A Food Lover's Guide to Brazil: 8 Must-Try Dishes

Introduction

Brazil's culinary landscape is as diverse as its culture, shaped by indigenous ingredients, African influences, and Portuguese traditions. From the bustling streets of São Paulo to the tropical coasts of Bahia, Brazil offers a rich array of flavors that reflect its unique heritage. Whether you're craving hearty stews, mouth-watering street food, or sweet indulgences, Brazilian cuisine has something for every palate. In this guide, we’ll explore eight must-try dishes that capture the essence of Brazil’s food culture.

1. Feijoada

Feijoada is often considered Brazil’s national dish, and it’s a must-try for any food lover visiting the country. This hearty black bean stew, typically made with pork, has its roots in Portuguese cuisine but has been adapted over centuries to become a true Brazilian staple. Traditionally served with rice, collard greens, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and orange slices, feijoada is a dish that brings together family and friends, often enjoyed at long, leisurely weekend lunches.

You can find feijoada across the country, but it’s especially popular in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Many restaurants serve it on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering a chance to indulge in this rich, flavorful dish while soaking up Brazil’s vibrant atmosphere.

2. Pão de Queijo

No visit to Brazil is complete without tasting Pão de Queijo, the country’s beloved cheese bread. These small, golden rolls are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, made with cassava flour and Minas cheese, which gives them their unique texture. Originating from the state of Minas Gerais, Pão de Queijo is enjoyed throughout the country as a breakfast item, snack, or even alongside coffee.

You’ll find these irresistible cheese rolls everywhere—from bakeries and street vendors to restaurants. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, and many places serve them with a variety of fillings like requeijão (a type of creamy cheese) or jam. Light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, Pão de Queijo is a must-try for those seeking a taste of Brazil’s comforting, homestyle cuisine.

3. Moqueca

A star of Brazil’s northeastern cuisine, Moqueca is a traditional seafood stew that blends fish, shrimp, and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. With roots in both African and indigenous cooking, this dish is often prepared with coconut milk, palm oil, and plenty of fresh herbs. The result is a fragrant and creamy stew that captures the essence of Bahia’s coastal regions.

There are two main styles of Moqueca: the Bahian version, which includes coconut milk and palm oil, and the capixaba version from Espírito Santo, which is lighter and tomato-based. Whether you enjoy it in Salvador or along the coast of Bahia, Moqueca is typically served with rice, farofa, and pirão (a fish-based sauce thickened with cassava flour). This dish is a perfect representation of Brazil’s diverse culinary heritage.

4. Acarajé

One of Brazil’s most iconic street foods, Acarajé hails from the Afro-Brazilian cuisine of Bahia. This deep-fried ball made from black-eyed peas is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s traditionally split open and filled with a spicy shrimp paste, vatapá (a creamy paste made from bread, shrimp, coconut milk, and ground peanuts), and caruru (a dish made with okra, onions, and dried shrimp).

Acarajé holds deep cultural significance in Bahia, where it’s not only a popular snack but also part of the religious traditions of Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian spiritual practice. You’ll find street vendors, often dressed in traditional white attire, selling Acarajé in cities like Salvador. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or want to experience a dish with rich cultural roots, Acarajé is a must-try for food lovers visiting Brazil.

5. Coxinha

Coxinha is one of Brazil’s favorite snacks, and for good reason. This delicious, teardrop-shaped pastry is filled with shredded chicken and sometimes catupiry (a creamy cheese), then deep-fried to golden perfection. The outer layer is crispy, while the inside is tender and flavorful, making it a popular treat at bakeries and street stalls across the country.

You’ll find Coxinha in many variations, from small bite-sized versions to larger ones that can be a meal on their own. Often enjoyed with a side of ketchup or hot sauce, this savory snack is perfect for a quick bite on the go or as a satisfying appetizer.

6. Brigadeiro

No Brazilian celebration is complete without Brigadeiro, the country’s beloved chocolate truffle. Made from sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, these bite-sized treats are rolled in chocolate sprinkles and served at birthdays, weddings, and festive gatherings. Simple yet indulgent, Brigadeiro has become a staple dessert in Brazilian homes and bakeries.

Despite its straightforward ingredients, Brigadeiro delivers a rich, fudgy flavor that is hard to resist. You’ll often see them arranged on decorative platters at parties, but they can also be enjoyed anytime as a sweet snack. For dessert lovers, trying Brigadeiro is a must when exploring Brazil’s sweet side.

7. Churrasco

Churrasco, or Brazilian barbecue, is a feast for meat lovers. This traditional style of grilling involves cooking a variety of meats—such as beef, pork, chicken, and sausage—on large skewers over an open flame. Often served in churrascarias (Brazilian steakhouses), Churrasco is a social event as much as it is a meal, where diners can indulge in an endless array of grilled meats carved directly at the table.

Brazilian Churrasco is typically seasoned simply with salt, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine. Accompanied by sides like farofa, rice, and vinagrete (a type of salsa), this barbecue experience is a highlight of Brazilian cuisine. Whether you’re dining in a fancy churrascaria or enjoying a backyard Churrasco with locals, this is a culinary tradition not to be missed.

8. Pastel

A favorite Brazilian street food, Pastel is a deep-fried pastry filled with a variety of ingredients, from savory to sweet. The most common fillings include minced meat, cheese, or heart of palm, but you’ll also find versions filled with shrimp, chicken, or even chocolate and banana for dessert. These crispy pastries are typically rectangular or half-moon shaped, with a crunchy exterior and a warm, flavorful filling.

Pastéis are commonly sold at street markets, known as feiras, and are often enjoyed with a cold drink like sugarcane juice. They make the perfect snack or light meal while wandering the bustling streets of cities like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, Pastel is a must-try for anyone exploring Brazil’s vibrant street food scene.

Conclusion

Brazil’s diverse culinary scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that reflect the country’s unique history and cultural influences. From hearty stews like Feijoada to irresistible snacks like Pão de Queijo and Coxinha, these eight must-try dishes provide a delicious introduction to Brazil’s gastronomic heritage. Be sure to seek them out on your next visit and savor the taste of Brazil’s vibrant food culture.