The traditional cuisine of Brazil is closely related to the country's fruit diversity. Many of Brazil's dishes are closely linked to its colonial past. Not much is left of the traditions of the Indian natives, however, their dishes are also quite famous. Throughout the country, you'll find a dense mix of Amerindian, Portuguese, African and even French traditions. We've put together for you a small list of Brazil's national dishes that make sense to try.
Pato no tucupi is a dish typical of the Amazon region. It consists of pieces of duck cooked in a thick sauce with herbs. It is a very stewy dish, so if you have digestive problems, you should not try it.
Shurasco is a dish famous in the Rio Grande do Sul region. They are slices of beef strung on a metal rod. They are grilled over charcoal in the open air. They are eaten with a sauce made of tomatoes, onions, peppers, vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Shepherds in the interior of the country cook a whole steer this way.
Feijoada is a Brazilian dish popular in Rio de Janeiro. It is prepared with black beans, dried meat, smoked sausage, pork, garlic, pepper, and bay leaf. This dish is served in a deep plate with cassava flour or white rice.
Rice and beans is an extremely simple and hearty dish. It is used as a side dish in restaurants and is especially popular with a variety of spicy sauces.
Farofa is fried cassava flour. A dish for the poor once upon a time, today farofa is not considered as such. This hearty dish can be found in many establishments where it is served as a side or even main course.
Takako is a thick yellow soup with dried shrimp and garlic. This spicy first course is popular on the coast; it hasn't spread much inland. It's another spicy recipe that won't suit everyone.
Watapi is a dish of clams that are cut or ground with pieces of fish, cooked in dende oil with coconut juice and pieces of bread.
Sarapeteu - pork liver or heart with fresh animal blood, to which tomatoes, peppers, and onions are added.
Caruru is salted shrimp with a spicy sauce made from red peppers and the Brazilian kiabu plant. This dish is most popular on the coast, as are other seafood products.
Jacare is an alligator meat popular in the north of the country. This exotic meat is fried or braised, and many who have tried it find jacaré a mild and flavorful dish.
Cherimoya is a fruit that tastes like a blend of flavors of several fruits and berries: pineapple, strawberry, papaya, banana, mango, and cream. It is a plant of subtropical or mild temperate climates, and is quite popular in Brazil. Cherimoya ice cream can be found in many restaurants.
Jaboticaba is an evergreen tree whose fruits grow directly on the trunk. They are used to make juices, marmalade, jelly, and even wine.
Mate tea. It is widely drunk here and is more than popular, as it is generally throughout South America.
Cachaça is an alcoholic drink like vodka made from the alcohol of processed sugar cane.
Caipirinha is a cocktail made from cachaça with lemon juice, sugar, and ice. It's served just about everywhere and is considered hardly a national symbol of the country.
Guarana is a soft drink made from guarana fruit, most often non-alcoholic, or included in alcoholic cocktails.
Coffee - The varieties of Brazilian coffee are many. It is not without reason that this country is considered one of the best suppliers of the noble beverage.
