When it comes to food, Brazil is an absolute paradise. Each bite offers a glimpse into the country’s diverse heritage, blending Indigenous, African, and European influences into a rich culinary tapestry.
From sizzling street snacks to hearty stews, Brazilian cuisine is as vibrant and colourful as the country itself. If you’re a foodie (or just someone who loves a good meal), here’s a guide to must-try Brazilian dishes and the best places to enjoy them.
What It Is: A slow-cooked black bean stew with chunks of pork, sausage, and sometimes beef, served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices. Traditionally enjoyed on Wednesdays and Saturdays, feijoada is the ultimate comfort food.
Where to Try It:
Pro Tip: Pair it with caipirinha (Brazil’s national cocktail) for the full experience.
What It Is: Tiny, addictive balls of cheesy goodness made from tapioca flour and cheese. Naturally gluten-free, these snacks are perfect for breakfast or an anytime pick-me-up.
Where to Try It:
Pro Tip: Have it with a cup of coffee for the classic Brazilian pairing.
What It Is: Deep-fried balls of black-eyed pea dough, stuffed with shrimp, vatapá (a spicy paste made of bread, shrimp, and peanuts), and a dash of pepper sauce. A staple of Afro-Brazilian cuisine, this dish is packed with flavour and tradition.
Where to Try It:
Pro Tip: Look for baianas (women in traditional dresses) – they make the best acarajé!
What It Is: A fragrant seafood stew made with fish or shrimp, coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, and palm oil, often served bubbling hot in a clay pot.
Where to Try It:
Pro Tip: Eat it with a side of farofa (toasted cassava flour) to soak up the stew.
What It Is: Shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, wrapped in dough, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Shaped like a teardrop, this snack is found everywhere and is an instant crowd-pleaser.
Where to Try It:
Pro Tip: Don’t stop at one. You’ll want at least two (or five).
What It Is: Brazil’s answer to the truffle. Made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, rolled into bite-sized balls and coated in chocolate sprinkles. These treats are a staple at birthdays and celebrations.
Where to Try It:
Pro Tip: They’re incredibly easy to make yourself – just don’t eat the whole batch in one sitting.
What It Is: An epic feast of grilled meats, typically served rodízio style, where waiters bring endless skewers of beef, pork, chicken, and more to your table.
Where to Try It:
Pro Tip: Come hungry – and try the picanha (a juicy cut of beef prized in Brazil).
What It Is: Thin pastry pockets filled with everything from cheese and meat to hearts of palm and chocolate, then deep-fried until crispy. Think of it as Brazil’s take on a hot pocket but way better.
Where to Try It:
Pro Tip: Pair it with fresh sugarcane juice (caldo de cana).
What It Is: A traditional soup from the Amazon, made with shrimp, jambu (a slightly numbing herb), and tucupi (a yellow broth extracted from cassava). It’s tangy, spicy, and utterly unique.
Where to Try It:
Pro Tip: The numbing sensation from the jambu herb is part of the experience – embrace it!
What It Is: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these fritters are made with salted codfish and potatoes. A favourite snack in bars across Brazil.
Where to Try It:
Pro Tip: Order these with a round of chope (Brazilian draft beer) for the ultimate pairing.
Brazilian cuisine isn’t just food – it’s an invitation to experience the country’s history, culture, and vibrant spirit. Whether you’re indulging in a comforting bowl of feijoada, savouring the bold flavours of acarajé, or simply snacking on pão de queijo, each bite tells a story.
So, pack your appetite and get ready for a delicious journey through Brazil’s must-try dishes. One thing’s for sure – your taste buds are in for an adventure! Bom apetite! 🍴