Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine and history in Lagos with Brodie’s Taste of Lagos tour, visiting five iconic spots over four hours for a memorable cultural food journey.
Brodie’s Taste of Lagos offers an engaging four-hour walking tour that takes food lovers and history enthusiasts through the heart of Lagos, Portugal. Priced with no specific cost listed, this tour is perfect for those eager to sample authentic Portuguese dishes and learn about the country’s culinary roots. The tour begins in Praca Gil Earnes, right outside the famous Dom Sebastiao statue, where an English-speaking guide with an Aussie flair welcomes participants.
The tour’s strength lies in its balanced mix of food, drink, and historical commentary. It visits five distinctive venues, each showcasing different aspects of local gastronomy and culture. The group size is limited to 10 participants, allowing for a more intimate and engaging experience. Expect to spend about four hours discovering Lagos through its flavors, stories, and sights.
The first stop is Mercado Central, a century-old market that serves as a lively hub for local produce and goods. Here, Maria, a passionate market vendor, introduces visitors to cheeses, olive oils, spicy piri piri, canned tuna and mackerel, as well as marmalade. This stop offers a taste of everyday Portuguese life as well as a glass of Port wine, emphasizing Portugal’s long-standing tradition of wine-making.
The Mercado provides an authentic atmosphere and a chance to appreciate the freshness and variety of local ingredients. Visitors learn about the significance of these products, their connection to Portugal’s history, and how they continue to influence the country’s cuisine today.
Next, the tour moves to Ala do Castelo, renowned for its Cataplana, a seafood stew prepared in a traditional copper dish. This family-style feast features prawns, mussels, clams, and monkfish simmered in a tomato-and-potato broth, served with garlic toast. The sangria jug accompanying the dish adds a refreshing touch, making it a true taste of Portuguese seaside cuisine.
This stop highlights Portugal’s seafood-rich diet, with the Cataplana standing out as a signature dish. The guide explains the cultural significance of seafood in Lagos and how local ingredients are transformed into hearty, flavorful stews.
The third stop is Mr Toast, a cozy café famous for its pasteis de bacalhau—award-winning codfish cakes recently recognized as finalists in the 7 Wonders of Portuguese Gastronomy. These crispy, flavorful treats are best enjoyed with a cold imperial beer, combining textures and tastes that showcase Portugal’s famous codfish dishes.
The guide shares stories behind the bacalhau tradition, explaining its importance to Portuguese cuisine, and how simple ingredients can produce extraordinary flavors. Visitors appreciate the perfectly crispy texture and the authenticity of this local delicacy.
More Great Tours NearbyThe tour’s focus shifts to Portuguese grilled fish at Moinho Bar & Grill, with options depending on the season. During sardine season (May–August), smoky grilled sardines are the highlight, offering a quintessential Lisbon-style experience. Outside these months, Dourada (Golden Sea Bream) or Robalo (Sea Bass) are the options.
This stop emphasizes Portugal’s renowned fish-grilling techniques and the importance of freshness in seafood cuisine. Alongside the fish, Portuguese couvert—including bread, olives, pâtés, and marinated carrots—complements the meal. A glass of Vinho Verde, Portugal’s lightly sparkling white wine, pairs beautifully with the grilled fish, adding a fizzy, fruity note to the experience.
The tour’s final stop is Sudoeste Cafe, where a full espresso (BICA cheia), Maciera (Portuguese brandy), and Pastel de Nata await. Recognized as the Best Pastry on Earth by TasteAtlas, the Pastel de Nata is a legendary custard tart that’s hard to resist.
Here, the guide discusses the history of Portugal’s most famous pastry and its worldwide popularity. This sweet ending leaves participants with a lasting impression of Portugal’s dessert craftsmanship, and the chance to savor the creamy custard and flaky pastry that have become international symbols of Portuguese baking.
This small-group tour departs from Praca Gil Earnes, specifically outside the Dom Sebastiao statue. The meeting point is easy to find: look for a tall blonde guide wearing a blue Vagabundo Travel singlet. The experience offers flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Participants should note that the tour is not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, children under 15, pregnant women, or individuals with food allergies. The focus on seafood and alcohol means it’s best suited for those comfortable with these foods and drinks.
The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who brings a friendly, humorous approach to storytelling. The combination of culinary tastings, local history, and personal anecdotes creates a relaxed and informative atmosphere. The limited group size of 10 ensures an engaging experience with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and connect with others.
With a provider rating of 4.8, this experience is highly rated, reflecting its quality and popularity among visitors seeking an authentic taste of Lagos. The paced itinerary allows enough time at each stop to enjoy food without feeling rushed, yet keeps the day lively and varied.
This tour is ideal for food lovers eager to explore Portuguese cuisine in a casual setting, as well as history buffs interested in Lagos’s cultural background. It’s perfect for those comfortable with seafood and alcohol, and who want a small, intimate group experience.
Travelers looking for a fun, educational, and delicious way to discover Lagos will find this tour a rewarding choice. However, it’s less suited for vegetarians, vegans, or those with specific food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Brodie’s Taste of Lagos offers a well-rounded glimpse into the flavors and stories that define this vibrant city. The five stops showcase traditional dishes, local ingredients, and Portuguese beverages, all guided by a personable host with a clear passion for Lagos.
While the tour’s focus on seafood and alcohol might limit some, those who enjoy these will find delicious food, engaging stories, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s a great way to spend four hours walking through Lagos’s streets, tasting its best, and uncovering its culinary secrets.
For anyone wanting an authentic, immersive food experience with a side of history, Brodie’s Taste of Lagos delivers exactly that—with warmth, humor, and genuine flavor.
Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, the tour is only suitable for those who enjoy seafood and don’t mind alcohol, as it does not cater to vegetarians or vegans.
How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours.
Where does the tour start?
It begins in Praca Gil Earnes, outside the Dom Sebastiao statue; look for a tall blonde guide in a blue Vagabundo Travel singlet.
What food and drinks are included?
Participants taste a variety of cheeses, olive oils, seafood, pastries, and drinks including Port wine, sangria, Vinho Verde, espresso, and brandy.
Is the tour accessible for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 15.
Can I cancel the reservation easily?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there is an option to reserve now and pay later.