Taste Of Brazil: The Best Things To Eat And Drink
As someone who has visited this beautiful country many times, I’ve had the privilege of exploring its rich culture, warm people, and, most importantly, its delicious cuisine. From the bustling streets of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to the serene beaches of Bahia, each visit has allowed me to dive deeper into the heart of Brazilian food. It’s a cuisine that reflects a wonderful mix of cultural influences, from Indigenous to Portuguese to African. In this blog post, I will share with you the best things to eat and drink In Brazil. From snacks sold by street vendors on the beach to the most famous and well known dishes found in cafes and restaurants throughout the country. I have all the best food options when visiting Brazil covered. So let’s get started!
Açaí
Açaí is one of the best things to eat in Brazil and should be at the top of the list for anyone visiting this country. Açaí is a superfood that is harvested from the Amazon Rainforest, and is a nutritional powerhouse packed with antioxidants. It is served cold, often as a thick smoothie or in a bowl which you can then top with granola or fresh fruit. Açaí in Brazil is unlike eating it anywhere else due to its freshness. A delicious nutritional treat that should not be missed.
Places that sell açai can be found easily all over Brazil including from street vendors and stalls. However, when it comes to enjoying the best açaí in Brazil here are the top recommendations.
Starting with Rio:
Cultivar – Located in Rio’s Santa Teresa district, I highly recommend this spot. This small no thrills cafe tops the list for its freshness and quality.
Amazonia Soul – Located in Ipanema, this cafe serves delicious açaí bowls. A great cafe spot as it is really close to the beach.
Tacacá do Norte – For many, Tacaca do Norte is considered the best place for açaí in Rio. Located in the Flamengo neighbourhood, Tacacá do Norte offers smooth creamy açaí bowls.
Bibi Sucos – With multiple locations across Rio, Bibi Sucos is widely accessible and consistently praised for its thick, flavorful açaí bowls. It’s a go-to spot especially for a late-night açaí fix.
Açaí Original – This is one of the best places in São Paulo for great tasting açaí bowls.
Açaí Surf – Another great place in São Paulo. Açaí Surf serves great açaí bowls, in both the traditional style as well as serving açaí with a number of alternative toppings.
Zaga Bowls – Another recommended açaí stop.
Pão de queijo
Another great food item to eat when in Brazils is pão de queijo. Pão de queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread, is a delicious snack made from cassava flour. They have a crispy exterior and a soft doughy cheese interior and are enjoyed by Brazilians throughout the day.
Here are the best spots where you can enjoy this beloved Brazilian cheese bread in Rio & São Paulo:
Cultivar – Cultivar in Rio makes great pão de queijo and this spot is particularly favoured by the local Santa Teresa crowd.
Casa do Pão de Queijo – As its name suggests, Casa do Pão de Queijo specialises in serving this traditional snack. With many outlets across Brazil, Casa do Pão de Queijo offers a consistent quality that has earned it a solid reputation among pão de queijo enthusiasts.
Confeitaria Colombo – Confeitaria Colombo is one of the best bakeries in Rio and offers a wide variety of baked goods, including delicious pão de queijo. Its elegant Belle Époque interior adds to the experience, making it a delightful place to enjoy this Brazilian snack.
Curto Café – Known for its relaxed atmosphere and good coffee, Curto Café in Rio offers tasty pão de queijo. It’s a great spot for those looking to enjoy a quick bite in a cozy setting.
Café 18 do Forte – Café 18 do Forte not only provides stunning views of Rio but also serves up delicious pão de queijo, making it an ideal stop.
Pão de Queijo Haddock Lobo – Located on Rua Haddock Lobo, this spot is one of the best places for pão de queijo in São Paulo.
A Baianeira – Located in São Paulo’s Barra Funda, A Baianeira not only offers delicious traditional Brazilian food but also serves up some of the best pão de queijo in the city. This place particularly stands out for its homemade feel and quality ingredients.
Brigadeiros
Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, one of the best sweet things to eat in Brazil is the Brigadeiros. These delightful chocolate fudge balls, made from a blend of condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, rolled in chocolate sprinkles are loved throughout the country.
Furthermore, brigadeiros hold a special place in the heart of Brazilian celebrations, especially at birthday parties, where they are as essential as the cake itself.
The widespread love for brigadeiros in Brazil means that you can find them almost everywhere – from street markets, local bakeries and cafes to high-end confectionery stores.
However, if you are visiting Rio or São Paulo, these are some of the best places to eat brigaderios:
Confeitaria Colombo – Confeitaria Colombo is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Its elegant setting provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy Brazilian desserts, including beautifully crafted brigadeiros.
Brigaderia – Brigaderia in São Paulo is highly recommended for anyone looking to try a wide variety of brigadeiros. Their expansive menu offers everything from traditional brigadeiros to more innovative flavours.
PikurruchAs – PikurruchA’s in São Paulo is highly recommende as this bakery is known for its delicious take on the traditional brigadeiro in cake form, combining the beloved chocolate flavour with a moist and tender cake base.
Feijoada
Next, I must recommend eating Feijoada, Brazil’s national dish. Feijoada is a hearty stew that is made primarily with black beans and a variety of meats, usually pork and beef. This stew is often served with white rice or green vegetables along with a few slices of orange and often topped with toasted cassava flour (farofa). The dish has roots in both Portuguese and Brazilian cuisines, reflecting the country’s colonial history and its adaptation to local ingredients, particularly the use of black beans.
There are so many restaurants and bars vying for the title of serving the best version of country’s national dish. Here are my recommendations:
Bar do Mineiro (Rio de Janeiro)- Located in Santa Teresa, Bar do Mineiro is a great spot for enjoying traditional feijoada. The cozy atmosphere and generous servings make it a go-to spot to indulge in this hearty stew.
Casa da Feijoada – Located in Rio’s Ipanema district, Casa da Feijoada is a great option to eat feijoada, as it offers a choice of different cuts of meat.
Academia da Cachaça – While primarily known for its extensive selection of cachaça, Academia da Cachaça in Rio is also serves really good feijoada. Here you are eating feijoada in a vibrant atmosphere and also have the opportunity to pair your meal with the perfect cachaça, making for a memorable dining experience. The friendly staff are more than willing to recommend a cachaça that complements the rich, smoky taste of the stew, ensuring that both food and drink harmonise beautifully.
Bar da Laje (Rio de Janeiro): For those seeking not just great food but also stunning views, Bar da Laje offers both. The feijoada here comes with a side of breathtaking vistas over Ipanema, making for an unforgettable dining experience.
Figueira Rubaiyat (São Paulo): For a more upscale dining experience I recommend Figueira Rubaiyat. This restaurant is committed to using great quality ingredients and you will have your delicious feijoada served to you under the branches of a magnificent fig tree.
Bolinha – With a history dating back over 70 years, Bolinha is an institution in São Paulo known for serving feijoada. The restaurant’s dedication to preserving the traditional recipe makes it one of the best places to eat the country’s national dish.
Moqueca
Moqueca is one of Brazil’s most cherished culinary treasures and one of the best things to eat in Brazil. A vibrant seafood stew that originated from the state of Bahia, the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture. Moqueca is made from fresh seafood, coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, along with the distinctive addition of dendê (palm) oil. Often made in a clay pot that adds an earthy depth to its taste and accompanied by rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and a squeeze of lime.
Moqueca can be found in menus of restaurants and cafes across the countyr, however if you seeking the most authentic moqueca experience, then the costal state of Bahia is the place to go.
In particular, Salvador, Bahia’s vibrant capital, is particularly renowned for its exceptional moqueca offerings, blending traditional recipes with the freshest local seafood and has some of the best places to enjoy this dish.
Top recommendations include Casa de Tereza, which offers delicious moqueca in a wam and inviting atmosphere. Another great recommendation is Donana in Brotas, known for its cozy setting and authentic Bahian cuisine, serves great Moqueca.
For an more upscale waterfront experience Amado, offers a more upscale dining experience, where the Moqueca is prepared with meticulous attention to detail and using great ingredients.
Salvador’s street food scene also contributes to its fame as the go-to destination for Moqueca enthusiasts. Acarajé da Cira in Rio Vermelho, is a great place to go for a more casual setting.
In Rio de Janeiro, Cafe do Alto is a great place to go to enjoy moqueca in a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Another great recommendation is Oia, with more mediterranean influences, the moqueca here is delicious. For moqueca with stunning view of Rio, check out Aprazível.
Finally, Nomangue, situated in Copacabana, also serves great authentic Bahian-style moqueca and a favourite among locals.
If you are looking for great moqueca in São Paulo, then head to Consulado Mineiro. This restaurant, with a diverse Brazilian menu, serves traditional moqueca in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Another spot for moqueca is Tordesilhas. This restaurant’s elegant setting and dedication to showcasing regional Brazilian dishes make it an another great place to eat.
Coxinhas
Another great snack to eat when in Brazil is Coxinha. This popular Brazilian snack consisting of shredded chicken enveloped in a dough shaped like a teardrop, then breaded and fried. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, flavourful interior, making Coxinha a tasty and comforting snack.
The popularity of coxinhas stretches all over the country however they are very popular street-food in São Paulo. In particular, Veloso Bar and Santa Coxihna are some of the best places to enjoy this snack
In Rio, Tacacá do Norte, Os Imortais, and Forneria Santa Filomena are also some really good spots to eat Coxinha.
Picanha
Picanha is a cut of beef in Brazil and known for its rich flavour and tenderness. This cut comes from the top part of the sirloin cap and includes a thick layer of fat that contributes to its juiciness and taste when cooked. Traditionally, picanha is prepared by roasting or grilling, often seasoned simply with salt to enhance its natural flavours. This method of preparation is especially popular in Brazilian churrasco (roughly translated as a barbecue place) where the meat is cooked over an open flame. The simple yet expert preparation of picanha at local churrascarias will provide you with a memorable dining experience.
When it comes to recommending the best places to enjoy picanha in Brazil, there are many great place, renowned restaurants and churrascarias across the country to go. Recommendations include:
Fogo de Chão – With locations in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and other major cities, Fogo de Chão is one of Brazil’s most famous churrascarias. It’s recognized for its high-quality meats and traditional Brazilian barbecue experience, including expertly prepared picanha.
Porcão – Another famed churrascaria chain, Porcão has establishments in Rio de Janeiro and other cities. Known for its all-you-can-eat meat selections, Porcão serves up some of the finest picanha in the country.
Espeto Carioca – Espeto Carioca in Rio is renowned for its casual yet delicious approach to Brazilian barbecue, including their mouth-watering picanha. It’s a great place to enjoy the local flavors in a laid-back setting.
Barbacoa – With locations in São Paulo and Brasília, Barbacoa is celebrated for its dedication to the art of barbecue, offering a range of high-quality meats, including tender and flavourful picanha. This place is perfect if you want a more up-scale dining experience.
Biscoito Globo
Biscoito Globo is an iconic snack in Rio de Janeiro, inseparable from the city’s vibrant beach culture. Originating from a recipe that includes manioc flour, water, coconut, eggs, milk, salt, and sugar. Globos are light and airy ring-shaped biscuits/snacks that come in sweet and salty variants and traditionally sold in paper packages by vendors who roam the sun-drenched sands. Biscoito Globo is a must-try for while spending time on Rio’s famous beaches.
Churros & Tapioca Pancakes
Walking along the beach front in Rio, you will find many carts that sell that sell delicious churros filled with dulce de leche or chocolate or pancakes made from tapioca that are filled will sweet or savoury fillings. Make sure you try one these freshly made treats as you stroll along the beach front.
Guaraná Antarctica
One of the best things to drink in Brazil is Guaraná Antarctica. This is a popular soft drink, that originated in Brazil. Made from guaraná fruit, native to the Amazon rainforest, the drink is known its energising properties, largely due to its natural caffeine content. The drink is fruity and refreshing and available all over the country. So grab a cold can from a beachside kiosk and enjoy this cherished Brazilian soft drink.
Caipirinhas
Caipirinhas, Brazil’s national cocktail, are celebrated for their refreshing taste and an essential experience for anyone visiting Brazil. Made with cachaça (a distilled spirit from sugarcane juice), lime, and sugar, Caipirinhas offer a simple yet profound taste profile that is both crisp and tantalizing.
Caipirinhas are sold everywhere, from beachside kiosks, bars, restaurants. In addition to enjoying the national cocktail on the beach, which is a must in my opionion, some of best caipirinhas bars include:
Academia da Cachaça – Located in Rio and known for its extensive selection of cachaças and its expertly crafted Caipirinhas. This is a must visit place to enjoy some of the best caipirinhas you will ever drink.
Bar do Arnaudo – Located in the charming neighbourhood of Rio’s Santa Teresa, Bar do Arnaudo is renowned for its wonderful Northeastern Brazilian cuisine, complemented by its simple yet perfectly balanced Caipirinhas.
Bar Astor (São Paulo) – Offering a view of São Paulo’s vibrant street life, Bar Astor serves up classic Caipirinhas. This place will not disappoint.
Coffee
Finally, I have to mention drinking some great coffee while in Brazil, after all it is the world’s largest coffee producer. There are so many great quality places to enjoy a delicious freshly roasted cup, here are some of the best places I recommend:
Sofá Café – Located just behind Rio’s famous Copacabana Palace hotel, this place is one one btest in the neighbourhood of Copacabana. High-quality coffee is served in a welcoming calm environment.
Livraria da Vila (Rio de Janeiro) – Combining a love for books and coffee, Livraria da Vila offers a cozy atmosphere where visitors can sip on finely brewed Brazilian coffee while browsing through an extensive collection of literature.
The Slow Bakery (Rio de Janeiro) – Known for its artisanal bread and relaxed vibe, The Slow Bakery also takes its coffee seriously, serving meticulously crafted brews that highlight the best of Brazilian beans.
So To Wrap Up On Taste Of Brazil, The Best Things To Eat And Drink…
Brazil has so much great food and drink to offer for all tastes and budgets. From wonderful street food to national dishes and the most succulent cuts of picanha grilled to perfection. Then of course there this the refreshing zing of caipirinhas, to the aromatic embrace of a freshly brewed cup of Brazilian coffee. All these eating experiences are a testament to Brazil’s deep-rooted love for food and drink. Whether you find yourself wandering the bustling streets of Rio and São Paulo or enjoying the wonders of the Amazon and Bahia, the taste of Brazilian food is sure to captivate your senses and leave you yearning for more.
For more great information on Brazil, read my blog on the Best Things To Do In Rio de Janeiro & Essential Tips.
