Introduction to Brazilian Cuisine

Brazilian cuisine, much like the country itself, varies greatly by region. The Portuguese arrived in Brazil in the 1500s and brought their culinary tastes with them, in addition to sugar, citrus fruits, and sweets. The Brazilian "sweet tooth" was developed through the influence of Europeans. Other nationalities that brought their own style of cooking when they settled in Brazil were Japanese, Arab, German, and Italian immigrants. Long before the Europeans arrived, the Tupí-Guaraní and other native groups lived in Brazil. They planted manioc (a root vegetable similar to potatoes) from which Brazilians make tapioca and farofa. Other commonly used local ingredients include cassava, yams, peanuts, açaí, cupuacu, mango, papaya, guava, orange, pineapple, hog plum, and passion fruit. Rice and beans are a common dish as are fish, beef, and pork.



During your Brazil vacation, try digging into a few of these delicious dishes…



Feijão: This is one of the most popular in Brazil. The black beans are boiled with onion and garlic, and sometimes cooked with pork, in which case it is called feijoada. This dish can generally be found in any Brazilian restaurant and will always be in abundance in all-you-can-eat restaurants.



Açaí: Everywhere else in the world this berry-like fruit is extremely expensive. In Brazil, it can be found on every corner, available as a juice, milkshake, ice cream, or with granola.



Churrasco: This sirloin meat covered in rock salt is cooked high over a barbecue to create a delicious meal. Go to a churrascaria to find this delectable meat, but asking for a complete churrasco will mean you will receive every last piece of the animal barbecued.



Maracujá: Every type of passion fruit in Brazil has its own name. Maracujá is the best. Enjoy it chopped in half at eaten with a spoon.



Coxinha com Catupiry: If you need a snack in Brazil, Coxinha is a delicious option. A cone containing chicken at the top and mashed potato at the bottom coated in flour may not be your typical snack, but it is tasty. Especially good with catupiry (cream cheese), the snack will fill you up for a few hours.



Bolo: Brazilians love cake, which they call bolo. It is widely available at restaurants, corner shops, street vendors, and generally any place that sells food. Eat it any time of day, and be sure to try flavors like chocolate, pineapple, and coconut.



Pastéis: One of the most popular snack foods in Brazil. These treats are similar to empanadas and generally have a beef feeling. They are inexpensive street food but can also be purchased in restaurants, where there is a large selection of flavors.





This guide to Brazilian cuisine was written by a Brazil travel expert at Brazil For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Brazil vacations.