Jan/120
Get Booking Albufeira Hotels and Experience Portugal’s Culinary Delights
When it comes to Portuguese food, not a lot of familiar dishes come to mind. In fact, does anything come to mind? Let's face it; for many of us, our only experience with the cuisine of Portugal is the piri-piri chicken at Nandos. Not that there's anything wrong with Nandos, but it's disappointing, given how many great dishes the country has developed. One of the best ways to enjoy the cuisine is to go to Portugal. Get booking Albufeira hotels and let your tastebuds explore!
You'll find Albufeira on the southern coast of the Algarve, where small villages mix with beaches and enjoy a quiet life on the edge of the ocean. Lazy days suit lazy activities, such as golf, and many keen golfers head here to enjoy the three golf courses and laid back pace. This is not the place to go if you want hustle and bustle - that's the beauty of Albufeira. In fact, this laid back pace of life also extends to other popular pastimes, such as cooking. Good news for anyone who is keen on a good meal.
Portuguese food is a little like Mediterranean food but with extra spice and zest. Piri-piri is just one of its many spices, and one many people know of. From Portugal's basic continental-style breakfasts through to late three-course dinners, eating here is different, but as laid back as the rest of the lifestyle here. Most hotels will be able to serve you earlier but if there's no rush, why not join the locals in their daily timetable? Whenever and whatever you choose to eat, be sure to try the favourite national dish, bacalhau, which is salted cod.
As a historical seafaring nation, it's not surprising that fish features heavily on the national menu. Seafood is grilled, poached, stewed, roasted, fried and deep-fried. Cod, in particular, is prominent. Simplicity is the key here: the local love of freshness, straight-from-the-sea, truly characterises the food served at *hotels in Portugal*.
Portugal is all about spice and vigour, both in its culture and on the dinner table. While it's a shame that our general familiarity with Portuguese food is so poor, it's easy to rectify it with a great trip away to the country itself. Certainly if you travel there you will not be bored, but neither will your tastebuds.
Claire Collins is a travel writer, sharing her favourite places, hotels and restaurants. If you're looking for hotels in Portugal then check out the great selection offered by Hotels4U.