20 Traditional Brazilian Meals You’ll Want to Eat Now

Brazilian cuisine is a delicious tapestry of flavors and traditions. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious, there’s a lot to discover. From savory street food to delightful desserts, Brazilian dishes offer something for everyone. Here are 20 traditional Brazilian foods you simply must experience.

Feijoada

Feijoada is a rich and hearty black bean stew, traditionally made with pork. It is considered Brazil’s national dish and is often served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices. This dish originated from the Portuguese settlers and has African influences. It’s best enjoyed on a leisurely Saturday afternoon with family and friends.

Pão de Queijo

Pão de Queijo, or cheese bread, is a beloved snack made from tapioca flour and cheese. These small, cheesy rolls have a crispy exterior and a chewy, airy inside. They are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. You’ll find them in bakeries and cafes across Brazil.

Moqueca

Moqueca is a flavorful seafood stew that varies by region, with the two most famous versions coming from Bahia and Espírito Santo. The Bahian version uses coconut milk and palm oil, giving it a rich, creamy texture. The Espírito Santo version is lighter, made with tomatoes, onions, and herbs. Both are served with rice and farofa, toasted cassava flour.

Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro is a beloved Brazilian sweet, similar to a chocolate truffle. It’s made by combining condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. This treat is often served at birthday parties and celebrations. The gooey, chocolatey bite is irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.

Acarajé

Acarajé is a popular street food from the northeastern state of Bahia. It consists of black-eyed pea fritters, deep-fried in palm oil and filled with vatapá (a spicy paste made from shrimp, peanuts, and coconut milk). This dish has deep African roots, brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans. It’s often served with a spicy chili sauce and is a must-try for spice lovers.

Coxinha

Coxinha is a savory snack made from shredded chicken covered in dough, shaped like a teardrop, and fried to golden perfection. It’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Coxinha is often enjoyed with a spicy dipping sauce. They are a staple at Brazilian parties and gatherings.

Pastel

Pastel is a deep-fried pastry filled with various ingredients, such as cheese, meat, or heart of palm. It’s a common street food, especially popular at fairs and markets. The crispy, flaky pastry pairs perfectly with the savory fillings. It’s often accompanied by a cold beer or a fresh fruit juice.

Churrasco

Churrasco is Brazilian barbecue, featuring various cuts of meat grilled to perfection. It’s typically enjoyed at churrascarias, where skewers of meat are brought to your table and sliced directly onto your plate. The meats are seasoned simply, allowing the natural flavors to shine. It’s a carnivore’s paradise.

Vatapá

Vatapá is a creamy dish made from bread, shrimp, coconut milk, peanuts, and palm oil. It’s typically served with acarajé or white rice. This dish has African origins and is particularly popular in Bahia. The combination of flavors and textures is truly unique and satisfying.

Farofa

Farofa is a toasted cassava flour mixture often served as a side dish. It can be mixed with ingredients like bacon, onions, eggs, and bananas. Farofa adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to any meal. It’s a versatile dish that complements many traditional Brazilian foods.

Tapioca

Tapioca is a versatile dish made from cassava starch, often used to make crepes. These crepes can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients, such as cheese, coconut, condensed milk, or ham. It’s a popular breakfast or snack item in Brazil. The texture is chewy and slightly crispy, making it a delightful treat.

Açaí na Tigela

Açaí na Tigela is a popular dish made from frozen açaí palm fruit puree. It’s often blended with other fruits and served in a bowl, topped with granola, bananas, and honey. This dish is a favorite among health enthusiasts due to its high antioxidant content. It’s refreshing, nutritious, and perfect for a hot day.

Quindim

Quindim is a bright yellow coconut custard dessert, known for its glossy top and rich flavor. It’s made with sugar, egg yolks, and shredded coconut. The texture is smooth and creamy, with a sweet, coconutty taste. This dessert is a common feature at Brazilian celebrations and is loved by many.

Bolinho de Bacalhau

Bolinho de Bacalhau, or codfish fritters, are a popular appetizer made from salted cod, potatoes, and herbs. These bite-sized fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are often served with a wedge of lime and a dipping sauce. This dish reflects the Portuguese influence on Brazilian cuisine.

Canjica

Canjica is a sweet dessert made from white corn kernels, cooked with milk, sugar, and coconut milk. It’s often flavored with cinnamon and cloves. This dish is particularly popular during the Festa Junina celebrations in June. The creamy, comforting flavor makes it a favorite among Brazilians.

Mandioca Frita

Mandioca Frita, or fried cassava, is a popular side dish and snack in Brazil. The cassava is boiled until tender, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. It’s often served with a sprinkle of salt and lime wedges. The result is a deliciously crunchy and satisfying treat.

Romeu e Julieta

Romeu e Julieta is a simple yet beloved dessert made from guava paste and cheese. The combination of sweet guava and salty cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is often served as a snack or a dessert. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and savory.

Escondidinho

Escondidinho is a comforting casserole made with layers of mashed cassava or potatoes and a filling of seasoned meat, usually carne seca (dried beef). The top layer is often sprinkled with cheese and baked until golden. This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a family meal. It’s a staple in many Brazilian households.

Pamonha

Pamonha is a traditional dish made from grated corn, milk, and sugar, wrapped in corn husks and boiled. It can be sweet or savory, depending on the ingredients added. This dish is particularly popular during the Festa Junina celebrations. The soft, moist texture and sweet corn flavor make it a unique and delightful treat.

Baião de Dois

Baião de Dois is a traditional dish from the northeastern region of Brazil, made with rice, black-eyed peas, and either meat or cheese. It’s often flavored with onions, garlic, and herbs. This dish is hearty and flavorful, reflecting the simple yet delicious cuisine of the region. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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