Culinary Backstreets Lisbon

Culinary Backstreets runs food walks in a number of cities, and its Lisbon programme focuses on the neighbourhood institutions, family businesses and immigrant kitchens that shape how the city eats. Rather than a quick tasting of famous dishes, the walks are long and immersive, built around stories of trade, migration and tradition, and they suit travellers who want to understand Lisbon through its food.

The Lisbon programme has four walks. Lisbon Awakens: A Culinary Crossroads, Reborn looks at the city's historic links with kitchens and pantries around the world through a range of dishes. Lisbon's Post-Colonial Feast is a full-day tour of central Lisbon exploring the cuisines of Portugal's former colonies, including Angolan, Goan and Brazilian food and the piri piri tradition. Hidden Flavors of the Hillside: Mouraria and Graça is an afternoon walk through two historic and multicultural neighbourhoods. Song of the Sea: Fish, Seafood and Tradition in Lisbon's Port Zone spends a day exploring fish and seafood in establishments around the port district.

Tours are run for small groups, and the booking options include open groups, private bookings, solo travellers and families with children. Dates are listed on the website with the number of places left, so it is easy to see availability and plan around your trip. Prices are per adult and reflect the length of the walks and the amount of food included, which is substantial, so it is wise to skip the meal before.

These walks are best for curious eaters who are comfortable trying unfamiliar dishes and spending several hours on foot. The full-day tours are a big commitment, so schedule them early in your stay, when you have the energy, and leave the evening free. If you have dietary restrictions, contact the company before booking, as the menus are based on the specialities of each establishment and may be hard to change.

Meeting points are sent when you book. Wear comfortable shoes, as the routes in Mouraria and Graça involve steep streets and stairs, and bring water in summer. The neighbourhood walks give a different perspective on parts of the city that many visitors only pass through on tram 28, and they often introduce places worth returning to later in the trip.