Previously, I shared a practical guide on how the Pingo Doce Christmas ordering service works in Portugal, what I ordered, and why this type of service can be a real lifesaver in December. This post is the follow up. I am writing this Pingo Doce Christmas dinner review Portugal after actually receiving the order and eating the meal, so you can decide if it is worth it for your own family next Christmas.
If you want the practical ordering details, deadlines, and how the process works, you can read my earlier guide here: Ordering Christmas Dinner Again: My Honest Review of the Pingo Doce Service in Portugal.
What I ordered and who it was for
This year I kept it simple and chose what works for my family. I ordered:
- Salgados para a Família (9.99€)
- Bacalhau com Natas (24.99€)
- Cabrito Assado com Batatinha (34.99€)
- Arroz Doce (5.99€)
- Bolo Rei Pingo Doce Versailles (9.99€)
We are a small family and my sister is vegan, so she usually brings her own dishes to complement the table. My goal was to remove the heavy cooking from Christmas Eve while still keeping a traditional Portuguese feel.
Total cost of my order + delivery (5.00€)
The total for these items was 90.95€.
How delivery actually went this time
- Delivery slot chosen: 16h to 18h
- Arrival time: 19h30
- Packaging and organisation: organised, items well sealed, no spills
- Reheating instructions: clear
The main issue was punctuality. I selected the 16h to 18h delivery window, but the order arrived at 19h30. I tried calling them and the line was busy. Later, at 18h20, they contacted me to let me know they would be late and they apologised.
Even though the delay mattered, the communication helped. Next time, I will book delivery in the morning to reduce the risk of delays later in the day.
Taste test and honest notes, item by item
Salgados para a Família | Family Savoury Platter
Very tasty and a great portion size. I heated them in the oven and would order again.
Salgadinhos included:
- rissóis de camarão (shrimp rissoles)
- croquetes de carne (beef croquettes)
- pastéis de bacalhau (codfish fritters)
Bacalhau com Natas e Camarão Festivo
Good texture and the bacalhau itself was good quality. The overall taste was only ok for me because I did not enjoy the mix with the shrimp sauce. I would not order this one again.
Cabrito Assado com Batatinha Festivo
Tenderness was good and the potatoes were very good. I did add seasoning to match my taste. I added black pepper and herbs, gave it a quick sauté, and finished it with extra oven time. I would not order again.
Arroz Doce 👉🏾 Arroz de Pato Festivo
I did not receive the arroz doce I had ordered. There was a mix up and they initially sent arroz de pato instead. As soon as they realised the mistake, they apologised and asked if I wanted them to deliver the arroz doce later. I told them it was not necessary and that a refund for the arroz doce would be enough. The next day they called again to apologise and explained they were not able to deliver the arroz doce, so they asked if I would accept the arroz de pato as a replacement. It costs more than arroz doce, but they kept the same price as a form of compensation. I accepted, and they delivered it on the afternoon of the 24th. The arroz de pato was excellent and ended up being one of the highlights of the whole order.
Bolo-Rei Pingo Doce Versailles
Fresh, with a very good dough and great flavour. I would buy it again, and it was one of the strongest items in the entire order.
My overall quality summary
Great for convenience, great taste.
Portions, leftovers, and value for money
This order fed 4 people comfortably, and we had enough leftovers for the next day. For busy families, value is about more than price. It is the time and stress you remove from Christmas week, and having most of the meal sorted in advance makes the day feel calmer.
We also received the white serving dishes as a complimentary extra. The arroz de pato, bacalhau com natas, and cabrito arrived in those white trays, and we were able to keep them.
Who I think this service is best for
Based on my experience, the Pingo Doce Christmas ordering service makes the most sense if you are:
- A busy parent who wants a traditional table without spending the entire day cooking.
- Hosting family and you want predictable portions and less last minute stress.
- Managing work, kids, and December errands and you want the meal handled in advance.
If you genuinely love cooking all day and the cooking itself is central to your tradition, you may prefer doing everything at home.
If you are planning Christmas in Portugal and still organising gifts, you may also enjoy my Christmas gift guides here:
What I would do differently next time
I would choose a morning delivery slot. My late afternoon slot ran late, and I want a wider buffer next year.
If you want to plan Christmas week with less stress, grab my FREE Christmas Planner here.
Final verdict
This Pingo Doce Christmas dinner review Portugal is simple. I liked the service and I plan to order my Christmas dinner with them again. The food delivered great taste overall, and the highlights for me were the bolo rei and the arroz de pato. Next time, I will book morning delivery to keep the day smoother.
Quick FAQ
Is the Pingo Doce Christmas ordering service worth it in Portugal?
Yes, it was worth it for me.
Does the food taste homemade?
Yes, it felt like real traditional food.
Are the portions enough for a family?
More than enough for 4, with leftovers for the next day.
Is delivery reliable during Christmas week?
Yes, it is. Even though the delivery arrived late, they contacted me, apologised, and delivered on the same day.
What would you order again next year?
Bolo-rei, arroz de pato and salgados.
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