Museu do Oriente

Europe meets Asia. Ethnologically and artistically. Great food!

Portuguese were the first Europeans in Japan, possibly introducing firearms there (not really). Even before that, conquerors, missionaries, and traders ventured into the Far East, establishing temporary footholds — and certainly not culturally superior. The museum focuses on Portuguese presence in Asia, primarily showcasing art: artisanal, sacred, and martial. It’s impressive even without a guide, but for a meaningful tour, early registration is recommended.

For example, there are plenty of connections between culinary styles. Tempura is a Portuguese invention, just like Vindaloo. The accompanying café-restaurant is truly excellent; you can book the menu with admission in various versions, and on weekends, there’s a top-notch brunch. It’s perhaps Lisbon’s best combination of satisfying both mind and stomach.