Food in Brazil

Brazil's vibrant culture is a feast for the senses, and its culinary landscape is no exception. This South American giant presents a smorgasbord of flavors, influenced by Indigenous, African, and Portuguese heritages. Visitors to Brazil can indulge in a variety of dishes that are as diverse as the country's ecosystem. From the sizzling street food to the sophisticated regional specialties, Brazilian cuisine offers a taste experience that is both expansive and memorable. Discover the must-try Brazilian dishes that will make your trip an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Brazilian Dishes

Feijoada

Feijoada is Brazil's national dish, a hearty stew made with black beans and a variety of pork and beef cuts, such as sausages, ribs, and dried meat. This rich and flavorful dish is traditionally served with rice, orange slices, collard greens, and farofa (toasted cassava flour). Feijoada is typically enjoyed on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is a must-try for anyone visiting Brazil.

Moqueca

Moqueca is a fragrant fish stew that epitomizes the tropical flavors of the Brazilian coast. It is made with fish, onions, garlic, tomatoes, coriander, and coconut milk, all slowly cooked together in a clay pot. There are two main versions: Moqueca Baiana, from the state of Bahia, includes dendê (palm oil), while Moqueca Capixaba, from Espírito Santo, is made without the oil and often features annatto for a natural red coloring.

Churrasco

Churrasco is the Brazilian form of barbecue, a culinary tradition that involves grilling various cuts of meat on a churrasqueira, a barbecue grill often found in Brazilian steakhouses known as churrascarias. Beef is the most common meat, but pork, lamb, and chicken are also popular. The meats are seasoned with nothing more than coarse salt before being cooked to perfection, and they are usually served with chimichurri, a sauce made of parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil.

Pão de Queijo

Pão de Queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread, is a popular snack and breakfast food. These small, round, and cheesy rolls are made with cassava flour and queijo Minas, a type of Brazilian cheese. Crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, they are irresistible and often eaten with coffee.

Acarajé

Acarajé is a street food delicacy from the state of Bahia with strong African influences. It consists of black-eyed pea fritters that are deep-fried in dendê oil and then split and stuffed with vatapá (a creamy paste made from shrimp, bread, ground peanuts, coconut milk, and palm oil) and caruru (a dish made from okra, onion, shrimp, palm oil, and toasted nuts).

Coxinha

Coxinha is a popular Brazilian snack that resembles a teardrop. It consists of a dough made from wheat flour and chicken broth, which is filled with seasoned, shredded chicken meat. The filled dough is then shaped into a drumstick, breaded, and deep-fried until golden brown. Coxinha is a favorite at parties and gatherings.

Bobó de Camarão

Bobó de Camarão is a Brazilian shrimp stew that's thick and creamy, hailing from the state of Bahia. It is made by simmering shrimp in a puree of cassava (also called manioc or yuca), coconut milk, and other ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and coriander. The dish is often served with rice and has a rich, velvety texture.

Brazilian Desserts

Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro is a beloved Brazilian chocolate treat, similar to a truffle, made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. These sweet balls are rolled in chocolate sprinkles and are a staple at birthday parties and celebrations. Brigadeiros are so popular that they can be found in a variety of flavors, such as coconut (beijinho) and passion fruit.

Pudim

Pudim is a smooth and creamy Brazilian flan made with condensed milk, milk, and eggs. The dessert is baked in a round mold with a caramelized sugar coating that creates a delicious syrup when inverted onto a plate. Pudim's simplicity and elegance make it a favorite among Brazilians for any occasion.

Quindim

Quindim is a glossy, yellow dessert made primarily from sugar, egg yolks, and ground coconut. This sweet has a custard-like consistency and is baked in individual cupcake-sized molds. It is intensely sweet, rich, and a true delight for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Romeu e Julieta

Romeu e Julieta is a simple yet iconic Brazilian dessert that pairs a slice of mild, white cheese (usually queijo Minas) with a slice of guava paste. The combination of the salty cheese and the sweet, fruity paste creates a perfect balance of flavors. It's commonly served as an appetizer or a dessert.

Beijinho

Beijinho, or 'little kiss,' is a sweet coconut confection that's very similar to brigadeiro, but without the chocolate. Made with condensed milk, coconut, and butter, these treats are rolled into balls and covered in granulated sugar, often adorned with a single clove on top. Beijinho is another party favorite, especially at children's birthday celebrations.

Cocada

Cocada is a traditional coconut candy or dessert that comes in many variations throughout Brazil. It's made by cooking grated coconut with sugar until it caramelizes. Cocadas can range from very soft and creamy to a more hardened, chewy texture, and they often come in different flavors, such as brown sugar, chocolate, and even tropical fruits.