Brazilian cuisine is a true reflection of the cultural diversity and creativity of its people. With influences from Indigenous, African, European, and even Asian cultures, Brazilian gastronomy is an explosion of flavors, colors, and textures. From simple and comforting dishes to more elaborate creations, Brazilian food appeals to all palates.

In this post, we will explore 21 typical Brazilian foods that you can find in various cities across Brazil. These include traditional Brazilian dishes and typical Brazilian recipes, as well as both local favorites and industrialized products unique to the country. Whether you are a tourist looking for foods from Brazil or someone eager to learn what to eat in Brazil, this guide will introduce you to Brazilian foods you should try. You need to know these traditional Brazilian dishes:

21° – Pão de Queijo (Cheese Bread)

O pão de queijo é uma iguaria mineira que conquistou o Brasil inteiro. Feito com farinha de tapioca (farinha de mandioca), ovos, leite e queijo, esse pãozinho é assado até ficar com uma crosta dourada e um interior macio e elástico. É perfeito para acompanhar café e é consumido a qualquer hora do dia. O pão de queijo pode ser encontrado em praticamente todas as regiões do Brasil, tanto em padarias quanto em mercados e lanchonetes.

• Cidades onde é mais comum: Belo Horizonte.

20° – Feijoada (Black Bean Stew)

Feijoada é, sem dúvidas, o prato mais icônico do Brasil. Feita com feijão preto, carne de porco (como costela, linguiça e carne seca) e temperos como alho, cebola e louro, a feijoada é uma refeição completa e extremamente saborosa. Tradicionalmente servida às quartas e sábados, é acompanhada de arroz branco, couve salteada, fatias de laranja e farofa. Feijoada é uma refeição substanciosa que representa a mistura das culturas africana, indígena e portuguesa, e é apreciada em todo o país.

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19° – Açaí (Acai Bowl)

Açaí na tigela é uma delícia refrescante e saudável, originária da região amazônica, mas que ganhou popularidade em todo o Brasil. Feito com polpa de açaí, uma fruta típica da Amazônia, o açaí na tigela é batido com xarope de guaraná e servido com coberturas como granola, banana, morango e mel. É uma opção nutritiva, perfeita para o clima quente brasileiro, e pode ser consumido como um lanche ou até mesmo como substituto de refeição.

18° – Pastel (Fried Pastry)

Pastel é um lanche popular, encontrado em feiras livres e lanchonetes por todo o Brasil. É feito com uma massa fina e crocante, recheado com vários ingredientes como carne moída, queijo, palmito, camarão, entre outros. Depois de recheado, o pastel é frito até ficar dourado e crocante. Muitas vezes é acompanhado de caldo de cana, uma bebida doce feita a partir do caldo da cana.

• Cidades onde é mais comum: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, Florianópolis.

17° – Churrasco (Brazilian Barbecue)

Brazilian barbecue, especially from the gaucho region, is known worldwide. Prepared with prime cuts of meat such as picanha, maminha, and ribs, the barbecue is usually seasoned with coarse salt and grilled on skewers over an open flame. Barbecue is a tradition in Brazil, especially on weekends, and is always accompanied by farofa, rice, vinaigrette, and garlic bread.

16° – Cachorro-Quente (Hot Dog)

Brazilian hot dogs have their peculiarities and variations depending on the region, but one thing is certain: it is a very popular snack. In its most traditional version, the hot dog is served with sausage, mashed potatoes, corn, peas, vinaigrette, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and potato sticks. In some regions, you may find additions such as ground beef, quail eggs, cream cheese, and even shredded chicken.

15° – Farofa (Cassava Flour Side Dish)

Farofa is one of the most versatile side dishes in Brazilian cuisine. Made from cassava flour, farofa can be simple or enriched with ingredients such as bacon, eggs, onion, banana, raisins, and even dried fruits. It is served alongside main dishes such as feijoada, barbecue, fish, and chicken, and is a complement that adds texture and flavor to meals.

14° – Baião de Dois (Rice and Beans)

Baião de dois is a typical recipe from the Northeast, especially from the states of Ceará and Piauí. It is made with green beans or cowpea beans, mixed with rice, shredded dried meat, coalho cheese, and seasonings such as garlic and cilantro. The dish is known for its simplicity and comforting flavor, being a complete meal that combines the most common ingredients of Northeastern cuisine.

13° – Misto-Quente (Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich)

Misto-quente is a simple, yet very popular sandwich in Brazil. It is made with white bread, cheese, and ham, and grilled until the cheese melts and the bread becomes crispy. It is a practical option for breakfast, a snack, or even a quick meal.

12° – Arroz Carreteiro (Wagoner’s Rice)

Arroz carreteiro is a typical dish from southern Brazil but is appreciated throughout the country. Made with shredded dried meat, rice, and seasonings such as garlic and onion, this dish originates from the old drovers who needed a practical and nutritious meal during long journeys. Today, arroz carreteiro is one of the traditional recipes of gaucho festivities and is served with farofa and salad.

11° – Cuscuz Nordestino (Northeastern Cornmeal Dish)

Cuscuz nordestino is a recipe made with cornmeal, water, and salt, and can be served sweet or savory. It is traditionally cooked in a couscous pot and can be accompanied by butter, milk, dried meat, coalho cheese, or eggs. In the Northeast, cuscuz is consumed for breakfast or dinner, and it is a food that is part of the daily routine of families. • Cities where it is most common: Recife, Salvador, Fortaleza, João Pessoa, Natal.

10° – Vatapá (Shrimp and Coconut Cream Dish)

Vatapá is a typical dish of Bahian cuisine, made with bread, coconut milk, dried shrimp, peanuts, cashews, dendê oil, and seasonings such as garlic and onion. The result is a thick and aromatic cream, usually served with rice or acarajé. Vatapá is one of the most representative dishes of Afro-Brazilian cuisine and is found mainly in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. • Cities where it is most common: Salvador, Recife, Fortaleza, São Luís, Belém.

9° – Acarajé (Fried Bean Cake)

Acarajé is an Afro-Brazilian delicacy, traditional in Bahia, but popular in various regions of Brazil. Made with black-eyed pea batter, onion, and salt, the acarajé is molded into balls and fried in dendê oil. It is stuffed with vatapá, dried shrimp, and a tomato and onion salad. Acarajé is more than a dish, it is a cultural and religious symbol, often found on the streets of Salvador.

8° – Pamonha (Cornmeal Pudding)

Pamonha is a delicacy made from green corn, traditional in various parts of Brazil, especially in the Midwest and Southeast regions. The corn is grated and mixed with milk and sugar (or salt, depending on the version), then wrapped in corn husks and cooked. Pamonha can be sweet or savory and is often consumed for breakfast or as a snack.

7° – Doce de Leite (Sweetened Condensed Milk Dessert)

Doce de leite is a dessert loved throughout Brazil. Made from milk and sugar, cooked until it reaches a creamy consistency and caramelized flavor, doce de leite is used in various desserts or consumed on its own. Minas Gerais is the most famous region for producing doce de leite, but it is found in all regions of Brazil.

6° – Romeu e Julieta (Cheese and Guava Paste)

Romeu e Julieta is a classic combination of Minas cheese and guava paste, very popular throughout Brazil. This duo is a perfect example of how sweet and savory complement each other, resulting in a simple yet extremely flavorful dessert. It can be served in various forms, such as pies, ice creams, or simply with slices of cheese and guava paste.

5° – Moqueca (Fish Stew)

Moqueca is a traditional dish from the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, with distinct versions in Bahia and Espírito Santo. In Bahia, moqueca is made with fish, shrimp, or seafood, cooked in coconut milk, dendê oil, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The capixaba moqueca, on the other hand, does not use dendê oil or coconut milk, being lighter and prepared in clay pots. Both versions are rich in flavor and represent the culinary diversity of Brazil.

4° – Feijão Tropeiro (Tropeiro Beans)

Feijão tropeiro is a typical dish from Minas Gerais but has become popular in various regions of Brazil. Made with beans, cassava flour, eggs, pork cracklings, sausage, and seasonings such as garlic, onion, and green onions, feijão tropeiro is a rich mixture of flavors and textures. Traditionally, it is served as a side dish to meats, especially at barbecues, but it can also be the star of a meal.

3° – Quindim (Egg Yolk and Coconut Custard)

Quindim is a typical Brazilian dessert made with coconut, egg yolks, sugar, and butter. Its texture is creamy, and its flavor is sweet, with a tropical coconut touch. Quindim has Portuguese origins but has gained its own identity in Brazil, being found in bakeries and pastry shops throughout the country.

2° – Brigadeiro (Chocolate Truffles)

Brigadeiro is a traditional Brazilian sweet, present at practically every birthday party. Made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, it is cooked until it reaches a creamy consistency and then rolled into small balls and covered with chocolate sprinkles. Brigadeiro is simple but irresistible, and it is a true icon of Brazilian confectionery.

1° – Coxinha (Chicken Croquette)

Coxinha is perhaps the most beloved savory snack in Brazil. Originating in São Paulo, it has spread throughout the country and can be found in practically every bakery, snack bar, and birthday party. Made with a dough of potatoes and wheat flour, filled with seasoned shredded chicken, and sometimes cream cheese, the coxinha is shaped like a teardrop and fried until golden and crispy. Coxinha is a true national passion and a symbol of street food in Brazil.

Conclusion

These were the main foods to try in Brazil. Exploring Brazilian cuisine is a fascinating journey that reveals the cultural richness and creativity of the Brazilian people. From the most traditional dishes to everyday snacks, each typical food tells a story and offers a unique experience. If you are planning a visit to Brazil or simply want to try new flavors, these 21 typical foods are a must on your itinerary. They represent the best of Brazilian gastronomy and are a true celebration of the flavors and traditions that make Brazil such a special country.

Now, we want to know: what is the best Brazilian dish you have ever tried? Tell us in the comments where you were and what you ate. We look forward to hearing your stories and discovering which flavors marked your experience with Brazilian cuisine!