After immersing myself in the cutting-edge discussions on AI adoption at Web Summit (Web Summit 2025: Microsoft on AI Adoption, Technology, Talent, and Trust), I needed to cool down my overheated brain. Leaving the futuristic venue behind, I headed straight for a taste of authentic Lisbon daily life.
My destination was the Centro Vasco da Gama, a massive shopping mall adjacent to Oriente Station. It’s a place I visit without fail every time I’m in Lisbon, serving as a bridge between the global tech conference and the local culture.
The mall was fully decked out for Christmas. Looking up at the massive glass atrium, neon signs spell out heartwarming words like “AMIZADE” (Friendship) and “FAMÍLIA” (Family) against the geometric steel grid. The contrast between the deep blue evening sky and the festive illuminations perfectly captured the crisp winter atmosphere of Lisbon.
Before heading back to my hotel, I had a mission: to stock up on water, beer, and souvenirs at my beloved supermarket, Continente. While boutique shops are nice, I believe the true richness of a culture is often found on the shelves of a local grocery store.
Souvenir Hunting at Continente: Lisbon’s Pantry
Located in the basement of the Vasco da Gama Shopping Mall, Continente is a hypermarket that supports the daily lives of locals. The bustling entrance, the rows of red carts, and the flying Portuguese conversations create a vibrant atmosphere that is the essence of travel. Here, you can find everything from bulk snacks to premium coffee, all condensing the “flavors of Portugal” into one accessible space.
This time, my targets were specific: coffee, gummies, and chocolate. While Portuguese wine and olive oil are tempting, I opted for lighter, travel-friendly items to avoid luggage weight issues.
Portugal is a Hidden Coffee Paradise! DELTA is a Must-Buy
Portugal has a profound coffee culture. Pastelarias (cafes) are everywhere, and locals enjoy multiple “bicas” (espressos) throughout the day. The national brand representing this culture is undoubtedly DELTA CAFÉS.
First, I grabbed a bag of Decaf for my evening relaxation. In Portuguese supermarkets, you can find a wide variety of ground coffee, beans, and capsules. This bright blue package of decaf is aromatic and performs excellently as a drip coffee back home in Japan.
Of course, I couldn’t forget the regular blends. The shelves are stocked with green bags for “BRAZIL” and yellow for “ETHIOPIA,” but for souvenirs, you want to choose the “PORTUGAL” blend or packages featuring beautiful azulejo (tile) patterns.
Specifically, the “Roast Portugal” package is a design masterpiece. The traditional azulejo pattern at the bottom instantly identifies it as a gift from Portugal. With an intensity rating of 12, it offers the robust bitterness and full body characteristic of Portuguese coffee. Getting a 220g bag for just a few euros is a steal for any coffee lover.
Colorful and Pop! The European Gummy & Candy Scene
Next, I wandered into the sweets aisle. One thing that always overwhelms me in European supermarkets is the sheer variety of gummies and candies. Walls filled from floor to ceiling with colorful packages make me feel like a kid again.
While famous brands like Haribo are available, I prefer choosing local brands from Portugal or the Iberian Peninsula.
My top recommendation is the Fruit Chewy Caramels (Caramelos sabor a Fruta) from the Portuguese manufacturer Penha. The large white bag featuring retro, adorable fruit illustrations contains 500g of sweets for only €5.80. They have a rustic, nostalgic sweetness that differs from modern candies, offering a delightful chewiness.
I also picked up some Fini sour tubes and Continente’s private label sour mix gummies. These are perfect for a sugar boost during work, and their pop appearance makes them great conversation starters when left on a desk.
Regina: The Retro-Cute Portuguese Chocolate
In the chocolate section, the classic Portuguese brand Regina is non-negotiable. While international brands like Cadbury sit nearby, for a souvenir with a story, Regina is the way to go.
What catches the eye are the fruit-flavored chocolate bars. Strawberry (Morango), Orange (Laranja), and Pineapple (Ananás) flavors are wrapped in colorful red, orange, and green packaging that screams retro charm.
I bought several multi-packs containing three 20g mini bars. The fruit illustrations on the package have a nostalgic, vintage poster vibe that is design-savvy. The taste balances the sweetness of milk chocolate with a distinct fruit aroma, making it very palatable. These are arguably the best items for distributing among friends or colleagues due to their individual wrapping and adorable looks.
For the Hotel Nightcap: The Two Giants of Portuguese Beer
To wrap up my shopping, I headed to the beer section for tonight’s hotel drink. Portugal has two major beer brands: Super Bock from the north and Sagres from the south. Both are crisp lagers that pair wonderfully with seafood and Portuguese cuisine. The best part? A 500ml can costs around €1 in supermarkets—cheaper than water in some places. I decided to buy both to conduct my own taste test tonight.
Comprehensive Guide to Portuguese Souvenirs by Theme
Based on my experience at Continente and considering what travelers often search for, here is a deep dive into choosing the perfect Portuguese souvenirs by category.
Portuguese Souvenirs for Women
If you are looking for souvenirs that will delight female friends or family, focus on “Azulejo patterns” and “Retro packaging.”
Even in a supermarket, you can find chic items. The Regina chocolates mentioned earlier are a hit because their colorful, vintage design makes them “too cute to eat.”
Beyond food, check out Portuguese soaps. In the personal care aisle, you can often find classic brands like “Ach Brito” or “Confiança.” These soaps come in beautiful paper wrappings and smell divine, serving as lovely decor for a bathroom or dresser. They are much more affordable here than in boutique souvenir shops.
Portuguese Souvenir Sweets
Portuguese sweets are characterized by a rustic, gentle sweetness. Here are three supermarket staples:
1. Regina Chocolate: The “Ananás” (Pineapple) flavor is uniquely Portuguese and makes for a great story.
2. Penha Fruit Caramels: Their soft texture and rich fruitiness are perfect for a mid-day refresh.
3. Areias: Meaning “sand,” these are crumbly butter cookies often found in the bakery section or as private label brands.
Portuguese Souvenir Ranking
Here is my personal top 3 ranking of souvenirs you can buy at Continente:
1. DELTA CAFÉS Coffee (specifically Roast Portugal)
Reason: Perfect balance of taste, price, and design (Azulejo pattern). A fail-safe gift for anyone.
2. Regina Fruit Flavored Chocolates
Reason: A brand exclusive to Portugal with adorable retro visuals. The mini-bar packs are incredibly practical for gifting.
3. Canned Fish (Conservas)
Reason: Although I skipped them this time due to weight, Portuguese canned sardines and tuna are world-class. The colorful boxes make them beautiful gifts, especially for those who enjoy a drink.
Portuguese Souvenirs from Supermarkets
Why do I recommend supermarkets so strongly? Because you can take home the authentic local lifestyle.
Airport shops offer pretty packaging but at tourist prices. Supermarkets offer the “real taste” that locals consume daily, at local prices. For instance, a Regina chocolate bar costs €1-2, and Delta coffee is around €3-4. Chains like “Continente” or “Pingo Doce” are essentially food theme parks where you can discover high-quality private label products cheaply.
Portuguese Souvenir Goods
Supermarkets aren’t just for food. They are treasure troves for general goods too.
Look out for paper napkins. Continente’s kitchenware section often stocks napkins printed with traditional tile patterns (Azulejo) or vivid florals. They are light, non-bulky, and cost only €1-2, making them excellent souvenirs.
Eco-bags are another great find. Sturdy shopping bags featuring the supermarket logo or Portuguese landmarks are practical and serve as a cool memory of your trip.
Portuguese Bulk Souvenirs (Small Gifts)
When you need gifts for the whole office, the keywords are “individually wrapped” and “quantity.”
The Regina chocolate multi-packs I bought are perfect for this. You can give the whole pack or distribute the individual bars. Penha’s fruit caramels are also a savior for large groups; a 500g bag contains many individually wrapped candies, making them hygienic and easy to share.
Portuguese Souvenir Foods
Beyond sweets, consider condiments. Piri-Piri sauce is a small bottle of hot chili sauce that instantly adds a Portuguese kick to chicken or pizza. Olive oil is another staple; look for plastic bottles or small tins for easier transport. Flor de Sal (sea salt) from the Algarve region is also available in charming cloth sacks and makes a gourmet gift.
Portuguese Souvenir Brands
Here are the essential Portuguese brands to remember when scanning the shelves:
DELTA CAFÉS: The national coffee brand.
Regina: Historic chocolate brand since 1927.
Super Bock / Sagres: The two main beer brands.
Gallo: Famous olive oil with the rooster logo.
Conclusion: Traveling Through Daily Life
Shopping at Continente in Lisbon was more than just running errands; it was a cultural immersion. Understanding what locals buy and eat deepens your connection to the country.
The contrast between touching the future of technology at Web Summit and selecting analog, heartwarming products at a local supermarket is the essence of the CityNomix travel style. When you visit Portugal, I urge you to adventure into a supermarket. It’s a treasure island where you’ll find your own favorite slice of Portugal to take home.
Official site: Continente
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