Food & Drink

The sensory experience of Brazil is second to none, with the tantalizing aroma of street food sizzling on every corner. Brazilian cuisine tantalizes the taste buds, creating a sensory symphony that resonates with those who have the privilege of experiencing this enchanting country.

Brazilian cuisine reflects the nation's cultural diversity, making every bite an adventure for the palate. It is a unique and flavorful blend of European and Indigenous, with many ingredients that come from the Amazon Rainforest. The ubiquitous farofa is one of several popular foods made with cassava, also called manioc, and yuca, which is native to the Amazon rainforest.

What is Brazil's traditional cuisine?

Feijoada, a hearty and filling black bean stew with pork, symbolizes comfort food, while coxinha chicken croquettes showcase savoury delights. Churrasco, the art of grilling meats, is a carnivore's dream. For a sweet treat, try brigadeiro, chocolate truffles rolled in sprinkles.

Brazil's national cocktail, the caipirinha, packs a punch with sugarcane liquor, lime, and sugar, while fresh coconut water is a popular, refreshing choice. Embrace the açaí bowl craze for a healthy and delicious snack.

What is the dining etiquette in Brazil?

Brazilians can be quite formal in restaurants, where white table cloths and eating with your fork in the left hand and knife in the right hand are the norm. Manners like keeping your hands above and your elbows off the table are expected. Self service restaurants, where you pay for the weight of your plate, are less formal and a great way to sample a bite of many different dishes.

What is the drinking etiquette in Brazil?

It’s polite to accept a drink when offered, though you can ask for a fruit juice without alcohol if you prefer. The national drink is a caipirinha, made with cachaça, which comes from sugar cane juice. At bars, most Brazilians enjoy mixed drinks made with cachaça or rum and fruit juices or cola. Beer is starting to catch on, but still lags far behind the national love of cachaça.

Does Brazil cater to dietary restrictions?

With the ubiquity of manioc and rice, travellers with a gluten intolerance may have few difficulties. However, vegetarians and vegans will find their best options in big cities. Especially in the state of Matto Grosso, where the main industry is cattle and beef is eaten daily.

What do meals typically cost in Brazil?

One of the most popular types of restaurants in Brazil sells food by weight, in kilos, and is called a restaurant por quilo, or will have the English words “self-service” in the description. These restaurants are a good deal, if you know how to gauge what certain foods weigh, and you can get a wide variety of dishes for $10-$20 per plate. You should expect to pay $50-100 per person in fine dining restaurants, though the quality of food will be worth it!