Brazilian food is more than just a mealโitโs a celebration of life, culture, and connection. As the culinary world continues to evolve, Brazilโs flavors remain a vibrant mix of tradition and innovation. From the hearty comfort ofย feijoadaย to the tropical sweetness ofย aรงaรญ, each dish reflects the countryโs diverse regions and rich heritage. Whether youโre exploring street food stalls or dining in top-rated restaurants, Brazilian cuisine promises a journey of discovery for your taste buds.
What fascinated me most was the diversity of Brazilian cuisine. Each dish seemed to tell a story, a mixture of indigenous, European, and African cultural influences. I remember the macaroni on Saturdays, with its rich and varied ingredients, which my grandmother said was an inheritance from her Italian roots. It also had the unmistakable flavor of barbecue, a dish I learned to make from my grandfather.
Also, if you would like to learn more about life in Brazil, later you can read more in depth about Brazilian lifestyle here. Now, letโs get back into it.
Over time, I began to explore this diversity in greater depth. I discovered recipes from the north to the south of the country, each with its own identity and history. Acarajรฉ, moqueca, pรฃo de queijo, and so many other delights. With each new Brazilian recipe I learn, I feel I’m preserving a piece of our Brazilian culture and history.
It was this wealth of flavors and stories that made me fall in love with Brazilian cuisine. Cooking has become more than a hobby; it’s a way of connecting with my roots, celebrating the diversity of our country, and sharing some of this cultural richness with others. With every dish I prepare, I feel like I’m honoring the many hands and stories that have shaped our cuisine.
Brazilian Food
Savoury Dishes
Feijoada
Feijoada has its roots in the Brazilian colonial period. It is most common in Brazil, especially in the southeast, such as Rio de Janeiro. This emblematic dish is made with black beans and various meats, such as sausage, dried meat, and pork ribs. I love how each ingredient mixes slowly, resulting in a deep, comforting flavor that always reminds me of family gatherings.
Moqueca de Camarรฃo (Shrimp Moqueca)
Shrimp moqueca is a true treasure of Bahian cuisine, very popular in Brazil. Originally from Bahia, this delicious dish combines fresh prawns with coconut milk, palm oil, peppers, tomatoes, and onions. For me, moqueca captures the essence of tropical flavors and always transports me to the sunny beaches of the Northeast.
Vatapรก
Vatapรก is another typical dish from Bahia in Brazil that I love. This delicious cream is made with bread or wheat flour, coconut milk, peanuts, cashew nuts, and dried shrimp. Each spoonful is an explosion of flavors, and the rich, creamy texture makes it impossible to stop eating.
Acarajรฉ
Acarajรฉ, a fried fritter filled with vatapรก and dried shrimp, is an Afro-Brazilian delicacy found mainly in Bahia. I admire how the crunchiness of the dumpling contrasts with the spicy and creamy filling, creating a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.
Pastel
Pastel is a national dish of Brazil that can be found in all parts of Brazil, especially at street vendors. This thin, crispy pastry can be filled with various ingredients, such as meat, cheese, or palm hearts. For me, there’s nothing like biting into a fresh pastel and feeling the explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. I am very grateful to people of Asian origin (specifically Japanese immigrants) for providing us with this incomparable snack.
Pรฃo na Chapa
The pรฃo na chapa is a typical Brazilian breakfast treat, especially in Sao Paulo. This French bread is cut in half and toasted on the griddle with butter, resulting in an irresistible crunch that always reminds me of mornings at the bakery.
Farofa
Farofa is an essential side dish in Brazilian cuisine, made with cassava flour or corn flour toasted in butter and mixed with ingredients such as bacon bits, onions, and eggs. It’s common throughout Brazil and I love how it complements various dishes, especially during Brazilian barbecue.
Empadรฃo
Empadรฃo is a savory pie common in Brazil, filled with chicken, heart of palm, olives, and a touch of cream cheese. This dish is a real comfort food for me, perfect for a family lunch.
Bolinho de Bacalhau (Codfish Cakes)
Bolinhos de bacalhau is a delicacy brought by the Portuguese and much appreciated in Brazil. Made with shredded cod, potatoes, eggs, and spices, these dumplings are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This is a dish that always reminds us of the end-of-year celebrations.
Pao de Queijo (Cheese Bread)
Cheese bread or cheese rolls is a classic from Minas Gerais that has conquered the whole of Brazil. Made with polvilho and minas cheese (like cheese balls), these rolls are light and full of flavor, perfect for any time of day. During difficult times in my life, when I didn’t have time to cook, I often had pรฃo de queijo for lunch and dinner. It’s a dish that lives in my heart.
Churrasco
Barbecue is a national passion in Brazil, and the picanha is the star. The juicy, flavorful meat is seasoned with coarse salt and roasted over the coals. Nothing compares to the pleasure of sharing a barbecue with friends and family. Here I give the lead in making a good churrasco to the south of Brazil: Paranรก, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul (Southern Brazil). The people of Paranรก, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul are truly experts when it comes to making good meat.
Ovos Fritos (Fried Eggs)
Fried eggs are a simple and universal preparation, but in Brazil, they have a special touch when served with white rice, beans, and a salad. I love how the fried egg, with its soft yolk, enriches an everyday meal (even in the main meal), bringing comfort and flavor.
Queijo Coalho (Curd Cheese)
Coalho cheese is typical of northeastern Brazil and is commonly eaten grilled on barbecues or on the beach. Made with cow’s milk, it has a firm texture and a mild flavor that I love, especially when accompanied by cane molasses.
Bobรณ de Camarรฃo (Shrimp Bobรณ)
Bobรณ de camarรฃo is a traditional Brazilian food from Bahia, Brazil, which mixes shrimp with mashed cassava, coconut milk, and palm oil. This creamy and aromatic dish is a real explosion of flavors and always reminds me of the vibrant and rich culinary traditions of Bahia, mainly of African slaves.
Farinha de Tapioca (Tapioca Flour)
Tapioca flour is a traditional dish and much-loved food in Brazil, especially in the North and Northeast regions. It is made from cassava starch, which is hydrated, sieved, and then used to prepare a variety of dishes, from tapioca crepe to cakes and puddings. In my childhood, every time I went to the coast of Santa Catarina, I loved to eat tapioca, especially the sweet ones.
Quisado de Carne (Hearty Stew)
Hearty Stew is a comforting dish enjoyed in many parts of the world, but in Brazil, it is a specialty that brings back memories of family meals. Made with beef, usually cut into cubes, the stew is cooked slowly with onions, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and peas, resulting in a rich and tasty broth.
Goaiba em Pasta (Guava Paste)
Guava paste is a typical Brazilian delicacy, especially popular in the southeast and central-west regions. Made from ripe guavas, sugar and sometimes a touch of lemon, this thick, sweet paste is a real temptation. For me, guava paste always brings to mind childhood snacks, when I would spread generous layers of it over slices of minas cheese, creating the famous โRomeo and Julietโ. This simple but perfect combination is a charming example of the richness and simplicity of Brazilian cuisine.
Coxinha
The coxinha is an iconic Brazilian snack, especially popular in Sรฃo Paulo. Made with potato dough wrapped around a shredded and seasoned chicken filling, the coxinha is breaded and fried until golden and crispy. For me, coxinha always brings to mind memories of snack bars and birthday parties, where this delicacy was always a guaranteed hit.
Mortadela (Mortadella)
The mortadella sandwich is a classic from Sรฃo Paulo’s Municipal Market. This generous sandwich is filled with thick slices of mortadella, often accompanied by cheese and other condiments. I love how the simplicity of this snack turns into a feast of flavors, especially when enjoyed in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the market.
Tambaqui
Tambaqui de banda is a typical dish from the Amazon region, particularly popular in the state of Amazonas. Tambaqui, a freshwater fish, is grilled and served open, usually accompanied by flour and vinaigrette. The succulent texture and remarkable flavor of tambaqui always remind me of trips to the north of Brazil and outdoor meals by the river.
Brazilian Food
Sweet Treats
Brigadeiro
Brigadeiro is Brazil’s most beloved sweet, made with condensed milk, chocolate powder, and butter, and rolled in sprinkles. It’s impossible to resist these little delights that always bring back memories of childhood birthday parties. Come and try the Brazilian traditional brigadeiro!
Trufas de Chocolate (Chocolate Truffles)
Chocolate truffles, of European origin, are a sweet luxury enjoyed all over the world, including Brazil. Made with chocolate, cream, and sometimes a touch of liqueur, these delicacies remind me of the little indulgences we can give ourselves on special occasions.
Canjica
Canjica is a dessert typical of June festivals in Brazil, made with white corn, coconut milk, sugar, and cinnamon. This creamy, comforting sweet always reminds me of the celebrations and cultural traditions of the countryside.
Quindim
Quindim is a traditional Brazilian dessert, especially popular in the northeast of the country. Made with egg yolks, sugar, and grated coconut, this sweet has a unique texture: a golden, shiny layer on top and a soft, moist interior. Portuguese settlers brought this delicacy here. Quindim is one of my favorite sweets, always present at parties and celebrations. The combination of coconut and the intense sweetness of the egg yolks is irresistible, and each bite takes me back to memories of family gatherings where this dessert was always a hit.
Pรฉ de Moleque
Pรฉ de moleque is a traditional Brazilian delicacy, very common at June festivals. Originally from Brazil, this sweet is made from roasted peanuts and caramelized sugar, forming a crunchy and irresistible bar. I remember the June festivals of my childhood, where pรฉ de moleque was always one of the stars of the table, bringing a perfect combination of sweet and salty that is simply addictive.
Romeu e Julieta
Romeu e Julieta is a classic Brazilian dessert that combines minas frescal cheese with guava, creating a delicious contrast between salty and sweet. This simple yet sophisticated combination is common throughout Brazil and is one of my favorites for a quick and satisfying dessert. The creaminess of the cheese perfectly complements the intense sweetness of the guava, making each bite a unique and memorable experience.
Aรงai
Aรงaรญ is an Amazonian fruit that has become a symbol of Brazilian cuisine, especially in the north of the country. Consumed in the form of frozen pulp and usually served with guaranรก, granola, and fruit, aรงaรญ is a refreshing and energizing meal.
Remember that in the north and northeast of the country (especially in the north), aรงai is eaten with savory meals, as a side dish. In the Midwest, Southeast, and South of Brazil, it is served as a sweet dessert. But for me, aรงaรญ is synonymous with hot, healthy summers and a delicious dessert.
Brazilian Food
Bonus
Frutas Tropicais (Tropical Fruit)
Tropical fruits are abundant in Brazil, with varieties such as mango, pineapple, passion fruit, and acerola. Growing up in Brazil means having access to these fresh and tasty delights, which are perfect for juices, desserts or simply enjoying nature.
