9 Kitchen Gifts From Portugal, With Love

To commemorate our very own David Leite turning 60 today, we asked him for some of his favorite Portuguese things. In his generous spirit of sharing, he talked us through why he loves each item. Perhaps you’ll not only wish him a happy, happy day but bring a little Portugal home.

Do the wave at dinner

Can’t get to Portugal’s riviera–the Algarve–right now? (Who can?!) You can still entertain as if you have a magnificent veranda overlooking the Atlantic with this iridescent blue wave stoneware ceramic dinner plate. Pastéis de bacalhau, anyone?

Costa Nova Oval Dinner Plate, $35 on Amazon.com

A bit of Portuguesa in every corner

Made in the Portugal, these are thrown by hand on a potter’s wheel and hand-painted. The blue and white floral motif, a traditional color combo, screams Portuguese. Just like guests will be screaming their envy.

Faireal Hand-Painted Flower Vase, $63 on Amazon.com

A set of spiky goblets

These hand-crafted goblet, made of pressed glass, bear a design that’s more than 100 years old. Translated as “beaks” or “spikes,” bicos are the familiar nubby texture appearing in homes all over Portugal–and the world. Elegante, não é?

Vista Alegre Bicos Bicolor Goblet, $38 on Alchemyfinehome.com

A teapot worthy of a queen (and we don’t mean David)

Are you aware that Britain’s obsession with tea is due to the Portuguese?! Catherina of Braganza brought a casket of tea with her to England when she married Charles II. And this elegant teapot, in a quiet shade of Renaissance blue, reminds us how Portugal still holds onto its ritual of tea.

Bordallo Pinheiro Rua Nova Blue Tea Pot, $174 on Alchemyfinehome.com

A wok with a wok on top

When David was on the Today Show cooking from a cataplana, Al Roker pointed to the pan and said, “It’s like a wok.” To which David replied, “Yeah. A wok with a wok on top!” The name has stuck around here. It’s the perfect contraption to cook some of Portugal’s most amazing dishes, trapping the wonderful juices of whatever’s within, which go by the same name cataplana.

Traditional Copper Cataplana, $150 on Amazon.com

A luxurious Alentejan wrap

When David and The One traveled through the Alentejo, the great swath of country south of Lisbon, they stayed in a renovated manor house. These plush towels were waiting when they arrived.

Graccioza Bella Bath Towels, $21 on Alchemyfinehome.com

An olive dish that’s definitely not the pits

Got olives? Then you’ve got pits, right? This handy dandy little must is a way to keep things pretty and neat. Put several around the room and you’re guaranteed not to find a pit stuffed in between the cushions. (That damn nephew!)

Casafina Alentejo Terracotta Olive Dish, $25 on Amazon

The only fish you’ll want hanging on the wall

Ah, the sardine. One of the most beloved fish in Portugal, right up there with salt cod. There are even festivals devoted to the bony sardinha. And rumor has it that if you visit Lisbon on a June evening, you’ll see The One happily munching on them. This delightful wall hanging is a wink and a nod to that slippery little sucker. (The fish. Not The One.)

Alcoa Arte Ceramic Sardine, $19 on Amazon.com

One very happy rooster

The Barcelos Rooster, Portugal’s mascot, is recognized around the world as a symbol of happiness and hospitality. Be a beacon of joy at your next family dinner with these hand-painted metal toothpicks perfect for cheese, olives, chouriço, you name it.

Hand-Painted Toothpick Holder, $25 on Amazon.com

All products featured on Leite’s Culinaria are independently selected by our staff.