The Embassy of Portugal, in partnership with Diplomat Magazine and Leonardo Royal Hotel The Hague, presented the Portugal Food Festival – Taste de Tasca on 11 and 12 June, inviting guests to discover the richness of Portuguese gastronomy in an atmosphere inspired by the country’s traditional neighbourhood taverns.
Organised as part of the celebrations of the National Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities, the two-evening festival transformed Leo’s International Flavors Restaurant into a welcoming Portuguese tasca, where food, music and hospitality came together to create an authentic cultural experience.
The festival embraced its motto, “Handcrafted food served from the heart,” reflecting the philosophy behind the event. Every detail, from the rustic décor to the carefully selected menu and the warm hospitality, encouraged guests to relax and experience Portugal through its culinary traditions.
The opening evening was attended by Ambassador H.E. Clara Nunes dos Santos, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations, business leaders and friends of Portugal. Welcoming the guests, the Ambassador expressed her appreciation to all those who had contributed to making the festival possible.
She thanked Diplomat Magazine, particularly its Publisher Dr. Mayelinne De Lara and Editor Roy Lie Atjam, for their initiative, collaboration and support throughout the preparation of the event. She also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Visit Portugal and ARHESP – the Portuguese Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Similar Establishments for their commitment in bringing the project to life.
A special tribute was paid to Chef Rui Lima Santos, who conceived the festival’s menu, inspired by the authentic flavours served in traditional Portuguese tascas. Throughout the evening, the chef delighted guests with presentations and tastings that showcased the diversity and regional character of Portuguese cuisine. From seafood and traditional appetisers to carefully prepared meat dishes and irresistible desserts, each course reflected Portugal’s rich culinary heritage and the importance of quality ingredients prepared with care.
During her remarks, Ambassador Nunes dos Santos highlighted that gastronomy is one of Portugal’s strongest cultural expressions.
“Food is much more than nourishment,” she said. “It tells stories. It carries memories. It reflects geography, history, traditions and the encounters between different peoples and cultures over centuries.”
She noted that, although Portugal is a medium-sized country, it possesses one of Europe’s richest gastronomic traditions, shaped by regional diversity and centuries of cultural exchange.
The Ambassador also reflected on the importance of the dining table in Portuguese life, where families gather, friendships are strengthened and important decisions are often made. Recipes passed from grandparents to younger generations preserve flavours and memories, values and a sense of belonging.
The concept of Taste de Tasca invited guests to experience exactly that atmosphere: simple, authentic and welcoming, where handcrafted food and genuine hospitality create moments to remember. Adding to the experience, guests enjoyed live performances of traditional Fado.
The response to the festival exceeded expectations. Thursday evening attracted an enthusiastic audience, while Friday’s dinner was fully booked well in advance, with every table occupied by guests eager to experience the authentic tastes of Portugal.
At the conclusion of the evening, guests were invited to continue their culinary journey beyond the festival through a QR code linking to a carefully selected guide to traditional Portuguese tascas, encouraging future visits to Portugal and further exploration of its remarkable gastronomic heritage.
The Portugal Food Festival – Taste de Tasca became a celebration of Portuguese culture, hospitality and tradition.
About chef Rui Lima Santos
A native of Santarém, in central Portugal, Rui Lima Santos grew up immersed in the traditions of the Ribatejo region—an influence that sparked his passion for cooking from an early age. After gaining experience in projects such as Wasabi Sushi Bar and working in respected kitchens across Portugal and Spain, he went on to lead the culinary direction at LOHAD, contributing to distinctive initiatives like The Presidential Train, a fine dining experience set aboard a historic railway.
He later returned to his hometown to head the restaurant OH!Vargas, where he was recognized as a “New Talent” by one of Portugal’s leading hospitality and restaurant associations – ARHESP. In 2024, he launched his first solo venture, Deselegante, a restaurant that challenges convention by reinterpreting traditional Ribatejo cuisine through a bold, contemporary lens. With a strong focus on creative tasting menus, seasonal local ingredients, and a relaxed, informal atmosphere, the project quickly gained attention both locally and nationally, earning him a nomination for the prestigious TheFork Awards in the same year.
