pasta is delicious with the fish and vegetable dishes traditional to Portugal.
Delightful as all these flavours are, a combination even more appealing to the average diner of Portuguese cuisine is eggs and sugar. This are the main ingredients in the iconic Portuguese tarts. As Sydney’s premiere Portuguese restaurant, Gloria’s serves a number of desserts, but her customers order more tarts than anything else.
These delectable tidbits were first made by monks in Lisbon in the 18th century, and became very popular throughout Portugal. The confection is made in a pie-like crust or puff pastry. The dessert is golden because of the egg yolks in the recipe.
Whether a diner in Sydney is longing for a traditional seafood dish in authentic Portuguese food, or craving the sweetness of a delectable tart, his yearnings can be fulfilled with a trip over to Petersham.
Why not make a reservation today. Your taste buds will love you for it. Call the number below or go to our Location and contact us page for more details.
