I have visited at least over 50 countries – it’s a known fact that I love travelling, one of my greatest joys is exploring the local cuisine. However, finding authentic vegan food that stays true to the local culture can be quite a challenge. That’s why I was thrilled to stumble upon Kong in Lisbon, a gem that masterfully combines traditional Portuguese flavours with vegan cooking.
Entrance of Kong
A Warm Welcome at Kong
From the moment you step inside Kong, you’re greeted with an inviting ambiance. The interior is a lush green haven, a perfect retreat after a day of exploring the sun-soaked streets of Lisbon.
Left: Inside of Restaurant. Right: Being welcomed by King Kong himself!
After a long day of walking around the city, we were more than ready to cool down. A large bottle of sparkling water for me and a cold Portuguese beer for my husband to start off.
Starting drinks: Sparkling water & Portuguese beer
The Entrée
We began our meal with two entrées: Croquettes and Skewers
Croquettes
We had Portuguese vegan sausage and cheese croquettes with spicy chilli sauce. ALthough the presence of sausage was aching in the croquette – anything fried already made it delicious!
Sausage and cheese croquettes — €5.50
Skewers
The vegetable skewers were another highlight. Loaded with an array of fresh veggies and herbs, they offered a perfect balance to the richness of the croquettes. I always appreciate when a dish with fake meat is complemented by a generous serving of fresh vegetables, ensuring the meal feels light yet satisfying. The sauce was also a good addition to the dish.
Vegetable Skewers — €5.90
A Portuguese Classic with a Vegan Twist
My husband is a fan of Bitoque, a traditional Portuguese steak dish. However, he’s not too keen on seitan, the common vegan substitute for meat. On the other hand, I had my heart set on trying the vegan fish dish that had been highly recommended on Happy Cow. But, knowing my husband would love the vegan Francesinha, we decided to order that instead.
Vegan Francesinha
The traditional Francesignia is a Portuguese sandwich, served with thick slices of white loaf bread with many layers. Typically made with wet-cured ham, linguiça (a Portuguese sausage), fresh sausage, steak or roast meat, and melted cheese. It is usually then taken to the oven to melt and then drenched in a rich and slightly spicy sauce.
The typical Franceshinha: filled with roast meats and cheese
Now the Francesinha at Kong did not disappoint. The sandwich was filled with Pleurotus mushrooms, organic tofu, vegan chorizo, caramelised onions, and sausage, all immersed in their signature Kong sauce. The sandwich is accompanied by a generous serving of French fries. My husband, who loves bread and chips, was especially pleased with this hearty meal.
Francesinha w/ French Fries — €12.90
Vegan Fish Dish
Next, I was eager to try the vegan fish dish that had been highly praised by many.
Nori-Wrapped Vegan Fish with Tomato and Bean Rice & Salad
This dish featured nori-wrapped vegan fish served alongside tomato and bean rice and a fresh salad. The nori added a delightful seafood flavour to the “fish,” while the tomato and bean rice was both flavorful and filling. The salad provided a fresh, crisp contrast, making the entire dish feel balanced and healthy.
Fish with Tomato and Bean Rice and Salad — €10.90
It’s no wonder everyone was raving about this dish—it’s truly a standout. Unfortunately, this menu item is no longer available, which is a real shame because it was such an amazing dish! I hope Kong brings it back soon.
Dessert and Coffee
To finish our meal, we ordered dessert and coffee. We opted for the parfait, which was nice, though it lacked the sponge or crunchy elements typically found in a parfait. I noticed that the menu now includes Tarte de Nata, a classic Portuguese custard tart, which I wish had been available when we visited.
Parfait — €4.75
A Convenient Stop After Sightseeing
Kong’s convenient location makes it a perfect stop after a day of sightseeing. We visited after exploring Belém, the birthplace of the famous Portuguese custard tart, and before heading to the nearby Pink Street. The restaurant is just a 4-minute walk from Cais do Sodré station, which is similar to Central Station in Sydney and provides direct access to the Belém district, home to landmarks like the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries or the jeronimos monastery.
Sightseeing spots to visit in Belém: Easy access from Cais do Sodré station (4min walk from Kong!)
Cais do Sodré station is also known for its proximity to Pink Street, another must-visit spot in Lisbon. Whether you’re exploring the historical sites of Belém or the vibrant nightlife of Pink Street, Kong is ideally situated for a convenient and relaxing break. It’s easily accessible from any major sightseeing area in Lisbon.
Calle Rosa de Lisboa: Pink Street in Lisbon- just 2 mins from the restaurant
Kong
Address: Rua do Corpo Santo 2, 1200-129 Lisboa, Portugal
https://www.kongvegan.com/menu
WATCH MY EXPERIENCE ON INSTAGRAM:
Want to know more? Click HERE or on the image below to watch my full experience at Kong!
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