The southern border of Portugal touches on the Mediterranean from whence garlic and pasta were introduced. Still, Portugal has accepted these influences in its own way. Portuguese cuisine is a hearty fare, originally prepared to satisfy hard working peasants. Later, it was slightly refined for all the classes and the foreign visitors. The countries position in the Atlantic Ocean is reflected in her cuisine which features a vast if not confusing assortment of fish dishes including salt dried cod.
Pork is the most popular meat stemming from the countries shortage of sizable pastures.
A wide variety of tantalizing spices are used in Portuguese dishes, even touches of curry.