What is Brazil’s Traditional Food? I love to travel more than anything. Knowing different places, people, countries, cultures. It’s always good. But there are two things that I miss every time I go out of Brazil: my family and the food. Guys, trust me: there’s nothing out there like Brazilian Food. You can think that my opinion is biased because I’m Brazilian, but I swear: Brazilian Traditional Food Rocks.
Brazil’s most traditional food are:
- Açaí
- Acarajé
- Brigadeiro
- Coxinha
- Farofa
- Feijoada
- Moqueca
- Pão de Queijo
- Pastel
- Quindin
There’s a lot more, but this list of ten certainly represents very well Brazilian cuisine. Also, these recipes are the most well-known outside of Brazil. So, let’s learn more about what is Brazil’s Traditional Food.
Açaí
Açaí is known worldwide in its most popular form: beaten açaí served in a bowl, topped with fruits and cereals, smoothie and even ice cream.
This fruit of intense color and flavor has always been consumed in the northern region of Brazil, in a very different way, with side dishes such as shrimp, fried fish, beef jerky, and water flour: there is a combination of toppings that you would never imagine ordering in an Açaí kiosk.
As time went by, Açaí explored the entire Brazilian territory and also abroad in its most popular and well-known form: Açaí served in a bowl, covered with fruits and cereals.
Nowadays you can consume it in vitamin form with other fruits, smoothies, and even ice cream. Due to its high energy value, it is widely consumed by athletes and practitioners of intense physical activities.
Acarajé
One of the most famous recipes from Bahia is definitely the Acarajé. Common street food in Bahia (and these days in every big city in Brazil), the Acarajé is extremely flavorful and consists of a small Brazilian fritter made from black-eyed peas.
The dish uses onions and ground-dried shrimp to give it an extra punch in flavor. They’re shaped into balls and deep-fried in “Azeite de Dendê”, a Brazilian palm oil.
After fried the balls are split in half and filled with “Vatapá”, a paste made from ground peanuts, dried shrimp, and coconut milk. Last but not least comes the punch: pepper.
Be careful when ordering yours: when they ask If you want it “hot” or “cold”, they’re meaning how spicy do you want your Acarajé.
Brigadeiro
If there is a sweet that makes the head of Brazilians, this is the “brigadeiro”. Before, this soft, creamy chocolate cupcake was more common at children’s birthday parties.
Over time, it has gained several varied recipes, gourmet versions, and specialized stores exclusively in the preparation and marketing of “brigadeiro”.
Today it is no longer exclusive to Brazil and it is possible to find excellent “Brigadeiros” worldwide.
Coxinha
One of my personal favorites, Coxinha is an addictive Brazilian traditional food. It’s hard to confirm, but the origin of this recipe is probably the interior of the state of São Paulo.
Coxinha can be found literally anywhere in Brazil. No matter how small the city is, you can find it in bakeries, snack bars, and restaurants, and is a national passion. This soft dough filled with shredded chicken well-seasoned in the drop shape is mouth-watering.
Farofa
Damn. There are probably more than 15 years that is almost impossible for me to have lunch without a good “Farofa” as a side dish.
This side dish has its base in corn or cassava flour, seasoned with salt, onion, garlic, and a lot of condiments that can vary depending on the region. There are versions of farofa with eggs, sausage, bacon, peas, vegetables, and a lot more.
It matches perfectly with the staple of Brazil, Rice, and Beans, which is the next on the list. Also, it’s impossible to have a complete experience of Feijoada without a good Farofa.
Feijão com Arroz
“Feijão com Arroz”, in English, Rice, and Beans, is the staple food of Brazil. Every day this is the combination that is part of the diet of millions of people. It’s almost impossible for a Brazilian not to eat “Feijão com Arroz” on a daily basis.
This goes well with meat, French fries and matches perfectly with “Farofa”, the side dish that I have described in the past section.
Also, Rice and Beans are the base of probably the most famous Brazilian Traditional food: “Feijoada”.
Feijoada
“Feijoada” is probably the great start of Brazilian cuisine. Any good Brazilian restaurant outside the country has Feijoada on its menu.
This succulent bean stew is usually prepared in large quantities, with several types of pork meat: ribs, bacon, sausage, and even ears and foot. History says that this recipe was invented by the Brazilian slaves, which received from the “slave masters” the less noble parts of the Porks, like the ears, foot, and cuts rich in fat.
Definitely a national passion, feijoada is served with white rice, braised cabbage, orange slices, farofa, and vinaigrette. It matches perfectly with beer 🙂
Moqueca
Another delicious recipe that you should try in Bahia or even do it yourself is Moqueca. A Brazilian Fish Stew that is very easy to do and it’s absolutely delicious.
The recipe is made with your choice of fish and simmered in coconut milk with onion, tomatoes, chilies, cilantro, and lime. The recipe is served with rice and It’s overwhelming how good it is.
In Bahia, this recipe is very spicy. But in other states, the spiciness level is lighter.
Pão de Queijo
Cheese Bread, the “Pão de Queijo”, is the pride of Minas Gerais cuisine, but it is widely consumed throughout the country and now in the world. These softballs made with cheese and starch, served with freshly brewed coffee, make breakfast and afternoon snacks a separate attraction.
In addition to the traditional recipe, there are many variations, made with parmesan cheese, provolone, ham, and even shredded chicken provolone.
Pastel
A trip to Brazil is not complete without tasting a good “Pastel”.
Despite being fried in a lot of oil, this recipe is dry and crunchy on the outside, in contrast to the soft filling. My favorite filling is ground beef with eggs.
No other place in the world has our traditional “Pastel”, which has the most diverse fillings, from the traditional ground beef to the sweet versions filled with fruits and chocolate.
Quindin
Last but not least, another dessert. “Quindim” was born in northeastern Brazil, although it has a Portuguese version.
Made with egg yolk, sugar, and grated coconut, it is another wonderful mouth-watering preparation that makes the sweet addicts crazy. In addition to being very tasty, it is a delight to the eye with its beautiful golden color.
Final Considerations
This is just a touch of what is Brazil’s Traditional Food looks and tastes like. I hope you have enjoyed this content and that you have the chance to try every dish on the list.
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