From Rio de Janeiro to Salvador da Bahia, Brazilian cuisine offers an amazing journey. Below is a rundown of must-try culinary specialties for your visit to Brazil!

Feijoada , Brazil's national dish

You cannot discuss Brazilian cuisine without bringing up feijoada , a black bean stew prepared with chunks of pork, considered Brazil's national dish. Typically enjoyed on Wednesdays or Saturdays, this hearty meal is accompanied by white rice, shredded cabbage, sliced oranges, and toasted manioc flour, referred to as farofa . In Rio, feijoada is typically consumed in lively taverns known for their celebratory ambiance, frequently accompanied by samba tunes in the background.

Acarajé Street food featuring the flavors of Bahia

In Salvador de Bahia In the capital city of the Brazilian state of Bahia, you can't miss it. acarajé These small shrimp-filled beans, deep-fried in palm oil, are beloved snacks in Bahia. Crispy exterior with a tender interior, you can purchase acarajé from baianas de acarajé , women in traditional white attire peddling the snack at seemingly every street corner.

Moqueca , the treasure belonging to Brazilian fishermen

In the states of Espírito Santo and Bahia, moqueca It’s a must-try dish. The fish stew simmers in coconut milk along with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cilantro. It has two primary variations: moqueca capixaba , which is lightweight and easy to use, or moqueca baiana , which boasts enhanced richness due to the inclusion of additional palm oil. This meal is typically served in a panela de barro , an earthenware vessel that preserves the warmth and taste of the components.

Coxinha , a tasty option for takeout cuisine

A symbol of Brazilian street cuisine, coxinha is simply irresistible! Crunchy on the outside, meltingly perfect on the inside, this croquette stuffed with shredded chicken, breaded and fried to perfection, is a favourite snack among Brazilians. There is a world of variants too: some coxinhas are stuffed with melted cheese or prawns. Enjoy them on the go, in a market or on the beach.

Tutu mineiro , the iconic dish of the Minas Gerais region

Emerging from the Nordeste region of Brazil, sarapatel It’s a daring meal with a strong flavor profile that might take some getting used to. The dish consists of offal soaked in vinegar before being prepared with blood and subsequently cooked. It is typically served alongside various accompaniments. farofa (manioc flour) or white rice. Characterized by its bold spiciness and velvety consistency, this dish is a specialty from the regions of Pernambuco and Sergipe, commonly enjoyed during lively community celebrations and intimate family reunions.

T utu mineiro , a signature meal from Minas Gerais

In the mountainous regions of Minas Gerais, tutu mineiro Serves as a cornerstone in regional eateries. This hearty meal consists of crushed beans mixed with manioc flour and bacon, deeply rooted in the heritage of local farmers and miners seeking sustenance through hard work. Often garnished with a poached egg or sausages, this comforting food accompanies a plentiful portion of rice along with shredded and stir-fried Portuguese cabbage.

Quindim , a specialty from Nordeste

Quindim It’s a pastry characterized by its soft, creamy consistency, much beloved by the locals in Nordeste. Hailing originally from the Recife area, this small golden-yellow custard is extremely sugary and has a distinct flavor of coconut. You can find it in virtually every bakery and coffee shop across Nordeste. Simply impossible to resist!

Tacacá , a robust Amazonian soup with a pronounced flavor

From the heart of Amazonia , tacacá This manioc soup truly piques interest. It includes dried shrimp in its preparation. jambú (a botanical specimen inducing a mild numbing feeling on the tongue) and a fermented substance tucupi Sauce, boasting an exceptionally robust flavor. It is served in calabash bowls and consumed hot during the later part of the day to invigorate the senses and sharpen the mind.

Pão de queijo , a delightful cheese originating from Minas Gerais

One bite of pão de queijo These circular cheese pastries, characteristic of Minas Gerais state, feature a crunchy exterior and delightfully creamy interior. Crafted using cassava flour, eggs, and regional cheese, they offer a lightweight texture ideal for snacking when served piping hot at nearly every cafe across the nation.

Beiju , the archetypal manioc pancake

To top off this gastronomic tour, you must try the beiju , a thin pancake made from manioc flour, typical of the indigenous communities. Sweetened with condensed milk or salted with cheese or dried meat, beiju is versatile, lightweight and remarkably tasty!