The roots of Brazil’s diverse cuisine stretch across three continents. Indigenous South American fruits and spices, African flavors, and European recipes have all contributed to the nation’s complex food heritage.
While it has a few national dishes like moqueca and feijoada, Brazil showcases a stunning variety of regional specialties, from magnificent river fish in the Amazon to the West African-influenced coconut milk dishes of the northeast. Describing the best traditional Brazilian meal largely depends on your location within the country.
Given Brazil’s enormous coastline, seafood plays a pivotal role. The country’s tropical location is also vital to its cuisine, with a dizzying variety of unique fruits often featured on restaurant menus.
Food-focused travel in Brazil is an endlessly rewarding experience. Here’s what to eat and drink on your trip.
Feast on Afro-Brazilian cuisine in Bahia
The northeastern region of Bahia has a deep connection to Africa, evident in the rhythmic drum corps in the streets and the rich flavors found in its local dishes. Coconut milk is liberally used in fish stews, along with spicy malagueta peppers and dendê (palm oil).
One of Brazil’s most popular dishes, moqueca, is a delectable seafood stew made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, and the signature coconut milk, served over rice.
Bobó de camarão is a variation of moqueca, featuring manioc (cassava) along with coconut milk and shrimp. It closely resembles the West African dish ipetê. Bahia also offers great street food, including the classic acarajé, a fritter made from mashed black-eyed beans topped with a spicy blend of crushed cashews, palm oil, and dried shrimp.
Quench your thirst with coconut water after a day at the beach
Wherever you roam along Brazil’s extensive coastline, a refreshing drink is never far away. When the temperature rises, visit a beach kiosk or a mobile vendor to order água de coco (coconut water). A vendor will expertly crack open a coconut and plunge in a straw, providing you with a drink rich in electrolytes to keep you hydrated. Be sure to enjoy it bem gelado (well chilled).
Start off the night with a caipirinha
The unofficial national drink of Brazil is the caipirinha, a cocktail made from cachaça (high-proof sugarcane alcohol), crushed lime, sugar, and ice. Most bartenders prepare them sweet, so be aware of their hidden potency. Caipirinhas are ubiquitous and often featured at lively gatherings. Variations abound, such as caipirosca (made with vodka) and capisake (made with sake), or using other muddled fruits like pineapple and mango.
Eat your way around the globe in São Paulo
São Paulo, Brazil’s largest metropolis, is a cultural melting pot occupied by individuals from every corner of the globe. With the largest community of Japanese descent outside Japan and significant Italian and Middle Eastern populations, the city boasts an astonishing array of restaurants. You can indulge in everything from Sicilian-style pizza to Lebanese specialties.
Discover the complex flavors of the Amazon
The towns and cities in Brazil’s vast Amazon region are home to vibrant markets and colorful restaurants where you can explore enigmatic culinary delights. Caldeirada is a fish stew akin to bouillabaisse, while pato no tucupi is a regional favorite prepared with duck, garlic, and lip-tingling jambú leaves.
Set aside a Saturday for feijoada
In many areas of Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro, Saturday is dedicated to enjoying one of Brazil’s most beloved dishes, feijoada. This hearty stew, made from black beans and slowly cooked pork, is served with rice, shredded kale, farofa (fried cassava flour), and orange slices. It’s recommended to pace yourself while enjoying this calorie-dense meal, which often becomes a leisurely multi-hour feast.
Vegetarians and vegans
Brazil has a reputation for being a challenging destination for vegetarians and vegans; however, it is possible to find ample options with a little effort. Juice bars are great for quick snacks, offering a variety of smoothies and tropical fruit juices. Pão de queijo (cheese bread) is another popular treat. Ubiquitous pay-by-weight buffets also feature a selection of salads, pasta, and vegetarian casseroles suitable for plant-based diets.
