Brazil is a country with immense culinary diversity. From the street food of the bustling cities to the traditional feijoada (a stew of beans, pork, and beef) of the countryside, there is always something delicious to eat in Brazil. Here are 10 of the best foods to try when you visit the country.
10- Pão de Queijo
Photo Credit: Noticia Sao Minuto
Pão de queijo is a delicious traditional Brazilian snack. It is a small, round-shaped cheese bread made from tapioca flour. It is light and fluffy, with a slightly sweet and savory flavor. Pao de queijo is best served warm and can be eaten as a snack, breakfast, or even as a side dish. It is often served alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Pão de queijo can be found in most Brazilian bakeries and restaurants, as well as in grocery stores. It is an incredibly popular Brazilian food and is a must-try for any traveler visiting Brazil. The dish is also popular internationally, with many restaurants outside of Brazil offering their own version of this delicious snack. Whether you are looking for a quick snack or a full meal, Pão de queijo is sure to hit the spot!
9- Feijoada
Photo Credit: Recettes Cooking
Feijoada is a traditional Brazilian dish made of black beans, pork and beef. It is a hearty meal that embodies the country’s vibrant culture. The pork is usually smoked or salted and the beef is usually dried or cured. The beans are cooked slowly in a pot until they become tender and infused with the pork and beef flavors. This dish is served with rice and collard greens, or couve, adding a fresh and crunchy component to the meal. Feijoada is typically served with a variety of condiments such as hot sauce, freshly chopped onions, and orange slices. It is a delicious, hearty and unique dish that has become a staple in Brazilian culture. Feijoada is the perfect meal for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a romantic dinner. It’s sure to satisfy and delight with its unique flavors and textures. So why not give it a try?
8- Acarajé
Photo Credit: Culinaria Mix
Acarajé is a popular Brazilian street food originating from the Northeastern state of Bahia. It is a delicious deep-fried patty made from peeled black-eyed peas, onions, and salt. The mixture is then shaped into a ball, deep-fried in dendê oil and served in a split-open bread roll, usually with a side of vatapá, a shrimp stew. The combination of the crunchy, savoury patty with the creamy vatapá makes for a delicious and filling meal. Acarajé is often served as a snack or light meal and is a popular street food throughout Brazil. It is also one of the most beloved dishes of the Afro-Brazilian religion, Candomblé. So, if you ever find yourself in Brazil, make sure to try this delicious snack. You won’t regret it!
7- Coxinha
Coxinha is one of the most popular Brazilian snacks. It’s a deep-fried dough ball filled with chicken and cream cheese, and is usually served with a side of tomato sauce. The dough is made of wheat flour, eggs and milk, and is usually shaped like a teardrop or drumstick. The filling is usually a mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, onion, parsley, garlic, and spices. It’s then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The result is a delicious snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or something more filling, Coxinha is sure to please. It’s a great way to experience the flavors of Brazil in a unique and delicious way.
6- Churrasco
Churrasco is a classic Brazilian way of grilling meat. It is a tradition that dates back to the days of the gauchos in the pampas of southern Brazil. A variety of cuts of beef, pork, chicken, and sausages are grilled over an open flame, usually charcoal. The meats are seasoned with rock salt, garlic, oregano, and bay leaf. The grill is rotated often to ensure even cooking. The meats are served with a side of farofa, a toasted manioc flour dish, and a selection of sauces. Churrasco is a delicious, smoky, and savory experience that should not be missed when in Brazil.
5- Bolinho de Bacalhau
Photo Credit: Cia De Receitas
Bolinho de Bacalhau is a traditional Brazilian dish made with salted cod, mashed potatoes, and parsley. It’s a savory, creamy delight that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The salted cod gives it a salty, briny flavor while the mashed potatoes give it a smooth texture. The parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to balance out the other ingredients. It’s an ideal snack or side dish to any meal. To make the perfect Bolinho de Bacalhau, start with fresh ingredients. Then, mix the cod, mashed potatoes, and parsley together until it forms a sticky dough. Roll the dough into small balls and deep fry until golden brown. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley and a dash of salt for a delicious, bite-sized treat.
4- Moqueca
Brazilian Moqueca is a delicious fish-based dish made with a creamy coconut milk base, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, and dendê oil. It’s a popular seafood dish served in coastal cities like Salvador, Recife, and Rio de Janeiro. The fish is marinated in lime juice and then cooked in the coconut milk until it’s tender and flavorful. The onions, tomatoes, and garlic add a savory touch and the dendê oil adds a subtle hint of spice. This dish is usually served with white rice, farofa, and pirão for a complete meal. With its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients, Moqueca is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more!
3- Brigadeiro
Brazilian cuisine has a lot to offer, and one of the most beloved treats is the Brigadeiro. These delectable chocolate balls are made from condensed milk, butter, and cocoa, making them a sweet and creamy treat. They are rolled in a variety of toppings like grated coconut, sprinkles, and chopped nuts. Their texture is soft, and the flavor is a perfect balance between sweet and rich. Perfect for a Brazilian fiesta, Brigadeiro are a hit with both adults and children. Whether served up at a party or as an afternoon snack, these little morsels are sure to please. If you’re lucky enough to visit Brazil, don’t forget to sample the Brigadeiro!
2- Pastel
One of the most popular of these dishes is the beloved pastel. Pastel is a deep-fried pastry filled with savory ingredients such as cheese, ground beef, chicken, or shrimp. The dough is lightly crispy on the outside and deliciously flaky on the inside. The fillings are often spiced with herbs and spices like cumin, oregano, and parsley. The pastel is usually served with a variety of sauces like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. It is the perfect snack to enjoy while out and about exploring the streets of Brazil. With its versatility and delicious flavor, it’s no wonder pastel is one of the most beloved dishes in the country.
1- Caipirinha
Photo Credit: Tasting Table
Brazil is a foodie’s paradise, and the national drink, caipirinha, is a must-try. Made with fresh lime, sugar, and cachaça (a Brazilian sugarcane-based liquor), it’s sweet, tart, and totally refreshing. To make the perfect caipirinha, start with fresh limes and sugar. Slice the limes into wedges, then muddle them in a glass or shaker with sugar. Add a generous amount of cachaça and fill with ice. Shake or stir until everything is mixed together and the sugar is dissolved. Serve with a lime wheel for garnish and enjoy. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the cachaça and use a lime-flavored soda instead. Caipirinha is the perfect way to cool off on a hot Brazilian day!
