Joana and João live in Seixal old town, a beautiful coastal city south of Lisbon with loads of history and culture. They love to cook and experiment in the kitchen and are passionate about sustainability - they mostly cook vegan and vegetarian dishes at home. Joana and João even have a cooking robot for company as they try new recipes and create unique dishes. They are mostly vegetarian or vegan at home but occasionally cook fish because a few traditional Portuguese dishes require it and it is available in abundance. They love meeting new people, hosting friends and family and are excited to share their love for food and cooking with travelers curious to try a home cooked Portuguese meal in Lisbon! When we asked them why they would like to be Traveling Spoon hosts, they said, "For pure joy. We love hanging out and cooking. Joining these two worlds seems magnificent to us."
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal:
(1-4 guests)
Discover the charm of Seixal, a picturesque waterfront town across the Tagus River from Lisbon, before enjoying an authentic Portuguese meal in the home of local hosts Joana and João.
Your private experience begins when you meet Joana and João at the Seixal ferry terminal or train station. From there, enjoy a leisurely 20–40-minute guided walk through Seixal’s historic old town, discovering its local culture, history, and everyday life. Stroll along the scenic waterfront, where you may spot birds, crabs, and local fishermen mending their nets. Pass landmarks including a historic cork factory, the parish church, and a beautiful park overlooking Seixal Bay. Depending on the time of day, you may even catch a spectacular sunset over the water.
After your walk, arrive at Joana and João’s apartment for a private, home-cooked Portuguese dining experience. Enjoy a creative menu inspired by traditional Portuguese cuisine, featuring vegetarian and pescatarian dishes such as baked cod with chickpeas, vegetarian rojões à minhota, and Portuguese brás-style tofu, followed by a homemade dessert such as cheesecake.
As you share a meal with your hosts, hear stories about Seixal’s history, Portuguese food traditions, and everyday life in this charming riverside town. This intimate local experience combines a scenic walking tour with an authentic Portuguese home dining experience, offering a unique glimpse into life beyond Lisbon’s tourist neighborhoods.
Notes:
1. Your hosts will either pick you up from the Fogueteiro train station or the Seixal ferry terminal, so please let them know in advance how you will be arriving from Lisbon to Seixal.
2. Joana and João can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets on request, so please let them know in advance while booking your experience.
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
This was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip. We took the ferry from Lisbon across the river (stunning view!!) and were warmly picked up by our João, who shared a bit about the local picturesque village on the way. Joana and João were very warm people, kind, welcoming and we had a lot of fun — we felt like we found new friends in Lisbon. The homemade Portuguese meal was super delicious and prepared with love, one could tell. We enjoyed not just the food, but also the conversations about culture, politics, and life in Portugal. If you're looking for something authentic, warm, and off the beaten path, make sure to visit Joana and João.- Mida August 07, 2025
Traveling Spoon © 2026. All Rights Reserved
Terms | Privacy Policy | Annual Report | Copyright | Blog