The Diverse Cuisine of Brazil

As you might expect from such a large, diverse country, Brazil offers a huge amount of variety when it comes to culinary delights.

Not only do Brazil’s large swathes of territory boast a huge number of different micro-climates, successive waves of immigration imbued its culinary scene with influences from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and more. From novel breakfast foods to street snacks all the way to full meals, there are many new foods for you to try with many available from street vendors for next to nothing.

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A quick stroll down any beach in Brazil will more than likely mean you find a mysterious purple substance served in bowls. It is in fact açai, a fruit which grows in the Amazon but is commonly served for breakfast, frozen and accompanied by granola.

Another popular street food is pastel, pockets of deep-fried pastry filled with a number of different ingredients. If you want something healthier, stick with the ubiquitous caldinho de feijão, or bean soup. While many people consider Argentina to be the home of the barbecue, Brazil contests that claim. There is nothing wrong with chowing down on sausages, beef, quejo coalho (cheese on a stick) and chicken hearts in order to make up your own mind.

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Head to northeast Brazil to try the famous moqueca, stewed seafood with tomatoes, onions and coriander. Fish-lovers will also enjoy bolinho de bacalau, or codfish balls. You’ll find these tasty morsels in many Brazilian bars, where they may be served alongside aipim frito, or cassava chips.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll be glad to hear chocolate bonbons known as brigadeiros can be found all over the country. Condensed milk and chocolate are rolled into a ball, and covered in more chocolate pieces. Perfect for finishing off your culinary excursion.