Portuguese cuisine is based on the healthy Mediterranean diet and is characterized by full-flavoured and well seasoned dishes. The diversity of spices shows the large influence of Portugal's former colonial possessions, through the use of cinnamon, saffron and vanilla, as well as piri piri (small, fiery chilli peppers).

Olive oil is one of the bases of Portuguese cuisine both for cooking and flavouring meals. Garlic is widely used, as are herbs such as coriander and parsley.