entradas

§ What does 'entradas' mean?

If you're sitting down for a meal in Portugal, or at a Portuguese restaurant anywhere in the world, one of the first words you'll encounter on the menu is likely to be entradas. This word is crucial for anyone who enjoys good food, and let's face it, who doesn't love a good appetizer?

DEFINITION

Small dishes served before the main course; appetizers or starters.

In simple terms, entradas are the small plates you eat before your main meal. Think of them as the Portuguese equivalent of appetizers, starters, or even tapas in Spain. They're designed to whet your appetite and often come in various forms, from simple bread and olives to more elaborate seafood or meat dishes.

§ When do people use 'entradas'?

You'll encounter entradas almost exclusively in restaurant settings or when dining out. It's a standard section on almost every Portuguese menu, whether you're at a fancy restaurant, a casual tasca, or a seafood specialist. When you sit down, a waiter will usually present you with a menu, and often, small dishes will already be on your table. These are often entradas.

It's important to know that in many Portuguese restaurants, if dishes are placed on your table before you order, they are usually *not* complimentary. You'll be charged for anything you eat from this selection. If you don't want them, simply tell the waiter to take them away. Don't feel rude; it's a common practice. If you do want them, enjoy! They are usually delicious.

§ Common Types of 'Entradas'

The variety of entradas can be vast, but some are very common across Portugal. Knowing a few of these will help you navigate a menu like a pro:

• Pão e Manteiga: (Bread and Butter) This is almost always offered. The bread is often fresh and crusty, and the butter can sometimes be a special flavored butter.

• Azeitonas: (Olives) Portuguese olives are fantastic and often served as a simple, salty starter.

• Queijo: (Cheese) A small plate of local cheese, often sheep or goat cheese, is a popular choice. Sometimes it's a fresh, soft cheese called queijo fresco.

• Patés: (Pâtés) Fish pâtés, especially tuna or sardine, are very common and served with toast or crackers.

• Salada de Polvo: (Octopus Salad) A refreshing cold salad with tender octopus, onions, bell peppers, and olive oil.

• Presunto ou Chouriço: (Cured Ham or Sausage) Slices of delicious cured meats are excellent for sharing.

§ How to order 'entradas' (or decline them)

When the waiter brings the entradas to your table, you have a few options. If you want to accept them, you don't need to do anything; just start eating. If you want to be polite and ask for them, you can say something like:

If you don't want them, which is perfectly fine and common, you can politely say:

Or, to be a bit more explicit:

Understanding entradas is a key step in enjoying the full Portuguese dining experience. They're a fantastic way to sample different local flavors and extend the pleasure of your meal. So, next time you're in a Portuguese restaurant, don't hesitate to explore the entradas section!

§ Understanding "Entradas"

The word entradas in Portuguese refers to appetizers or starters – the small dishes you eat before the main meal. It's a fairly straightforward concept, but there are a few common pitfalls English speakers often encounter.

DEFINITION

Small dishes served before the main course; appetizers or starters.

§ Mistake 1: Confusing "Entradas" with "Tickets" or "Admission"

This is perhaps the most common mistake. In other contexts, particularly when talking about events, shows, or even property, the word entrada (singular) can mean 'ticket' or 'admission.' However, when you're in a restaurant setting, entradas almost exclusively means appetizers.

§ Mistake 2: Using "Aperitivos" exclusively

While aperitivos is also a valid word for appetizers in Portuguese, entradas is much more common, especially on restaurant menus. You'll sound more natural and authentic using entradas when referring to the first course of a meal.

§ Mistake 3: Over-translating from English "Entree"

In American English, 'entrée' often refers to the main course. However, this is a false cognate. The Portuguese entradas refers to starters, not the main dish. The main course in Portuguese is usually called 'prato principal'.

§ Key Takeaways for Using "Entradas"

• Always consider the context. In a restaurant, entradas means appetizers.

• Use entradas as your go-to word for appetizers on a menu.

• Don't confuse it with the English 'entrée' (main course).

§ What are 'entradas'?

When you sit down at a restaurant in Portugal or Brazil, you'll often see "entradas" on the menu. This word refers to the small dishes served before the main course. Think of them as appetizers or starters. They're meant to whet your appetite, not fill you up entirely.

DEFINITION

Small dishes served before the main course; appetizers or starters.

§ Common 'entradas' in Portuguese-speaking countries

In Portugal, common entradas might include a small plate of olives, some bread with butter or sardine paste, or perhaps some presunto (cured ham). In Brazil, you might find pão de queijo (cheese bread), pastéis (small fried pastries), or bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish cakes). These vary greatly by region, but the concept remains the same: small, flavorful bites to start your meal.

§ Using 'entradas' in context

When you're at a restaurant, you'll hear and use "entradas" quite often. It's a standard menu section. You can ask for the menu of starters, or specifically order some. It's a very practical word to know for dining out.

§ 'Entradas' vs. 'aperitivos' vs. 'petiscos'

While "entradas" is widely understood, you might also hear other words that refer to small bites. It's good to know the subtle differences:

• Entradas: This is the most formal and common term for starters or appetizers served in a restaurant before the main meal. It's what you'll typically see on a menu under that specific section. It implies a course that precedes the main course.
• Aperitivos: This word is closer to the English "aperitifs." While it can sometimes refer to small snacks, it often means the drink you have before a meal to stimulate the appetite. For example, a glass of wine or a pre-dinner cocktail. If someone says "Vamos tomar uns aperitivos?" they're usually suggesting drinks and maybe some very light snacks, not a full starter course.
• Petiscos: This term is very popular in Portugal and refers to small, savory dishes, often shared among friends, that can be eaten at any time, often with drinks. Think of them like Spanish tapas. They can be more substantial than typical "entradas" and are not necessarily tied to being a pre-meal course. You might go to a "casa de petiscos" specifically to eat these small plates as your entire meal. Examples include croquettes, fried cuttlefish, or different kinds of cured meats and cheeses. In Brazil, the equivalent might be "tira-gostos" or "salgadinhos."

So, when should you use which word?

• Use entradas when you are specifically talking about the first course in a sit-down meal at a restaurant.
• Use aperitivos when referring to pre-dinner drinks, possibly with very light snacks.
• Use petiscos (or tira-gostos/salgadinhos in Brazil) when talking about small, shareable, informal savory dishes, often enjoyed with drinks, that can be a meal in themselves or a casual snack.