Skip to Content

Why are Belgian beers winning hearts in Portugal?

August 6, 2025 by
Louis Van Houtte

A world of taste for the curious

Portugal has always loved its beers—with Sagres and Super Bock topping the charts. But over the past few years, something is changing: Belgian beers are finding their way into more bars, cafés, and restaurant tables, and Portuguese beer lovers are smitten. At O Pequeno Belga, we see this magic happen daily—and here’s what we think is behind it.

Stunning diversity of Belgian beers

Belgium is the land of beer variety! Where Portugal leans mostly on light lagers, Belgium brings an explosion of flavors: Trappist brews, abbey ales, lambics, wheat beers, saisons, fruit beers… every bottle feels like an adventure. 

Portuguese consumers are thrilled by the endless options and unique aromas—banana, citrus, spice, toasted malt, and more. For anyone who wants to try something outside the box, Belgian beers are the gateway.

Artisanal, authentic, and full of quality

In Belgium, brewing is all about tradition—old recipes, small-batch craftsmanship, and total respect for the process. This authenticity is easy to taste. Portuguese beer drinkers, increasingly focused on quality and real taste experiences, are drawn to this difference.

Portugal’s booming craft beer scene

The local scene is changing fast! Microbreweries are popping up, and people are eager to discover IPAs, Stouts, Pale Ales… In this spirit of exploration, Belgian beers offer a benchmark and inspiration. Often, they’re a first step for curious drinkers ready to break out of the ordinary.

Spaces that celebrate beer

Specialist bars—like Lisbon’s famous Delirium Café—and restaurants like ours in Lourinhã make it easy to discover this world of Belgian brewing tradition. These are places to taste, to compare, to fall in love with new styles, and above all to share great moments.

Perfect pairings with Portuguese cuisine

One more thing: the complexity of Belgian beers means you can pair them brilliantly with classic Portuguese food—think a rich dubbel with hearty dishes, a crisp witbier with marisco, or fruit beers alongside pastel de nata.

In a nutshell

Belgian beers are winning hearts because they’re real, rich in history, and a joy to explore. At O Pequeno Belga, we love sharing this journey with every glass!

Descubra mais na nossa carta de cervejas

Our Belgian artisanal coffees: a secret of taste to share