About this experience
A private and authentic Portuguese meal in a local Almada home with your host Paula. A perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. Born to a Goan family who has lived in Goa, Mozambique and Portugal, Paula is a true reflection of the cultural diversity embedded in Portuguese cuisine. Paula’s love of food and cooking started from a young age, and food brought her family together early and often. One night they might eat Portuguese home-cooking while the next night her mother would make Goan samosas from scratch. Her mother, an artist in the kitchen, would constantly invite people into their homes (Paula remembers when she was at school she would come home to find her mother had invited the entire teaching staff over for a meal). Paula is a true artist with food, and she welcomes you into her home to share a Portuguese meal with international influence that will help you to truly understand Portuguese-Goan culture.
Paula has a dog and a cat.
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr 30 min
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Portuguese wine
- Private dining experience with your host Paula
Itinerary and highlights
This is a unique opportunity to visit the home of a local and explore traditional culture and cuisine. Your experience will take place in Almada, just a short 7-minute ferry ride from downtown Lisbon. Paula will meet you at the ferry and take you on a lovely 10-minute walk through the center of town to her apartment. Start your meal with a welcome drink of some Portuguese wines that come from a 200-year old winery in the Alentejo region of the country’s south (If you are traveling to the south and are interested in visiting the vineyard and its award-winning underground winery let Paula know and she can provide recommendations!). Enjoy some appetizers which will highlight traditional Portuguese cuisine as well as Goan dishes influenced by the area’s Portuguese history. You might try pataniscas de bacalhau, a very traditional Portuguese cod fritter, along with Goan gram flour fritters, while Paula describes the dishes’ intertwined history. Then sit down to a family-style meal that you will enjoy with Paula along with her elderly father who lives with her. End your meal with a sweet dessert and coffee or tea.
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- Meet your host Paula at Da Cacilhas, a red kiosk located by the ferry exit in Cacilhas. Together you will walk 3-5 minutes through town to get to her apartment. Exact details can be found in the "Before you go" section of your ticket.
Languages and tickets
- Portuguese — Guide
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Traveling Spoon
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
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