Empada

The empada is a small, round pastry pie with a buttery shortcrust shell encasing a savoury filling, most traditionally galinha (chicken) seasoned with a creamy béchamel-like sauce. The pies are baked until golden and served warm or at room temperature in pastelarias and snack bars across Portugal.

Empadas are a fixture of Portuguese snack culture, eaten as a quick lunch, afternoon snack, or party food. While chicken is the classic filling, variations include veal, fish, and seafood. The best empadas have an impossibly tender, crumbly pastry that contrasts with the rich, savoury filling. They represent Portuguese baking at its most comforting and portable.