We visited Union Portugal in Lisbon and had what we think is Lisbon’s best Bifana. If you’re visiting Lisbon this is our must-try food spot - we visit a lot of places and only the top recommendations make the list on our blog, this place is worth it.
Bifana’s are a traditional Portuguese sandwich featuring thinly sliced pork that's been marinated in garlic, white wine, and paprika, then slow-cooked until incredibly tender. The meat is piled onto a soft Portuguese roll (papo-seco) and often topped with a drizzle of the flavorful cooking juices. At Union, they've perfected this classic dish with generous portions of melt-in-your-mouth pork and just the right balance of spices, but also add a secret spicy sauce which took this to the next level.
The history of the bifana dates back to the 19th century in Vendas Novas, a small town in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Originally created as a quick, affordable meal for workers and travelers, the bifana quickly became a beloved staple across the country. Today, it remains one of Portugal's most iconic street foods, with each region adding its own local twist to the recipe.