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    90+ Traditional Brazilian Foods To Make Your Mouth Water

    Introduction to Traditional Brazilian Food

    Traditional Brazilian food is a mosaic of influences from many different cultures: Brazil's native peoples (several tribes), European (Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, German, and Polish), African, Asian (mostly Japanese), and also Middle-Eastern (Lebanese and Syrian).

    It also varies from one region to another, reflecting the country's diverse backgrounds and vast territory.

    Traditional Brazilian dishes in a photo montage, including from right to left:: acai bowl, rabanada, pao de queijo, brigadeiro, and brigadeirao.

     

    Perhaps the most striking trait about Brazilian cuisine is that somehow a unified national culinary identity took shape, while distinct differences remained at the regional level, where the influence of each of the above peoples was the greatest. It's like a beautiful, colorful quilt!

    Traditional Brazilian Food Articles by Denise Browning

    Acai Bowl & Acai Berry (Everything You Need To Know)Brigadeiros (Everything You Wanted to Know)

     

    Overview of Traditional Brazilian Food 

    Now, let's continue on to an overview of authentic Brazilian food or cuisine. 

    First of all, let's look at typical ingredients that are heavily used on a daily basis in Brazilian cooking.

     Typical Ingredients:

    • Nuts -- cashews, Brazil nuts, peanuts, and pine nuts (pinhão)
    • Vegetables -- cassava, yams, corn, okra; palmito (hearts of palm)
    • Fruits, mostly tropical -- cashew fruit, açai, guaraná, banana, custard apple, acerola, pitanga, coconut, guava, mango, pineapple, papaya, passion fruit, coffee, pequi, and so many others
    • Meats -- a large variety of seafood, poultry, pork, and beef
    • Dairy -- mostly cow's milk and typical cheeses such as requeijão, coalho, Catupiry, and Minas
    • Legumes -- beans (black, pinto, soybeans, garbanzo)
    • Grains -- several types of rice, wheat, and cornmeal
    • Grass -- sugar cane
    • Others -- tapioca, palm oil (or dende)

    Traditional Brazilian Food Dishes and Drinks

    Second, let's take a look at typical dishes and drinks-- some quite iconic-- created from the ingredients above. This overview also has links to almost every item's RECIPE.

     

    Traditional Brazilian Savory Foods

    NameImage Description 
    FeijoadaBowl of feijoada black bean stew with pork sausage, pork ribs, oranges and collard greensBlack bean and pork stew -- this is widely considered to be the national dish of Brazil.
    Tapioca crepes White tapioca crepes filled with cheese on a serving boardCrepes made from tapioca flour, water, and salt, with either savory or sweet fillings, inherited from Brazil's native tribes.
    Beans and rice Feijão preto or black beans in a yellow, green, and blue serving bowl A staple in most of the country.
    MoquecaMoqueca baiana shrimp stew or seafood stew in a cast iron skillet A seafood and vegetable stew typical of Bahia State, which was greatly influenced by Africans.
    Churrasco slices of picanha coated in coarse sea salt on a cutting board


    A skewer of grilled chicken thighs wrapped in bacon


    A rack of grilled Brazilian Style Pork ribs with wedges of lemon

    Grilled meats-- including picanha, and others such as grilled chicken and pork ribs.
    Pao de queijo Pão de queijo Brazilian cheese rolls in a cast iron skilletGluten-free cheese bread rolls made from tapioca flour.
    CoxinhaCoxinha de frango or deep-fried chicken croquettes or fritters, with one sliced open to show fillingDeep-fried chicken fritters very popular at snack bars, parties, and as a street food.
    Farofa Pastel-green bowl of farofa or toasted seasoned cassava flour, with diced sausage, vegetables, and herbsSeasoned manioc (cassava) flour.
    Bacalhau Quatro QueijosBacalhau quatro queijos or Baked Cod in Cheese sauce in a cast iron skilletBaked cod in Cheese sauce.
    CuscuzCornmeal couscous or cuscuz de milho on a white plateSteamed cornmeal served with a variety of toppings, either savory or sweet.
    Galinhadagalinhadamade of saffron rice with chicken and vegetables, in a white bowl with a green handled forkSaffron rice with chicken and vegetables.
    PizzaPizza a Portugesa or Portuguese style pizza with hard boiled eggs and chouriço sausageA legacy of Italian immigrants, who adapted it to their new Brazilian setting. Thin crust pizza baked in a wood-fired oven with little or no sauce, but with a wide range of toppings, either savory or sweet.
    Quibe (Kibbeh)Baked quibe or kibbeh made with bulgur wheat and ground lamb Bulgur wheat fritters, from Arab cuisine that also can be made into a baked casserole with requeijao.
    RequeijaoRequeijão Cremoso or Brazilian cream cheese spread on slices of bread with black olives and green leaves Brazilian cream cheese.
    Pamonha (chunky tamal)Squares of pamonha yellow corn cake on a serving boardYellow corn cake wrapped in fresh corn husks and boiled (either savory with cheese and sausage, or sweet made sweetened with sugar). 
    Pastel de carnepastel de carne deep fried empanadas on a wooden serving boardFried empanadas filled with ground beef.
    Risoles Breaded and deep-fried empanadas filled with chicken, heart of palm, or shrimp.
    Salpicãosalpicão chicken salad served in a bowl with shoestring potatoesMayo-based chicken salad with carrots, raisins, shredded chicken and ham.
    AcarajéBlack-eye pea fritter filled dried shrimp and a spicy creamy paste called vatapá.
    Aipim frito aipim frito, also known as macaxeira-frita, yuca fries, fried yuca, or cassava friesYuca or cassava fries.
    Arroz com pequi  Rice with pequi fruit.
    Arroz de coco  Coconut rice.
    Arroz de fornoArroz de forno misto or ham and cheese baked rice casseroleBaked rice casserole.
    Baiao de dois Rice, bean, and cheese stew.
    Banana empanadaA small iron skillet filled with a stack of golden-brown deep fried bananasDeep fried bananas.
    Bauru  A type of ham and cheese sandwich.
    Bife à CavaloGrilled steak on a white plate, with a fried egg on top.Grilled (or sometimes deep-fried) beef steak, with fried eggs on top.
    Biscoito de polvilhobunch of tapioca breadsticks on a table, wrapped in brown paperTapioca breadsticks.
    Bobó de Camarão 

     Bobó de Camarão or shrimp chowder in a white ceramic soup bowlA shrimp dish similar to a chowder, served in a puree of cassava (manioc) meal and coconut milk.
    Bolinho de bacalhauA stack of fried, golden-brown breaded codfish balls on a plate with a garnish of lemon slices Fried breaded cod cakes.
    Broa de milhoButtered slices of broa de milho or Portuguese corn breadA type of Portuguese corn bread.
    Cachorro quenteCachorro quente, Brazilian hot dogs topped with ground beef cheese, and peasBrazilian hot dogs, served with many varied toppings.
    Camarão no leite de cocoOne pot shrimp in coconut sauce on a black plate, also called Camarão no leite de cocoShrimp in coconut sauce.
    Canja de Galinhacanja de galinha chicken soup in a white bowl, garnished with herbsChicken soup with rice.
    Carne de solsquare of carne de sol or salt cured beef  with queijo coalho cheese on topSalt cured beef.
    Couve a MineiraCouve mineira or Pan fried collard greens, in a cast iron skilletPan-fried collard greens.
    EmpadãoEmpadão brazilian chicken pot pie in a pie tin on a red clothLarge chicken pot pie.
    Ensopado de Camarãoblack bowl filled with shrimp and coconut stew with a spoon in itBrazilian shrimp and vegetable stew cooked in coconut milk.
    Estroganofe Estrogonofe de frango also called chicken strogonoff or chicken stroganoffChicken Stroganoff
     Plate of beef stroganoff with mushrooms and red onionsBeef Stroganoff
     Slow cooker lean pork stroganoff on a plate with a white and blue clothPork Stroganoff
    EscondidinhoCasserole dish of escondidinho de frango, a type of chicken shepherd's pie with yucaChicken shepherd's pie with yuca.
    Feijão tropeiro Beans with manioc (cassava) flour.
    Frango a Passarinho Brazilian fried chicken wings with garlic and parsleyGarlic and parsley chicken wings.
    Fricassé de frango com batata palhaFricassé de frango com batata palha or Brazilian chicken fricassee with shoestring potatoesChicken fricasee with shoestring potatoes.
    Macarronadamacarronada or Brazilian mac and cheese in a clear glass baking dishBrazilian mac and cheese
    Palmitohearts of palm, lettuce, and tomatoes on skewersHearts of palm.
    Panquecas de frangochicken panquecas, a type of Brazilian chicken enchiladas, topped with tomato sauceThin flour pancakes or crepes filled with chicken, reminiscent of enchiladas.
    Pato no tucupi Duck stew in a yellow sauce made from wild manioc root (cassava).
    Picadinho de carneA bowl of Brazilian beef stew or picadinho with red tomatoes, green peas and cilantro, and orange carrotsBrazilian beef stew.
    Salada de BatataBrazilian potato salad or salada de batataBrazilian potato salad.
    Sopa de Milho VerdeBrazilian corn chowder or sopa de milho verde in a stone cooking crockBrazilian corn chowder.
    Vatapa  A creamy stew made from coconut milk, palm oil, and ground peanuts, with bread as a thickener, and shrimp or other protein source. 
    Vinagrete A Brazilian mild pico de gallo.
    Yakisoba, among other noodles  Infuenced by Japanese immigrants.

     

    Traditional Brazilian Sweets

    Name Image Description
    BrigadeiroBrigadeiro Brazilian chocolate fudge balls in a dish. One has a small paper flag that has brigadeiros written on itAn iconic chocolate fudge candy created in São Paulo, but beloved throughout the entire country.
    BrigadeirãoA luscious slice of brigadeirao Brazilian chocolate fudge flanA family-size brigadeiro or chocolate fudge flan.
    Açai bowl 
    (Açai na tigela)
    Traditional acai bowl fruit smoothie from the Amazon, topped with bananas and granolaAçai smoothie topped with bananas and granola (although there is a savory version that is served with dried fish, shrimp, and manioc flour).
    Bolo de rolo Slices of bolo de rolo cake with spiral alternating cake and fruit filling layers on a board, one slice topped with chocolate sauce and fruit A thin multi-layer cake roll filled with melted guava paste, or made with other flavors, such as chocolate.
    Beijinho Brazilian coconut fudge balls in a coconut half shellCoconut brigadeiros.
    Arroz doceBlue bowl of arroz doce com leite condensado or creamy Brazilian Rice Pudding topped with cinnamonRice pudding topped with cinnamon.
    Bolinho de chuva Stack of chocolate Truffle filled Doughnut Holes or Bolinho de Chuva com ChocolateDeep-fried doughnut holes covered in cinnamon sugar.
    Bolo de arroz Several round sticky rice cakes on a black square plate with red chopsticksSticky rice cake made from rice flour.
    Bolo de bananaSlice of cinnamon spiced banana cake on a white plateCinnamon spiced banana cake.
    Bolo de cenouraBrazilian carrot cake drizzled with chocolate icing on a white plate and decorated with edible flowers Cake with carrots finely pureed into the batter, fluffy and topped with chocolate ganache.
    Bolo de coco  Mildly-sweet fluffy coconut cake. 
    Bolo de fubá A triangular slice of bolo de fubá or Brazilian cornmeal cake on a plate with a fork and mint garnishCornmeal cake.
    Bolo de milho Fluffy and buttery yellow sweet corn cake or bolo de milho decorated with paper flagsSweet corn cake, either fluffy or creamy.
    Bolo de tapioca Bolo de tapioca, also known as tapioca cake,  with coconut and strawberry topping on a plateNo bake tapioca cake with coconut. 
    Canjica de milho/ Munguzá Doce Sweet corn coconut pudding or Mungunza doce, also known as canjicaHominy cooked in a sweet coconut sauce.
    Cocada de Leite CondensadoStack of cocada de Leite condensado or sweet coconut bars on a wooden cutting boardSweet, slightly chewy bars made with coconut flakes and condensed milk.
    Creme de abacateThree ramekins of green creme de abacate, mousse de abacate, or avocado mousse on a boardEggless avocado mousse blended with sweetened condensed milk.
    Creme de papaya com cassis Reddish-orange papaya cream in a dessert glass on a blue checkered table, garnished with a blackberry and mint leafPapaya cream with blackcurrant liqueur.
    Cuca de MaçãStack of three squares of apple crumb cake drizzled with caramelTraditional coffee cake topped with applies, brought by German immigrants to Brazil
    Delícia de AbacaxiYellow and White Pineapple Delight Frozen Trifle decorated with mint leaves, on a rectangular white dessert plateA refreshing frozen tropical pineapple trifle.
    Fio de Ovos Sweet egg threads from Portugal served as dessert, toppings for cakes, and also a side for ham and turkey.  
    Fruit compotes Doce de banana or banana compote in syrupCompotes made with bananas, guavas, limes, oranges, cashew fruit, etc.; influenced by Portuguese settlers.
    Goiabada A bright shiny maroon wheel of sweet guava pasteGuava paste.
    Pé-de-moleque Basket of squares of pe de moleque or Brazilian peanut brittlePeanut brittle.
    Pão de mel pao de mel or Brazilian honey cakes, covered in chocolate"Honey cake" -- Similar to a gingerbread, but these are filled with dulce de leche and covered with chocolate.
    Pudim de leite Pumpkin Pie FlanCaramel flan cooked in a ring pan.
    Quindim Two bright yellow round quindim custards on a plateA bright yellow custard made from egg yolks, sugar, and coconut flakes, resembling a mini flan.
    Rabanada Basket of rabanada slices, also called Brazilian french toast, Portuguese French toast,  fatia dourada, and fatia paridaDeep-fried french toast covered with cinnamon and sugar.
    Rapadura Whole cane sugar or jaggery.
    Mousse de maracujá  Passion fruit mousse.
    PaçocaTwo pieces of Brazilian pacoca peanut candy, in the traditional cylindrical shape, on a white plateGround peanut candy, similar to the filling in a Reese's Peanut Butter cup.
    Pamonha de forno Yellow pamonha de forno sticky corn cakes on a wood cutting oardThe sweet version is a baked sticky corn cake that emulates the traditional dish wrapped in fresh corn leaves and boiled in water.
    Pão Doce com CocoSweet rolls topped with with coconut icing on a plate next to little cups of espresso coffeeSweet coconut rolls
    Pastel de nataBowl of pastel de nata or Portuguese Custard TartsSweet custard tarts from Portuguese influence.
    Pavê Hot chocolate-trifle or Pave de chocolate quente topped with cookies and marshmallowsRich chocolate or fruit trifle with cookies.
    Pudim de pão Ring of easy bread pudding or pudim de pão on a plate with rose petalsBread pudding with a flan-like consistency.
    Queijadinha Queijadinha tarts, which are coconut and cheese mini custard tartsFlourless coconut and cheese mini custard tarts.
    Romeu e Julieta  Combination of guava paste with a mild cheese.
    Sagú de VinhoClear glass filled with sagu de vinho or red wine tapioca pudding next to a spoon and Valentine cookiesRuby-colored dessert made with red wine and sweet tapioca pearls.
    Salada de frutasWine glass filled with salada de frutas or fruit salad, drizzled with whipping cream and garnished with mint leavesFresh fruit cocktail salad made with tropical fruit mixed with orange and lime juice
    Sorvete Nata GoiabaTray and scoop of sorvete nata goiaba or guava cream ice cream, with red guava sauce swirlsRich vanilla ice cream suffused with fragrant guava sauce
    Surpresa de uva/UvinhaSurpresa de uva or grape surprise candies in truffle cups next to grape surprise lollipops in a clear glassSweet/tangy candy made with grapes rolled in sweet white brigadeiro
    Torta holandesa Torta holandesa com Oreos or cookies and cream Dutch tart on a red and white striped tableclothCookies and cream tart made with ice cream.

     

    Traditional Brazilian Drinks

    NameImageDescription
    Coffee Table scene with a cup of coffee that has a smiling red and yellow sloth painted on it
    Made from arabica coffee beans and quite strong.  For this reason, it is mostly served in mini cups, called cafezinho.
    Caipirinha  Clear glass filled with caipirinha drink, ice cubes, and wedges of lime, garnished with a slice of lime on the rim of the glassBrazil's national cocktail made from cachaça and lime, with different fruit variations.
    Chimarrão or Yerba mate  Mate tea served in a calabash gourd.
    Fruit juices Rosy red tropical fruit cocktail drink in a clear cocktail glass, with a straw, and garnished with a slice of limeMade fresh from various assorted fruits.
    Guaraná soft drink Green and red aluminum can of Antartica guaraná carbonated soft drinkCarbonated beverage made from guaraná berry.
    Beer (chopp) Served super-chilled, influenced by German immigrants.
    Cana de açucar Sugar cane juice. Very much a street drink, usually served with pastel.
    Limonada suíça A glass of Brazilian limeade with ice cubes, garnished with a slice of lime, with a yellow straw and a green striped strawBrazilian fresh limeade.

    "Guaraná" by Gustavo Facci is licensed under CC BY 2.0

     

    Moreover, take a look at these 50 EASY Brazilian recipes and these 15 QUICK Brazilian recipes. Or  see Easy and Delish's complete index of Quick and Easy Brazilian recipes.

    To read more about classic Brazilian ingredients and their American subs for recipes, see here.

    Regional Brazilian Cuisines

    Notably, traditional Brazilian dishes and the typical ingredients that they use vary from one region to the next. In fact, sometimes they even differ between states from the same region, due to regional influences.

    Regional cuisines of Brazil can be classified by geographical areas as follows:

    North

    Seven states -- Acre, Amazonas, Amapá, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, and Tocantins-- where the largest influence is Indigeneous. The cuisine is known for its heavy use of manioc (cassava) and its derivatives. Its use of freshwater fish (due the Amazon river) and Amazonian fruits such as açai berry also stand out.

    Northeast

    Nine states-- Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Piauí, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte and Sergipe. This is the largest region, with African, Native, and Portuguese influences, although the predominance of each varies within each state.

    Bahia, for example, shows more African influence than any other state. In addition, Dutch and Jewish influences shine through in the state of Pernambuco.

    It’s a regional Brazilian cuisine heavy in seafood and coconut dishes, on account of its large coastline. The tropical climate also favored planting and use of cane sugar and whole cane sugar (rapadura). Plus, there are fruit compotes from the Portuguese, palm oil and black-eye peas from Africans, tapioca (manioc) flour from the Native tribes, and the Dutch Edam cheese (from which ‘queijo do reino’ is adapted), among others.

    This region and the North region are also known for their gluten-free diet where vegetable roots, corn and tapioca-based dishes are common, along with rice and beans. This is in contrast to other regions that have more wheat-based dishes.

    Mid-West 

    Three states -- Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul and the capital of Brazil, Brasilia. The influences are mainly Portuguese and Native. The most well-known dishes are rice with pequi, galinhada (chicken and rice with pequi) and pamonha goiana (yellow corn tamales filled with cheese and sausage).

    Southeast

    Four states -- Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais. The largest cuisine influences here are Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Lebanese, and some African and Native, depending on the state.

    It’s a region known for pizza with outrageous toppings, pastas with requeijao and polenta with chicken. Other foods typical from this region are feijoada and its sides, brigadeiros, sushi with tropical fruits, fried cassava, fried empanadas, kibbeh, and seafood stews like moqueca capixaba.

    Southern

    Three states -- Parana, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. This region has mainly European influence (Italian, German, Spanish, and Polish). Churrasco, chimarrao, wine, pirogi, and colonial breakfasts with German pastries are some of the most popular foods there. 

    Traditional Brazilian Food in Restaurants

    Although you can find diverse ethnic food restaurants in most of the country, traditional Brazilian food and fusions are quite popular in Brazil. Depending on the setting, it can be ordered by:

    1. por quilo (the price of a plate of food depends on its weight in kilos), a type of service which is common in commercial areas near business offices, downtown, and in malls. This usually features a buffet style set-up and there is often a wide variety of regional dishes.
    2. a la carte in more refined restaurants and mall eateries.
    3. rodizio style (all-you-can-eat, fixed price), seen at steakhouses, pizzerias, and sushi places. 

    Brazilian Daily Meals & Staples

    In general, Brazilians tend to have 5 to 6 meals a day such as:

    Breakfast

    Breakfast foods in Brazil vary by region. In the North, people tend to have a heavy breakfast, such as açai bowl with manioc flour, fried fish and shrimp.

    In contrast, in the Northeast tapioca crepes with cheese, scrambled eggs with corn couscous, and boiled vegetable roots with melted butter are staples.

    Colonial breakfasts with a wide variety of cakes and pastries are common in the South. This is especially true in Rio Grande do Sul where there is great German influence.

    In the Southeast region, breakfasts tend to be lighter. This could be something like a cup of coffee, toast, and a piece of fruit. However, personal choices also apply, such as yogurt, cereal, fruit juices, eggs, and cheeses, etc.

    Morning snack

     This usually consists of leftovers from breakfast or something light, like a piece of fruit.

    Lunch

    Certainly lunch is the heaviest meal of the day. Regional differences really stand out at lunchtime. But most of the country has rice and beans as a staple. The combo is served with an animal protein (mostly beef, chicken, or seafood) and cooked or fresh vegetables.

    Those with less financial means or vegetarians replace meat with a piece of fruit, like pineapple or banana. To give more substance, some mix manioc flour or corn couscous with beans, and/or have a vegetable root (yuca or yam) as well. 

    Many who work in large cities either have lunch at buffets where the food price varies by weight (por quilo), or order lunch delivery to the office, such as "Chinese" food. By the way, there has been a wave of Chinese immigration to Northeast Brazil in recent years. Quite a few of these immigrants own buffets that feature regional Brazilian cuisine.

    Afternoon snack

    For many, this consists of a sweet treat or savory pastries (salgados) such as coxinha and pastel.

    Dinner

    In contrast to lunch and breakfast, dinner is usually the lightest of the 3 main meals. Dinner often features soups, salads, grilled meat, healthy sandwiches, or leftovers from breakfast or lunch, in small amounts.

    Late snack

    Not very common, but some will have something light, like fruit juice or yogurt.

    Conclusion

    To sum up, this has been an overview of popular Brazilian food. As shown above, traditional Brazilian food is an adventure for the senses, conquering all who have tried its rich, diverse dishes. 

     

    Back to the Easy and Delish Resources pages here.

    Traditional Brazilian Food FAQs

    What are some popular traditional Brazilian foods?

    15 of the top traditional Brazilian foods include:
    --Feijoada, a rich hearty bean stew with several cuts of pork, which is widely considered to be the national dish of Brazil.
    --Moqueca baiana, a seafood and vegetable stew typical of Bahia State
    --Tapioca crepes, made from tapioca flour, water, and salt, with either savory or sweet fillings
    --Pão de queijo or cheese rolls made of tapioca flour, eggs, and cheese.
    --Churrasco, or grilled meats, including picanha and other cuts of beef, pork, and chicken. Churrascarias or Brazilian steakhouses have become popular all over the world.
    --Brigadeiros, or Brazilian truffles are the most beloved sweet treats. These chocolate fudge balls are very popular at festive events like birthday parties.
    --Coxinha, deep fried chicken fritters very popular at snack bars and parties
    --Pastel de carne, fried or baked empanadas filled with ground beef
    --Salpicão, chicken salad with carrots, raisins, and ham
    --Acaraje, black-eyed pea fritters filled with dried shrimp and a spicy creamy paste called vatapá
    --Feijão tropeiro, beans with manioc flour
    --Requeijao, Brazilian cream cheese spread
    --Quindim, a bright yellow custard made from egg yolks, sugar, and coconut flakes
    --Mousse de maracujá. a condensed milk passionfruit mousse
    --Creme de papaya, or papaya cream, a delicious blend of ice cream and papaya

    What are some typical ingredients used in cooking traditional Brazilian food?

    Typical Ingredients:
    Nuts -- cashews, Brazil nuts, peanuts, and pine nuts (pinhão)
    Vegetables -- cassava, yams, corn, okra; palmito (hearts of palm)
    Fruits, mostly tropical -- cashew fruit, açai, guaraná, banana, custard apple, acerola, pitanga, coconut, guava, mango, pineapple, papaya, passion fruit, coffee, pequi, and so many others
    Meats -- a large variety of seafood, poultry, pork, and beef
    Dairy -- mostly cow's milk and typical cheeses such as requeijão, coalho, Catupiry, and Minas
    Legumes -- beans (black, pinto, soybeans, garbanzo)
    Grains -- several types of rice, wheat, and cornmeal
    Grass -- sugar cane
    Others -- tapioca, palm oil (or dende)

    What are restaurants like in Brazil?

    Besides many ethnic food restaurants, traditional Brazilian food and fusions are quite popular in Brazil. Depending on the setting, foods can be ordered by:

    1. Por quilo: the price of a plate of food depends on its weight in kilos, a type of service which is common in commercial areas near business offices, downtown, and in malls.  This usually features a buffet style set-up and there is often a wide variety of regional dishes.
    2. A la carte: in more refined restaurants and mall eateries.
    3. Rodizio style: all-you-can-eat, fixed price dining, seen at steakhouses, pizzerias, and sushi places. 

    How many meals a day do Brazilians have?

    In general, Brazilians tend to have 5 to 6 meals a day, which may include: breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and a late snack.

    What is a typical breakfast in Brazil?

    Breakfast foods in Brazil vary by region. In the North, people tend to have a heavy breakfast, such as açai bowl with manioc flour, fried fish and shrimp.

    In contrast, in the Northeast tapioca crepes with cheese, scrambled eggs with corn couscous, and boiled vegetable roots with melted butter are staples.  

    Colonial breakfasts with a wide variety of cakes and pastries are common in the South.  This is especially true in Rio Grande do Sul where there is great German influence.

    In the Southeast region, breakfasts tend to be lighter.  This could be something like a cup of coffee, toast, and a piece of fruit.  However, personal choices also apply, such as yogurt, cereal, fruit juices, eggs, and cheeses, etc.

    What is a typical lunch in Brazil?

    Lunch is usually the heaviest meal of the day in Brazil.  Regional differences really stand out at lunchtime., but most of the country has rice and beans as a staple. The combo is served with an animal protein (mostly beef, chicken, or seafood) and cooked or fresh vegetables.

    Those with less financial means or vegetarians replace meat with a piece of fruit, like pineapple or banana. To give more substance, some mix manioc flour or corn couscous with beans, and/or have a vegetable root (yuca or yam) as well. 

    Many who work in large cities either have lunch at buffets where the food price varies by weight (por quilo), or order lunch delivery to the office, such as "Chinese" food.

    What is a typical dinner in Brazil?

    In contrast to lunch and breakfast, dinner is usually the lightest of the three main meals.  Dinner often features soups, salads, grilled meat, healthy sandwiches, or leftovers from breakfast or lunch, in small amounts.

    What is the national dish of Brazil?

    Feijoada is widely considered to be the national dish of Brazil. Feijoada is a hearty, savory stew of assorted meats mixed with beans, usually black beans.

    What do Brazilians eat for dessert?

    Most Brazilian desserts, as is the case of many Latin American desserts, are based on condensed milk, and include brigadeiro, brigadeirao, beijinho, queijadinha, passionfruit mousse, and flan. Some others are very regional dessert recipes such as quindim, bolo de rolo, cocada, Brazilian carrot cake, bolo de tapioca, cuca de maçã, and sagu de vinho.

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    Hi, I'm Denise Browning!

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    I'm a professional Chef with an expertise in Brazilian food. I am also a busy mom of two girls, living in Texas. Here you will find budget-friendly, healthy Brazilian and Global Recipes made Easy and Delish! I'd love to help you feed your family healthy dinners (many low carb) with a few splurges because life is all about balance! Join our community and happy cooking!

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    Hi, I'm Denise Browing a professional chef and cookbook author. My mission is to help you cook budget-friendly, healthy global meals for your family with some occasional splurges. They are sure to bring a lot of excitement to your table

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