Whether you're traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador da Bahia, Brazilian cuisine offers an unforgettable journey. Below is a guide to the delicious specialties you should sample during your visit to Brazil!

Feijoada , Brazil's national dish

Discussing Brazilian cuisine inevitably leads to mention feijoada , a hearty black bean stew prepared with chunks of pork, which stands as Brazil’s national dish. Typically enjoyed on Wednesdays or Saturdays, this soothing meal is accompanied by white rice, sliced cabbage, fresh oranges, and toasted manioc flour called 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 won't be able to overlook it. acarajé These small shrimp-filled bean fritters, cooked in palm oil, are a beloved street food in Bahia. They offer a crispy exterior and a tender interior, and you can find them at various vendors. baianas de acarajé , women in traditional white attire hawking 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 is cooked 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 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 grab-and-go treat

A symbol of Brazilian street cuisine, coxinha Is absolutely irresistible! Crisp on the exterior and irresistibly tender within, this croquette filled with pulled chicken, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to golden perfection, is beloved as a snack across Brazil. Numerous variations also exist: some coxinhas are filled with gooey cheese or shrimp. Savor them as you walk around, at a marketplace or by the seaside.

Tutu mineiro , the signature dish of the Minas Gerais area

Emerging from the Nordeste region of Brazil, sarapatel It’s a daring dish featuring a strong flavor profile that could require some getting used to. Composed of offal, it is first soaked in vinegar before being prepared with blood and subsequently served. farofa (manioc flour) or white rice. Characterized by its bold spiciness and luxuriously smooth consistency, this stew is a signature dish from the regions of Pernambuco and Sergipe. It is commonly enjoyed during lively local festivities and intimate family reunions.

T utu mineiro , a signature meal from Minas Gerais

In the hills of Minas Gerais, tutu mineiro Serves as a cornerstone in regional eateries. This hearty meal consists of crushed beans mixed with cassava flour and bacon, deeply rooted in the heritage of area farmers and miners seeking sustenance through hard work. Occasionally adorned with a fried egg or sausage, it comes paired with ample portions of rice alongside finely diced and stir-fried Portuguese kale.

Quindim , a specialty from Nordeste

Quindim It’s a dessert characterized by its smooth, velvety consistency, beloved by the locals in Nordeste. Hailing originally from the Recife area, this small golden custard is exceedingly sugary and boasts a distinct coconut flavor. You can find it in virtually every bakery and coffee shop across Nordeste. Simply irresistibly delicious!

Tacacá , a robust Amazonian soup known for its pronounced flavor

From the heart of Amazonia , tacacá It truly piques interest. This manioc soup is prepared using dried shrimp. jambú (a plant causing mild numbing in the mouth accompanied by fermentation) tucupi Sauce, boasting an extremely robust flavor. Presented in calabash bowls, it is consumed while still warm during the later part of the day to invigorate the senses and stimulate mental clarity.

Pão de queijo , a delightful cheese originating from Minas Gerais

One bite of pão de queijo These circular cheese pastries, native to the state of Minas Gerais, boast a crunchy exterior and delightfully creamy interior. Crafted using cassava flour, eggs, and regional cheeses, they offer a lightweight treat ideal for snacking. Typically served piping hot at nearly every cafe across the nation, they will surely keep you coming back for more!

Beiju , the classic manioc pancake

To conclude this culinary journey, be sure to sample the beiju , a delicate pancake prepared using cassava flour, common among indigenous groups. It can be sweetened with condensed milk or savory with cheese or dried meat. beiju is versatile, lightweight and exceptionally tasty!