Vatapá

Vatapá is a delectable Afro-Brazilian dish with origins in Africa, brought to Brazil by the Yoruba people. This creamy and flavorful concoction is made from a blend of bread, shrimp, coconut milk, ground peanuts, and palm oil. It is a staple in Salvador, Bahia, and is widely enjoyed in the Northern and Northeastern regions of Brazil.

In Bahia, vatapá is frequently served alongside acarajé, a popular street food, and is even used in Candomblé religious ceremonies as an offering. In other parts of Brazil, it is commonly paired with white rice. While the traditional recipe calls for shrimp, regional variations may use tuna, chicken, or cod instead.

Vatapá is a testament to the profound influence of African cuisine on Brazilian cooking. Enslaved Africans brought their culinary traditions to Brazil in the 16th century, and these flavors have since become an integral part of Brazilian culture. Palm oil is a key ingredient in vatapá and is also commonly used in another Bahian dish called caruru.