10 TRADITIONAL BRAZILIAN FOODS TO TRY

Brazil is a huge country with a wide range climates and mixed geography with an extensive coastline and an interior that is dominated by vast rainforest. Over the centuries, it has seen a wave of immigration from all over the world, giving it a rich and diverse culinary heritage that makes it a dedicated foodie’s heaven. Here are 10 of the most famous dishes that represent the culinary prowess of Brazil that you should look out for on any trip to the country.

 

Salgadinho

Churrasco

This Brazilian barbecue is representative of Brazil´s meat-eating prowess and you can be sure that they know how to grill their meat. Make your way to the nearest churrascaria wherever in Brazil you may find yourself. The Churrasco is actually more famous than the rodizio and is a big hit for birthdays or any type of celebration. You pay a fixed price and the waiters go around giving you different kinds of meat. Each chair has a sign that you can flip over, if you want more meat or not. The waiters are dependent on these signs and they won’t stop until you flip it to “no.” These Brazilian barbecues also include a buffet of vegetables, sushi, potatoes, rice, and the most typical carbs that are popular with Brazilians.

 

Brazilian Churrasco

 

Acai

You have to try an acai bowl when you visit Brazil Just look for huge signs saying acai and treat yourself to a bowl of frozen berries with bananas and granola. It’s a refreshing break from all the meaty stuff you will be eating. In Brazil, acai is sold everywhere and they use some very sweet ingredients. Some even add gummy bears and sprinkles! In Brazil, Acai is presented as a super sweet snack even if all the acai restaurants say that it’s healthy. It’s not hard to find Acai as they are specialty restaurants in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The street cart acai adds an extra twist if you are looking for something different.

Acai

Cachaça

This is the base ingredient of the world-famous caipirinhas. Cachaça is a distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane and can be found everywhere in Brazil. This important drink is a must-try because, without cachacas, there simply won’t be any caipirinhas. If it’s your first time, I recommend you try cachaca without the fruity flavors to get to know what it really tastes like. Bear in mind it’s super strong! Try the caipirinha with passion fruit. It’s the most common fruit to mix with the cachaça in a Caipirinha which are sold on the streets and beaches of Brazil. Caipirinha is equivalent to Mexico’s margarita in terms of a popular tourist drink. Not everyone likes it but even so, you will still see every tourist on the beaches having a sip.

 

Cachaça

 

Canjica

Canjica is traditionally served during winter festivals. But this sweet and simple dish can be found any time of the year. It’s made out of whole pieces of white corn and coconut milk. Cinnamon on top is also a popular choice. It’s honestly a bowl of happiness! Some also add cloves to their recipe, especially in the northeast of Brazil. Peanuts and condensed milk are also added for an extra spike. Brazilians really love sweets and you will notice that in every Brazilian food that you will eat while in the country. You will also find different variations of Canjica in other Latin American countries. It is similar to mazamorra in Peru. Canjica is also rich in fiber and protein.

 

Canjica

Farofa

Farofa is basically fried tapioca flour. It doesn’t sound much but this Brazilian staple has an uncanny ability to absorb all flavors in a dish and is the accompaniment to any Brazilian meal.
Brazilians always ask for it when eating in restaurants. It’s like they can’t eat anything without it!  Although it may be an acquired taste, it is certainly a favorite among local people.

 

Farofa

Feijoada

Feijoada is Brazil’s national dish, Feijoada is a hearty stew traditionally made out of beans and meat simmered with a variety of herbs and spices. Like farofa, feijoada is also present in every meal, in every household, in every buffet and in every Brazilian dish.  I’ve seen many local homes cook it differently. In Sao Paulo, they prepare it with meat while in Rio, they don’t put any extra protein. It’s fun to see how all families have their own feijoada recipe. This Brazilian food staple is a very crucial part of the Brazilian food culture and they always claim it’s not your usual Latin American beans.

 

Feijoada

 Moqueca

Originating from Bahia, this seafood stew prepared with diced tomatoes, onions, coriander and a dash of coconut milk, with an assortment of vegetables, and peppers, is a must try! Moqueca is always served hot. Try it with some rice or farofa and you will get up from the dining table feeling content. Actually, this is the first Brazilian food recommendation that Brazilians usually recommend to visitors to Brazil. Some Brazilian families make moqueca with shrimp It is also sometimes served with plantains and white rice. Usually, a clay pan is the traditional way cooking of moqueca and is still really popular in Bahia and Salvador.

 

 Moqueca

 Pao de Queijo

The moment you land at any airport in Brazil, you will see the famous “Casa de Pao de Quiejo” which has many branches all over the country. It’s not the best pao de queijo in Brazil and the numerous local bakeries in Brazil do a much better job of pao de queijo. Pao de queijo translates to cheese bread in English. It is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Pao de Queijo is easy to find and can be enjoyed any time of the day as the perfect snack. Different areas offer different types of cheese fillings and some areas even include meat into the mix. Pao de queijo is served in cups in Brazil in small pieces of 12 and many Brazilians also make their own Pao de queijo at home.

 

 Pao de Queijo

 Pastel

Pastel is a crispy, golden brown, fried pasty. Pastels are commonly filled with savory cheese and meat but if your sweet toothed, you can also find pastels are filled with chocolate and jam.  Pastel is eaten at any time of the day but is famously served in butecos (small bars). Every corner of Brazil has bakeries so it’s easy to find pastel. Brazilians love their bread! Pastel is the similar to an empanada, however the dough of the pastel is crispier than that of a traditional empanada.

 

Pastel

 Quindim

Made of eggs, sugar, and coconuts, quindim is a melt-in-your-mouth custard dessert that is devoured throughout the country. Quindim can be described as an egg custard and it’s commonly topped with coconut shreds. The word quindim is originally from The Republic of Congo. Brazil has a very long story with its African neighbor so they have shared cultures, customs and culinary dishes over the years.

Quindim