What to buy
| Product | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sardines in olive oil | The classic, for everyone | Look for "sardinhas" tins in olive oil |
| Vintage sardines | Enthusiasts | Tins dated with a fishing year, pricier |
| Tuna, mackerel | A change from sardines | Meatier, good on bread |
| Cod, octopus, eel | The curious | Higher-end products |
Long-established Portuguese brands such as Ramirez, Tricana, Minerva, Nuri or Comur are sold in tinned-fish shops. Read the label: fish, oil or sauce, weight and fishing origin.
Where to look
Tinned-fish shops are mostly around the Ribeira, Rua das Flores and Rua Mouzinho da Silveira, and around the Baixa. Look for windows full of colourful tins and delicatessens. For fresh local products, also see Porto's markets and the Bolhão market. For more ideas, read souvenirs from Portugal.
Taking them home by plane
Tins in oil or sauce count as liquids: pack them in your checked bag, wrapped in clothing. In the cabin, security rules limit the amount of pastes and liquids. Check your airline's policy and your destination country's customs rules. A food tour lets you taste before you buy: see cod dishes in Porto.
FAQ
Are tins allowed in hand luggage?
They are treated as liquids: pack them in your checked bag.
Which brand should I pick?
Established brands (Ramirez, Tricana, Minerva, Nuri, Comur); taste first if you can.
Where do I buy in Porto?
In specialist shops around the Ribeira and the centre.
La rédaction Porto Authority, October 2026.
