Historically, Lisboners, and Portuguese people in general, are not in the habit of eating while walking; they have always enjoyed their quality time at the table in a tavern, preferably with friends or family.
Eating while walking was something almost exclusive to tourists or those in a morning rush. However, the city is changing and, with it, these types of habits, which are increasingly seen on the streets, with locals and residents surrendering to the convenience of “eating on the go.”
Whether it’s because of thegourmetquality that has reached portable formats or the desire to enjoy every minute of sunshine at the viewpoints,there is one container that has become very well known: the cone, which can often even be eaten, and which has become the new best friend of those who live in the capital.
We went to discover the best foods served—or eaten— in this type of container.
Table Of Contents
- Potato Project: the science of the perfect French fry
- Beher: the luxury of Iberian ham on the go
- Roasted chestnuts: the aroma of Lisbon's streets
- Temakis: Japan in the palm of your hand
- Artisanal ice cream: the cone that never goes out of style
- Kebab: the international classic that has conquered the neighborhoods
- Bubble Waffle: the sweet temptation
- Cornucopias: convent sweets in portable form
- Popcorn: a return to childhood
Potato Project: the science of the perfect French fry
These aren’t just French fries; they are the result of a double-frying process that ensures a crispy texture on the outside and soft on the inside. Located near the Arco da Rua Augusta, Potato Project serves generous cones where the secret lies in the homemade sauces (the garlic and herb mayonnaise is a must).
It’s the ideal snack to accompany your walk down to the Tagus River.
Beher: the luxury of Iberian ham on the go
@vleandro
Who said that high-quality ham requires a table and a cutting knife? At Beher, located in downtown Lisbon, one of the stars of the house is the “ham chips,” a cone filled with the best Iberian pork from Guijuelo, finely sliced to melt in your mouth.
It is the ultimate in gourmet convenience: quality protein to replenish your energy as you climb up to Chiado.
Roasted chestnuts: the aroma of Lisbon’s streets
Photo by @malyulka
There is nothing more authentic in Lisbon than the white smoke from the roasted chestnut carts that invade the street corners as soon as the cold weather sets in. The newspaper (or brown paper) “cone” with roasted, hot, and well-salted chestnuts is the intangible heritage of Lisbon snacking.
Look for the traditional carts using our guide.
Temakis: Japan in the palm of your hand
@noorisushi
Temaki is, technically, the “father” of modern cone food. In areas such as Cais do Sodré or Príncipe Real, several sushi places offer this option.
The crispy nori seaweed cone, filled with seasoned rice and fresh fish (such as salmon with chives or spicy tuna), is the quick and healthy meal of choice for those who live at the pace of the city. We’ve tried Noori’s temakis and loved them.
Artisanal ice cream: the cone that never goes out of style
Photo by @roman-odintsov
Lisbon is experiencing a golden age of ice cream. Whether at the iconic Santini, with its crispy cookie cones, or at Nannarella, where the ice cream is served with a generous scoop, the ice cream cone is the essential accessory for any sunny afternoon in sunny Lisbon.
And yes, of course we have a guide to the best ice cream parlors in the city.
Kebab: the international classic that has conquered the neighborhoods
@alexander-mils
It’s impossible to talk about finger food without mentioning kebabs. Whether in Dürüm format (rolled in flatbread) or in the traditional pita bread cone, this is the option of choice for a complete and quick meal.
From Martim Moniz to more cosmopolitan areas such as Avenidas Novas, veal or chicken kebab with yogurt and harissa sauce is now a staple of Lisbon’s urban diet. Don’t miss out and follow our guide to the best spots.
Bubble Waffle: the sweet temptation
@bubble.time.portugal
For sugar lovers, Bubble Waffle (with its fluffy bubble shape rolled into a cone) allows you to combine ice cream, fruit, and toppings in a single visually appealing treat.
A regular feature at popular fairs, they have gained modern versions in cones, making it easier to eat hot chocolate without getting dirty, such as those you can try at one of the best-known establishments, Bubble Time.
Cornucopias: convent sweets in portable form
@alcoa_pastelaria
If you are a fan of the most indulgent convent sweets, Cornucópias are the answer. This convent sweet, made from thin, fried dough in the shape of a cone and filled with a rich egg and almond cream, proves that the concept of “eating in a cone” existed long before social media.
You can find them in traditional bakeries such as Pastelaria Alcoa, in Chiado.
Popcorn: a return to childhood
@meg-boulden
If you’re strolling through Parque das Nações or Jardim da Estrela, the popcorn kiosks (sweet or salty) serving popcorn in classic paper cones remain a transgenerational favorite. They’re simple, light, and purely nostalgic .
Lisbon is eaten with your hands, in a hurry to see everything, but with the time necessary to appreciate each flavor. Which of these cones will you choose for your next walk?
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