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Portuguese in Stockwell

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Portuguese in Stockwell

A certain stretch of South Lambeth Road in South London is known locally as 'little Portugal' for the plethora of Portuguese restaurants that have made their home there in the last 20 years.

In the 1980s much of Stockwell was known for high crime rates. But for newly arrived Portuguese immigrants, the area offered low rent. The local authority encouraged the bourgeoning restaurant scene as an antidote to the area's dangerous side. Now almost 30,000 Portuguese speakers call Stockwell their home. Lively tapas bars fill the streets with the sounds of karaoke and TV football matches blasting out onto the pavement tables. If you're down that way, soak up the atmosphere with a cold glass of Sagres and a custard pastry—or two.
Lia

Lia

Lia Baiao came to Britain 11 years ago from Batalaha, a southern region of Portugal. She lives near Stockwell with her family. "When Portuguese people come to London they head straight to Stockwell as the community is so supportive and close," she says. "We love to eat out and try things we would never cook at home." Lila was proud to showcase her home cooking on the show. Try her custard tarts, pastel de nata and bacalhau salt cod dish.
Portuguese cuisine

Portuguese cuisine

As Portugal is bordered on two sides by Spain and two sides by water, both influence the cuisine. Spanish dishes such as paella and fresh seafood feature regularly on the menu. The history of Portugal's former colonial possessions is also influential in the wide variety of spices used. These include piri piri chilli as well as cinnamon, vanilla and saffron. Find out more.
 
 

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