Lisbon has developed a route to honor and highlight the African heritage that has a strong presence in the destination. Portugal was one of the world's leading maritime powers and the first European country to establish itself in Africa. There were numerous colonies dominated by the Portuguese empire, some of the most important were Cape Verde, Portuguese Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, Angola and Mozambique, which was renamed Portuguese East Africa.
Today, the African culture stands out and blends in, permeating the entire city of Lisbon. The influence of Africa can be seen throughout its culture, gastronomy and to the rhythm of its music and traditional dances. Lisbon commemorates Africa by highlighting the heritage and signs of the African presence. (video)
The traditional African cuisine has a special place within Lisbon's wide variety of gastronomy. Ancestral dishes prepared as rituals, distinctive flavors and exotic preparations honor the history and vast African culture present in Europe. Tasting African food in Lisbon is an appetizing journey of intense aromas, ancestral techniques, and fascinating flavors. Throughout Lisbon, different communities offer traditional dishes in an authentic atmosphere where music and dancing are enjoyed with every bite.
Visitors will also find the best Mozambican delicacies in Zambeze, Espelho d'Água or Ibo, where they can enjoy samosas, prawns, or crab curry. Experience the dishes of Cape Verde and visit Associação Caboverdeana to taste the incredible delicacies of cachupa, chicken and peanut, tuna empanada and homemade punch. The Angolan culture is also present in Lisbon, and travelers who wish to taste the top muamba in town, a dish made of chicken or hen with a stew of tomatoes, onions, salt, garlic, pumpkin, lemon juice and the classic palm oil, should visit Casa de Angola, a restaurant and cultural venue that also serves other dishes such as funge and calulu.
In addition to gastronomy, travelers can experience African culture and history by visiting popular points of interest such as African nightclubs, which connect African culture and community. This venue breathes African dance and live music, and the rhythms of Kizomba, Funaná and Coladeira are the highlights amidst many others.
Street Art aficionados can view the MOVART project, which was established in 2015 with a goal to build awareness of contemporary art created in Africa and by African and Lusophone artists or admire graffiti on the facades of buildings at Quinta do Mocho.
For more information, ideas and inspiration on visiting Lisbon, please go to www.visitlisboa.com
