From Rio de Janeiro to Salvador da Bahia, Brazilian gastronomy offers an amazing journey. Below is a guide to the delicious specialties you should sample during your visit to Brazil!

Feijoada
, Brazil’s national dish

Discussing Brazilian cuisine inevitably leads to mention
feijoada
, a black bean stew prepared with chunks of pork, which is considered Brazil’s national dish. Typically enjoyed on Wednesdays or Saturdays, this hearty meal is accompanied by white rice, shredded cabbage, sliced oranges, and toasted manioc flour called
farofa
. In Rio,
feijoada
is consumed in typical taverns known for their lively ambiance, frequently accompanied by
samba
tunes in the background.

Acarajé
Street food featuring flavors from Bahia

In
Salvador de Bahia
In the capital city of the Brazilian state of Bahia, you won’t be able to miss it.
acarajé
These small shrimp-filled bean fritters, cooked in palm oil, are a beloved treat in Bahia. Crispy exterior paired with a tender interior makes acarajé readily available for purchase from vendors.
baianas de acarajé
, women in traditional white attire peddling the snack at seemingly every street corner.

Moqueca
, the treasure belonging to Brazilian fishermen

In the states of Espírito Santo and Bahia,
moqueca
It’s a must-try dish. The fish stew simmers in coconut milk along with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cilantro. It has two primary variations:
moqueca capixaba
, which is lightweight and easy to use, or
moqueca baiana
, which boasts enhanced richness due to the inclusion of additional palm oil. This meal is typically served in a
panela de barro
, an earthenware vessel that preserves the warmth and taste of the components.

Coxinha
, a tasty grab-and-go treat

A symbol of Brazilian street cuisine,
coxinha
Is utterly unstoppable! With a crispy exterior and a wonderfully smooth interior, these croquettes filled with pulled chicken, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to golden perfection are beloved snacks in Brazil. Additionally, numerous variations exist: some versions differ in their fillings or seasonings.
coxinhas
are filled with gooey cheese or shrimp. Savor them as you walk, at a marketplace or by the seaside.

Tutu mineiro
, the signature dish from the Minas Gerais area

Starting in the Nordeste region of Brazil,
sarapatel
It’s a daring meal with a strong flavor profile that might take some getting used to. This dish consists of offal soaked in vinegar before being prepared with blood and subsequently served alongside various accompaniments.
farofa
(manioc flour) or white rice. Characterized by its bold spiciness and velvety consistency, this dish is a specialty from the regions of Pernambuco and Sergipe, commonly enjoyed during festive occasions and family reunions.

T
utu mineiro
, a signature recipe hailing from Minas Gerais

In the hills of Minas Gerais,
tutu mineiro
Serves as a mainstay in regional eateries, this hearty meal consists of crushed beans mixed with cassava flour and bacon. It forms an integral chapter in the story of local farmers and miners seeking sustenance through hard work. Often garnished with a fried egg or sausages atop, it accompanies a plentiful portion of rice along with traditional Portuguese kale, which has been thinly sliced and stir-fried.

Quindim
, a specialty from Nordeste

Quindim
Is a dessert characterized by its soft, creamy consistency, beloved by the inhabitants of Nordeste. Hailing from the Recife area, this small golden-yellow custard is exceptionally sweet and boasts a distinct coconut flavor. You can find it in virtually every bakery and coffee shop throughout Nordeste. Truly an unmissable delicacy!

Tacacá
, a robust Amazonian soup known for its pronounced flavor

From the
heart of Amazonia
,
tacacá
This manioc soup is truly intriguing. It includes dried shrimp in its preparation.
jambú
(a botanical specimen that induces a mild numbing feeling on the tongue) and a fermented substance
tucupi
The sauce boasts an exceptionally robust flavor. Presented in calabash bowls, it is consumed while still warm during the later part of the day to invigorate the senses and stimulate mental clarity.

Pão de queijo
, a delightful cheese originating from Minas Gerais

One bite of
pão de queijo
These circular cheese pastries, a staple in Minas Gerais cuisine, boast a crunchy exterior and delightfully creamy interior. Crafted using tapioca flour, eggs, and regional cheese, they offer a lightweight texture ideal for snacking. They’re usually enjoyed piping hot at nearly every café across the nation, ensuring you’ll be eager for more!

Beiju
, the classic manioc pancake

To conclude this culinary journey, be sure to sample the
beiju
, a delicate pancake crafted from cassava flour, common among indigenous groups. It can be sweetened using condensed milk or seasoned with cheese or dried meat.
beiju
is versatile, lightweight and simply delightful!