Portugal Food Festival – Taste de Tasca
By Roy Lie Atjam
The Hague, 9 June 2026: Her Excellency Clara Nunes dos Santos, Ambassador of Portugal to the Netherlands, warmly welcomed guests to the National Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities at her historic residence on a delightful pre-summer afternoon.
This animated reception drew an impressive gathering of fellow ambassadors, international representatives, and an enthusiastic crowd.
The event featured the welcoming remarks from the Ambassador and the stirring sound of the national anthems. The celebration was elevated by a captivating Fado concert performed by Casa de Fado Amsterdam, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Ambassador Clara Nunes dos Santos, made the following welcome remarks.
“June 10th, the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities, marks the death of our great poet Camões and honors the Portuguese language, spoken by over 280 million worldwide. Today, we also celebrate our diaspora, particularly the 45,000 Portuguese living in the Netherlands, who contribute to various sectors, education, and research.
While we can’t take you all to Portugal, we aim to share a piece of it with you. We present Fado, a vital part of our culture and recognized by UNESCO as World Intangible Heritage. Joining us are Portuguese musicians Joana Almeida, Raquel Lima, and Sofia Pedro from Casa de Fado Amsterdam.
Additionaly, we invite you to enjoy our delicious gastronomy.
This week, we are thrilled to host the Portugal Food Festival—Taste the Tasca, featuring a menu crafted by Chef Rui Lima Santos, inspired by the flavors of traditional Portuguese Tascas. This is an initiative of Tourism of Portugal, in collaboration with the Portuguese Association of Hotels and Restaurants, with the objective to present in the Netherlands the unique concept of the Portuguese Tascas.
This initiative of the Diplomat Magazine and the Embassy of Portugal will take place in the Restaurant Leo’s International Flavors of Hotel Leonardo on the 11 th and 12th of June. Please make your reservations on the website of Leo’s Restaurant and join us.
And I have a surprise: Upon arrival, you all received a number. We are going to hold a draw valid for 2 people for a dinner at the Portugal Food Festival.
This gastronomic event will also be the best way to mark the beginning of the Word Football Championship and I sincerely wish the Netherlands and all the countries participating, all the best- except, of course, when they play against Portugal!
Finally, I would ask you all to join me now in a toast to the Dutch- Portuguese relations, to the success of all the International Organizations present in The Hague, to the peace and prosperity of all the countries represented here today and to each of you, dear colleagues and friends.
Muito obrigada a todos , superbedankt!”
