Top 25 Authentic Brazilian Dishes to Experience at Home or in Brazil

Traveling to Brazil and want to know what Brazilian food to try? Or perhaps you want to make some traditional Brazilian dishes at home? We break down all the best Brazilian foods to have your own Brazilian barbecue in your backyard or to try when you visit South America’s most exciting country! So get your shopping list ready; this weekend calls for a feast of Brazilian food.

Best Traditional Brazilian Food

There are few cities in the world that rival Rio de Janeiro’s beauty and energy. The people of Rio know how to party, making it one of the liveliest cities in South America. Moreover, it is also an amazing place to eat well.

We toured the city sampling everything from lunch at Confeitaria Colombo and choice meats at Majórica Churrascaria to sipping on Brazil’s delicious national drink, the Caipirinha, at the Girl From Ipanema Cafe. After two weeks of hearty eating in Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls, we learned quite a bit about Brazilian dishes and had the extra notch in our belt to prove it! Therefore, let’s sample some of the best food in Brazil.

1. Feijoada

The traditional Brazilian feijoada is a stewed black bean dish cooked with beef and pork. This dish is considered the national dish of Brazil, and you’ll find it on every buffet in Rio de Janeiro.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; it is one of the easiest Brazilian recipes to make. The black beans are mixed with salted pork or beef, but the good cuts are reserved for the churrascarias. The feijoada includes various trimmings like ears, feet, and tails. If that doesn’t sound appetizing, just envision sausage, which is always packed with bits of the animal.

Add some black beans, white wine vinegar, chili peppers, onions, and garlic, mix it all together in a heavy saucepan, and you’ve got yourself a dish. Serve it over rice for a fatty, delicious meal! If you want the full recipe, check out this recipe.

2. Brigadeiro

If you love sweets, then you must try Brigadeiro when in Brazil. This traditional Brazilian food is made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. It is a type of chocolate fudge ball that is traditionally rolled in chocolate sprinkles and served at parties, birthdays, and other celebrations.

The history of Brigadeiro dates back to the 1940s. The story goes that a group of Brazilian women wanted to raise money for the political candidate Eduardo Gomes. They required a sweet treat to sell at fundraising events—consequently, the Brigadeiro was born.

The original recipe called for cocoa powder, butter, sugar, and milk, but condensed milk soon became a popular substitute as it was more affordable and readily available.

Making Brigadeiro is quite simple at home. Just combine cocoa powder, condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes thick. Remove from heat, cool, and roll into balls sprinkled with chocolate sprinkles. Enjoy this delightful dessert, a favorite in Brazil!

3. Coxinha

Coxinha is a beloved Brazilian snack made with dough stuffed with chicken meat and shaped like a small chicken drumstick. Typically, the dough is filled with shredded chicken and spices, then fried until crispy.

The origins of Coxinha trace back to the late 1800s in the state of São Paulo. Legend has it that a chef invented Coxinha while working in the kitchen of the Paço São Cristóvão (Imperial Palace) in Rio de Janeiro to create a new snack for the Empress of Brazil.

The Empress adored this new snack, which soon gained popularity throughout Brazil. Coxinha is now a cherished part of Brazilian cuisine and is commonly found as street food at parties, festivals, and other events.

Typically served hot, you can enjoy Coxinha on its own or with a variety of dipping sauces; Brazilian hot sauce is highly recommended. Get the full recipe here.

4. Churrasco Brazilian Barbecue

Vegetarians beware—meat is king in Brazil. When thinking of food in Brazil, a visit to a Churrascaria (Brazilian grill) that serves an abundance of meat springs to mind. If you are vegetarian, you might prefer to check out other travel options.

For those looking to throw a Brazilian-themed party at home, you must have choice cuts of meat. A Churrasco is a Brazilian barbecue served in restaurants in a “roving style.” Servers roam from table to table offering various cuts of meat that they slice off and serve directly onto your plate.

Numerous Brazilian Barbecues are available across North America, allowing you to sample popular Brazilian foods at a nearby restaurant before duplicating the experience at home. Niagara Falls, for instance, has a fantastic Brazilian steakhouse.

5. Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)

Who doesn’t love cheese? During our first meal in Brazil, our hosts insisted we try Brazilian cheese bread. Made with cassava flour, this dish is mouth-wateringly delicious—heavenly flavor!

Pão de Queijo is made with tapioca flour, giving it a unique texture that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Typically made with cream cheese, some variations include additional ingredients like herbs or bacon.

This cheese bun originated in southern Brazil, particularly in Minas Gerais, the dairy capital of Brazil. The Portuguese settlers introduced cheese into the cassava-based recipe, resulting in this traditional dish.

6. Farofa

Farofa, made from toasted manioc flour, is a classic dish served alongside many Brazilian meals, especially feijoada. It can include ingredients like bacon, onions, garlic, spices, and even fruits or vegetables.

To make Farofa, toast yuca flour in a skillet with butter or oil until crispy and lightly browned. Customize with various ingredients for different flavors. This dish represents a fusion of African and Indigenous Brazilian traditions.

7. Vatapá

Vatapá originated in northeastern Brazil, particularly in the state of Bahia. This creamy stew includes bread, shrimp, coconut milk, palm oil, and ground peanuts, often served with acarajé, a fried bean cake.

To prepare this dish at home, soak bread in coconut milk, blend it with ground peanuts and shrimp, and cook until a creamy consistency is achieved. This dish highlights the West African culinary influence on Brazilian cuisine.

8. Baião de Dois (Beans and Rice)

Baião de dois is a hearty rice and bean dish popular throughout Latin America. In Brazil, it includes black-eyed peas, bacon, smoked sausage, onions, and spices. This staple dish is created by cooking beans and rice separately and mixing with other ingredients until browned and crispy outside, yet still soft inside.

The history of Brazilian rice and beans merges colonial influences from indigenous and African culinary traditions that evolved into unique dishes.

9. Quibebe (Steamed Pumpkin)

Originating from the northeastern region of Brazil, Quibebe is a savory pumpkin puree often served as a side dish or topping for grilled meats. The dish reflects deep-rooted indigenous and African influences and is made by cooking pumpkin with onions, garlic, and various seasonings before mashing.

10. Tapioca (Cassava Flour Pancake)

Brazilian tapioca is a popular street food made from tapioca starch extracted from cassava. This pancake can be filled with savory or sweet ingredients, making it a versatile dish enjoyed throughout Brazil.

To make Brazilian tapioca, mix tapioca starch with water until a dough forms, cook it on a hot griddle, and fill it with your choice of ingredients. Popular combinations include cream cheese with coconut or chocolate!

11. Quindim

If you enjoy custard, you will love Quindim. Originating from Bahia, this sweet treat features simple ingredients like eggs, sugar, coconut, and butter. Quindim represents a fusion of Portuguese cuisine and Brazilian culinary traditions.

12. Escondidinho

Escondidinho resembles shepherd’s pie but uses yuca instead of potatoes. It consists of a bottom layer of meat, often with cheese, topped with mashed yuca. Serve this hearty, comforting dish as a winter favorite.

13. Bobó de Camarão

Bobó de camarão is a shrimp stew originating in Bahia, combining shrimp, coconut milk, yuca, tomatoes, and spices. This creamy dish reflects the cultural heritage of the region.

14. Picanha

Picanha is a coveted beef cut in Brazil, recognized for its flavor and tenderness. Known for its triangular shape, it’s often grilled or roasted. The gaucho tradition, which emphasizes grilling, played a significant role in popularizing this cut.

15. Arroz com Pequi (Rice with Pequi)

Originating in Goiás and Mato Grosso, Arroz com Pequi is a rice dish flavored with Pequi fruit. With a unique aroma, Pequi has been a regional staple for centuries, reflecting the local culinary traditions.

16. Cocada (Coconut Candy)

Cocada, a treat made from grated coconut, sugar, and water, is a popular street food in Brazil. The combination of sugar and coconut emerged when Portuguese settlers introduced sugar cane.

17. Mandioca Frita (Fried Manioc)

Mandioca Frita is a popular snack made from cassava, a root vegetable. This dish has deep historical roots, and its frying technique results in crispy, golden pieces served with various dipping sauces.

18. Bolo de Fubá (Corn Flour Cake)

Bolo de fubá is a traditional cake made from cornmeal. Often served with coffee or tea, it showcases the importance of corn in Brazilian gastronomy.

19. Churrascarias in Brazil

Expect a full belly after visiting a Churrascaria! These establishments offer a buffet of salads and vegetables followed by servers bringing endless cuts of succulent meats to your table.

20. Caipirinha

This refreshing cocktail is made with lime juice and Brazil’s national spirit, cachaça. Easy to prepare, this beverage has become a favorite worldwide.

21. Moqueca (Fish Stew)

Moqueca is a delicious fish stew slow-cooked in a clay pot with coconut milk and spices. It’s a flavorful dish that can be adapted based on the available fish.

22. Acarajé

Enjoy Acarajé, made from black-eyed peas deep-fried in palm oil and typically filled with shrimp. Always ensure it’s served hot for the best experience.

23. Hearts of Palm

Hearts of palm salad is refreshing and commonly served throughout Brazil. Combine them with fresh vegetables, dressing, and seasonings for a delightful side dish.

24. Brazilian Hot Dog

Brazilian hot dogs are unique for their variety of toppings, including sauces, corn, peas, and parmesan cheese. It’s a delicious twist on a classic meal!

25. Carne de Sol

Meaning sun-dried meat, Carne de Sol is likely to be found on menus in cities like São Paulo or Rio. The preparation involves salting meat and drying it in the sun.

Brazilian Foods

So, there you have some of the best Brazilian cuisines to try in Brazil or at home. Brazilian cuisine reflects the myriad of regional influences and ingredients from indigenous cultures to European settlers. This vibrant culinary landscape promises an unforgettable experience.

Traveling to Brazil opens up numerous opportunities to explore these traditional dishes, enhancing your journey with a taste of its rich heritage. Whether you’re there for adventure, nightlife, or exploring the beautiful landscapes, these delightful Brazilian dishes are a must-try!