The Best Brazilian National Dishes And Where To Find Them

Fruit at the Marcado Municipal
Fruit at the Marcado Municipal | © Jason Rosenberg / Flickr
Thomas Storey

Brazil’s hearty, flavorsome cuisine embodies the rich panorama of cultural influences in the South American country. It combines indigenous ingredients with the influence of Portuguese and West African culinary traditions, which account for its unique combination of spice, gusto and depth of flavor. Explore what Brazilian food has to offer through the regional varieties of this rich cuisine, and find the best places to experience Brazil’s most famous dishes.
© Fotos GOVBA/Flickr

Feijoada

This is perhaps Brazil’s most famous dish, and there are innumerable varieties and incarnations of Feijoada to be found throughout the country, with each region having their own specific take on this classic piece of Brazilian gastronomy. The dish is essentially a stew of beans with beef and pork, and its name derives from the Portuguese word feijão, meaning ‘beans’. In its Brazilian incarnation it is usually prepared with black beans, although white, pinto and red are also acceptable, which are combined with pork or beef in a thick clay pot. Vegetables such as okra, pumpkin and even banana are added, along with a blend of spices and chilies. The result is a thick, glutinous and hearty stew bursting with flavor, which is eaten all year round in Brazil. The versatility of this dish means that no two feijoadas will ever be the same and every cook in the country has their own take on this Brazilian culinary classic.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Where to try it: Casa da Feijoada

While feijoada is found throughout the country, most restaurants only serve it a few times a week, when they have a ‘Feijoada Day’. Casa da Feijoada, in Rio de Janeiro’s Ipanema district is one of the few places to serve feijoada every day, which is unsurprising from a restaurant named House of Feijoada. The menu offers all of the infinite permutations of the dish and the attentive staff are more than willing to find one to suit each taste.

Casa da Feijoada, Rua Prudente de Moraes 10, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, +55 21 2247-2776

Churrasco

While most South Americans would agree that Argentinians are the masters of the barbecue, Brazil’s natural culinary flair has made their steakhouses almost as legendary. The simple grills of these establishments owe their origins to the fireside roasts of Brazilian gauchos in the 18th century, and their simple, unpretentious style has arisen from those cowboy traditions. Churrasco encompasses all types of skewered meat and the best barbecue restaurants in Brazil will typically offer guests their choice of prime cuts to skewer and then grill to perfection.

Where to try it: Porcão Rio’s

The legendary Rio establishment of Porcão Rio’s is the best place to experience a communal Brazilian steakhouse, and to indulge in a wide variety of barbecue. This cavernous restaurant is located on the beach front, and the floor to ceiling windows let customers indulge in the view while enjoying their huge portions of grilled meat.

Porcao Rio’s, Av. Infante Dom Henrique s/n, Aterro do Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro, +55 21 3521-2900

Acarajé

A potent combination of peeled black eyed peas and shrimp, which is rolled into a ball and deep fried, acarajé is an example of the African influence in Brazilian cuisine. The dish is mainly found in the Bahia region and is often served as street food in the markets of Salvador. It is also a fixture of the religious tradition of Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian offshoot of Catholicism. Varieties of the dish can also be found in Nigeria, Togo, Ghana and Benin and it is thought the dish was brought over to Brazil by slaves from the African coast. That this simple street food bears such a rich cultural, social and religious history is evidence of the amalgamation of cultures which is so typical of Brazil.

Where to try it: Salvador Market

The markets of Salvador in Bahia, northern Brazil are the best place to find classic acarajé. The vendors are usually women dressed in white robes, so are hard to miss, even among the crowded street markets. They can also be found in markets in Rio de Janeiro and other major cities.

Pernil

Pernil, which translates as pork loin, is sometimes served as the centerpiece of a meal but is usually used as sandwich filler in Brazil, in a variant of the pulled pork sandwich. This Caribbean inspired dish is typically found in street food markets and other roadside establishments, but has also been raised to new gastronomic heights in Brazil where it is one of the most typical late night snacks. It is served on crusty French bread with a variety of side dishes and sauce combinations, all of which makes for a hefty, and ultimately satisfying meal for anyone who has spent too long out on the beach.

Where to try it: Estadão

A legendary late night snack hut in Sao Paulo which is open 24 hours a day, Estadão welcomes visitors throughout the night. This no frills cafe is the best place to experience true Brazilian Pernil.

Estadão, Viaduto 9 de Julho 193, Triangulo, Sao Paulo, +55 11 3257-7121

Carne de Sol

Carne de Sol is a northern Brazilian dish which again brings the country’s carnivorous tendencies to the forefront. It consists of heavily salted beef which is left out in the sun for several days to cure, and is a distant relative of America’s Beef Jerky and the Caribbean favorite Biltong. The name translates as ‘meat of the sun’ and it is a dish which embodies the arid, desert like landscape of the northeast Region. It is often fried or served in a hamburger, or with onions and the typical thick potato chips of the area, and it makes for a gloriously meaty feast.

Where to try it: Picui

One of the best restaurants in Maceio in Northeastern Brazil, Picui takes rustic dishes such as Carne Do Sol and raises them to a gourmet level, whilst still staying true to the earthy origins of this region.

Av. da Paz, 1140 – Jaraguá, Maceió – AL, 57022-050, +55 82 3223-8080

Moqueca

Brazilian seafood is as diverse as the country’s mammoth coast line suggests, and each region along this huge stretch of shore has its own particular take on the fruits of the sea. The moqueca is perhaps Brazil’s signature national seafood dish, and is the counterpart to the more meaty feijoada. It is also an Afro-Brazilian inspired dish, which brings flavors and techniques from the West African region and combines them with typically South American culinary styles. It usually combines grouper, snapper, mahi mahi, salmon, or monkfish with various vegetables and spices including limes, cilantro, paprika, palm oil and coconut milk, and lets them stew for up to an hour. The best moqueca are from the states of Espírito Santo in the southeast, where the dish is said to have originated, but like feijoada, the dish can be found throughout the country in various incarnations.

Where to try it: Cantinho do Curuca

In Espírito Santo, the home of Moqueca, each version of the dish is a classic in its own right. However Cantinho do Curuca deserves a special mention because of its beach side location and the party atmosphere it cultivates.

Cantinho do Curuca, Av. Santana, 96 – Praia do Meaipe, Guarapari, State of Espirito Santo, +55 27 3272-2000

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article