Chef Frederico Pessanha

Private Chef in Tondela

Gastronomy is an Art of Flavours and Colours.

Before dedicating myself to create truly pleasurable gastronomic moments, I worked professionally as a Director, Actor, Writer and as a Teacher.

I love the history of food and work with Portuguese typical food recipes and there unique ingredients, so I can share and give the opportunity to try how rich Portuguese food is.

My travel through Food Pleasures started with years of experience in catering services. I also collaborated with some reputed cuisines in Lisbon. From Chiado to Lx Factory I always kept as a mission: Prepare Unforgettable Flavours.

Nowadays I work only as a Private and Personal Chef in Portugal and I fill my free time researching and creating Delicious Tastes

For me, cooking is...

That moment of silence in which guests savour the dish that I have just served

I learned to cook at...

Mother, grandmother, by my own, other Chefs, professional training. Everyday searching and trying new Foods and Tastes.

A cooking secret...

99.9lbs of imagination. 500.33oz creative flavouring. 15 cups of work. 3 cups of sleepless nights. A pinch of experiences. 2 tbsp of heavy laughter.

My menus

Delicious Portuguese Colours and Flavours ****

STARTER

All inclusive

Pork chorizo and wine chorizo with cherry tomatoes

Seasoned goat cheese

Homebread and mini toasts

Padron peppers - Vegan option

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Fresh sardine filet marinated with tomato and onions in traditional portuguese corn bread

Portuguese typical fish soup with seafood and herbs

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Zucchini boat with fresh vegetables and coriander sauce - Vegan option

Slow cooked “Alcatra” ( beef loin ) with fresh vegetables and fried corn

Sea bream with orange and sautéed vegetables

Codfish à brás Portuguese typical dish

Carne de porco à alentejana (pork with clams) served with fries

Meat barbecue ( mix meats Portuguese style)

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Fresh fruit salad - Vegan option

“Arroz doce” - Typical portuguese sweet rice

Traditional Dona Amelia sugar cane cake with lemon ice cream

Chef s Deconstructed pastel de nata ( egg cream tart)

Menu Flor de Amendoeira Buffet ***

STARTER

Choose 3 dishes

Queijo de Cabra temperado

Pimentos del Padron - opção vegan

Hummus - opção vegan

Tiras de legumes variados com tijelas de molho de iogurte com queijo

Folhadinhos de espinafres e cogumelos - opção vegan

Pasta de queijo com iogurte e ervas aromáticas

Pasta de bacon com queijo mascarpone

Pasta de azeitona verde - opção vegan

Espirais folhadas de cogumelos e queijo

Folhadinhos de chouriço e coentros

Chouriços de carne e de vinho ornamentados com tomate cherry

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Barquinha de courgette com legumes frescos e molho de coentros - opção vegan

Bacalhau à italiana

Spaghetti negro com peixe e marisco

Arroz de tamboril

Caril de frango com esmagada de batata

Tirinhas de lombo de porco com pimentos e molho de manga acompanhadas de arroz de açafrão da Índia

Legumes salteados em vinho branco com massa penne - opção vegan

Estufado de lentilhas com tofu - opção vegan

Ragôut de vitela com tagliatelli e pimentos del Padron

Arroz arco-íris - arroz selvagem com legumes variados - opção vegan

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Cocktail de fruta - opção vegan

Mousse de morango

Mousse de lima

Mousse de frutos silvestres

Mousse de chocolate

Mousse de manga

Espirais folhadas com canela e açúcar - opção vegan

Espirais folhadas com chocolate - opção vegan

Mini-Bolinhos de iogurte grego com creme de chocolate

Mini-Bolinhos de groselha com mousse de frutos silvestres

Mini-Bolinhos de maçã com nozes

Mini Cheesecake de morango

Mini Cheesecake de frutos silvestres

Mini Cheesecake de chocolate

Menu Flor de Cerejeira ***

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Legumes em juliana enrolados em massa folhada - opção vegan

Disco de massa folhada com salmão, maionese de cebolinho e alcaparras

Camarão frito ao alhinho com malagueta

Caracol de presunto e cogumelos

Folhado de morcela com creme de maçã

Massa brick com legumes e noz - opção vegan

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Barquinha de courgette com legumes frescos e molho de coentros - opção vegan

Legumes salteados em vinho branco com massa penne - opção vegan

Lulinhas à algarvia com batata cozida, salsa e alho

Arroz de conchas e camarão

Filete de robalo com migas de espargos

Medalhão de lombinho de porco com redução de frutos silvestres acompanhado com grelos e batatinha salteados ao alhinho

Magret de pato com redução de vinho do Porto acompanhado com puré de batata doce e alecrim

Bife da vazia envolto em cacau com malagueta em cama de mel acompanhado de legumes no forno com nata e mostarda

Lascas de vitela com batata delicatessen e saladinha de tomate cherry

Abobrinha recheada com seitan e molho de tomate - opção vegan

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisù

Ananás flambeado com batida de côco com bola de gelado de baunilha em cama de crumble

Bolo de vinho do porto com ganache de chocolate e gelado de baunilha

Bolo de chocolate recheado de mousse de chocolate com natas batidas e morangos

Bolo de cenoura com chocolate vegan - opção vegan

Menu Flor de Amendoeira

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Espiral folhada com presunto e queijo em cama de rúcula

Miminhos de queijo camembert

Portobello salteado com Vinho do Porto - opção vegan

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Vitela com redução de vinho tinto com purê cremoso de couve flor

Medalhão de lombinho de porco com redução de frutos silvestres acompanhado com grelos e batatinha salteados ao alhinho

Brás de bacalhau desconstruindo

Filete de robalo com migas de espargos verdes

DESSERT

All inclusive

Crumble de mousse de chocolate com nata batida

Mil folhas de maçã com redução de vinho do porto à chef

Bolo fofo de laranja com ganache de chocolate e amêndoa tostada

Deliciosos Paladares Italianos ****

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Bruschette com vegetais salteados - opção vegan

Bruschette com tomate cherry, mozarella e manjericão

Pappa al pomodoro - Sopa de tomate e pão

Polenta grelhada com funcho

Salada morna de pimentos e tomates assados

Sopa de batata e massa com pancetta e parmesão

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Risotto de Portobello

Spaghetti con calamari - Esparguete com lulas

Tagliatelle com setas, Portobello e pimento italiano salteados em vinho branco - opção vegan

Beringela frita com mozzarella

Gnocchi al pommodoro - Gnocchi com molho de tomate e manjericão - opção vegetariana com ovos

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Peposo - Guisado especial de carne de vaca picante

Espetada tripla de porco – salsicha, bacon e lombo em ramo de alecrim

Almôndegas de risotto recheadas

Bolonhesa de bochecha de vaca

Vitela e presunto com batatinha à Tuscana

Peito de frango à parmigiana com mozzarela fresca, acompanhado com esmagada de batata e espinafres

Frango com polenta

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisù

Cocktail de fruta - opção vegan

Torta di Riso - Tarte de arroz à Florentina

Tarte de ricotta com chocolate

Fofos doces de Veneza

Bolo de polenta e amêndoa

Delicious Portuguese Colours and Flavours ***

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Padron peppers - Vegan option

"Pataniscas" - typical portuguese fried codfish cake with garlic mayonnaise

Mix Portuguese chorizos with homemade bread

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Bacalhau à Brás (typical portuguese cod fish)

Carne de porco à alentejana (pork with clams) served with fries

Slow cooked Beef served with creamy Cauliflower puree

Sea bream with orange and sautéed vegetables

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

“Arroz doce” - Typical portuguese sweet rice

Chef s Deconstructed pastel de nata ( egg cream tart)

Chocolate mousse pie with cream and porto wine reduction

Deliciosos Paladares da America Latina ****

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Ceviche de dourada

Bandeja paisa

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sudado de langostinos

Cau cau de choros

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Vazia com chimichurri

Picanha com polenta cremosa e mini maçaroca de milho

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Alfajor

Suspiro de limeña

Deliciosos Paladares Italianos ***

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Bruschette com vegetais salteados - opção vegan

Bruschette com tomate cherry, mozarella e manjericão

Pappa al pomodoro - Sopa de tomate e pão

Polenta grelhada com funcho

Salada morna de pimentos e tomates assados

Sopa de batata e massa com pancetta e parmesão

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Risotto de Portobello

Spaghetti con calamari - Esparguete com lulas

Peposo - Guisado especial de carne de vaca picante

Espetada tripla de porco – salsicha, bacon e lombo em ramo de alecrim

Tagliatelle com setas, Portobello e pimento italiano salteados em vinho branco - opção vegan

Bolonhesa de bochecha de vaca

Beringela frita com mozzarella

Vitela e presunto com batatinha à Tuscana

Peito de frango à parmigiana com mozzarela fresca, acompanhado com esmagada de batata e espinafres

Frango com polenta

Gnocchi al pommodoro - Gnocchi com molho de tomate e manjericão - opção vegetariana com ovos

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisù

Cocktail de fruta - opção vegan

Torta di Riso - Tarte de arroz à Florentina

Tarte de ricotta com chocolate

Fofos doces de Veneza

Bolo de polenta e amêndoa

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Chef Frederico's reviews

4.61

•

344 services

Very profissional and kind and clean

Unforgettable experience with Frederico. Every single dish was excellent. Frederico even made a beautiful cheese board with cheese that we had available. Would definately recommend, and we are happy to do this service again with Frederico when the time is right!

Our chef, Frederico Pessanha, was extraordinary. We had a large group with varying levels of culinary adventurousness, and he did a remarkable job adapting each meal so everyone had plenty of options. Frederico explained every dish—its ingredients, its region, and its place in Portuguese culinary tradition—which made the experience both delicious and educational. Every dish was exceptional. We even requested mashed potatoes for Christmas Day—definitely not a traditional Portuguese item—and they were among the best we’ve ever had. The care and thought he put into each menu were evident, and the flavors across every course were beautifully balanced and complementary. Chef Frederico also introduced us to wonderful Portuguese wines we likely would have missed on our own. When we later reflected on our trip to Portugal, he was the unanimous highlight. Through his cooking and storytelling, we felt genuinely connected to the country. We give our highest possible recommendation to Chef Frederico Pessanha.

Frederico was an amazing chef at our house and made a fantastic birthday dinner to our family. I really recommend him!

Foi um prazer contar com o Chef Frederico para o meu jantar de aniversário. Obrigado!

Frederico was absolutely wonderful. He was very easy to work with. We talked when I was home in the states to discuss the menu. He emailed me the final menu. Frederico was open to my suggestions. I decided to change 1 item on the menu 2 days before our dinner and he had no.problem with accommodating this change. He was delightful to talk to while he was cooking. In closing Frederico is the best.

We had the pleasure of having Frederico cook for us during our stay in Lisbon, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment he arrived, Frederico was punctual, professional, and incredibly easy-going. He made everything so effortless, allowing us to relax and enjoy the evening without a worry. The food was outstanding. We started with tapas-style starters served outside, followed by a delicious main course and dessert inside. Every dish was cooked to perfection—flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. The portion sizes were generous, and we even had leftovers! It’s clear that Frederico takes great pride in his work and his attention to detail is second to none. I would absolutely recommend Frederico to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in the Lisbon area. He truly made our evening extra special. Thank you, Frederico, for such a memorable night!

Frederico delivered a top-notch service for a Private dinner party on a Girls Trip to Lisbon, Portugal. The entire meal was colourful, tasty, well-seasoned and all flavours were complimentary. We wanted a gourmet experience with local flavours and Frederico delivered. I would also like to commend Frederico on his discretion. Our Airbnb did not have a separate dining room, so we were in his kitchen space, but he simply disappeared in his work and we felt comfortable enough to have quite a girly catch up discussion. Frederico is a natural option for your next dinning event!

Federico was so so kind and professional! He was lovely and engaging while also giving our table the space to talk and just enjoy our meal. Presentation and prep was seamless and cleanup perfect. He's very communicative which I appreciated too. Would definitely recommend.

Super expérience, le menu était excellent et le chef très attentionné

Merci à Frederico pour cette magnifique soirée. Grâce à lui et son duo, nous avons passé un super moment. Sa cuisine était exquise, tout était soigné. Merci pour votre gentillesse et votre bienveillance. Je recommande les services de Frederico à 100% !!

Frederico came to our home for the last night of our vacation. He made sure we were able to relax while he prepared the meal, served the dishes at a beautiful pace, and left our airbnb spotless after. He was so knowledgeable about the traditional cuisine he made for us, and was accommodating of the two vegetarians in our group of seven, making them meals just as stunning and delicious as the rest of the group. This was the best meal we had in Lisbon, and we would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone looking to experience the culture of the city in a relaxing home cooked meal.

Frederico put together a great menu considering a complicated list of dietary requirements. He was responsive in the lead up and punctual on the evening. Would recommend!

We had a fantastic experience with our private chef. He was responsive and professional from the outset, making the planning process easy and stress-free. The food was absolutely delicious, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and beautifully presented. On the day, he was discreet, polite, and attentive without being intrusive – the perfect balance. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him!

We had the extreme pleasure of hiring Chef Frederico for a private dinner to celebrate my wife's 50th birthday. Chef Frederico was very communicative prior to the event and arrived at the agreed upon time. We have a small kitchen, but Chef worked his magic and created a beautifully delicious meal that wowed my wife and our 13 guests. It was a wonderful evening and I would highly recommend him to any and everyone looking for a private chef for a special occasion.

Frederico was amazing, the food was delicious and he was great with all our allergies and intolerances! Thanks Frederico :)

We had a wonderful time with Frederico. The food was amazing and he was delightful!

Lovely evening. Thanks Frederico

Everything was really good and we enjoyed a tasteful dinner. Chef Frederico is also very professional and nice, willing to make everything according to our taste. I recommend his service.

Absolutely amazing