10 Brazilian foods to try before you die (besides feijoada and barbecue)

If you live in Ireland, especially in Dublin, chances are you know at least 1 Brazilian. They’ve taken over the island and brought their recipes from home. Here are a few that I believe it is worth trying. PS: As a huge country it is, this list is based on my experience living in the southeast, in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, however, there is so much more to Brazilian culinary!

1. Açaí

Perfect for sunny, hot days, açaí can be served in a bowl or in a cup, like the one in the photo. It looks like an ice cream that is melting, so it is possible to eat it with a spoon or drink it through a straw. It has many options of toppings, such as fruits, condensed milk, powder milk, paçoca (check no.10)

2. Pão de Queijo

Cheese bread is a classic! Every grandma has mastered this and they always have a tray of freshly baked cheese bread ready for you. It is basically dough with cheese, it can be filled with jam or other sweet spreads or other types of cheese if you want. I strongly recommend this with a cup of coffee in the afternoon.

3. Brigadeiro

Nearly every Brazilian loves a children’s birthday party because it is a great excuse to consume this delicious chocolate sweet. Just be careful to not eat too many of them, it is extremely sweet and sugary. Of course, there are low sugar brigadeiros, but I’d say it’s not as tasty.

4. Pastel + cana de açúcar

This combination is a classic Sunday breakfast, it is the Brazilian ritual: going shopping in the street market for fruits and vegetables and eating pastel. Pastel is fried dough with filling, the most common are cheese and mince beef. The drink comes from the sugar cane, naturally sweet and served with an ice cube to make it cooler. I gotta warn you that this is one of those things you either love or hate, there’s no in-between.

5. Goiabada com queijo (AKA Romeo and Juliet)

I grew up watching my family having Romeo and Juliet for dessert, so I believe it is more common in Minas Gerais. Goiabada is a sweet made from guava fruit and somehow the very sweet taste of it goes really well with the slightly salted cheese.

6. Pão com Mortadela

 If you ever get the chance to visit São Paulo, this is a must. The famous sandwich is available at the Municipal Market in large size. It goes really well with coffee or coca-cola, Try it in the afternoon, lovely snack!

7. Bananinha

The classic “ugly but yummy”. Bananinha is a banana sweet and I heard that the original one comes from the countryside of São Paulo. It is also a great idea to make bananinha from your ripe bananas you’re probably not going to eat.

8. Cachorro Quente

The Brazilian hot dog is not just a snack, it’s a meal! Besides bread and sausage, we like to add mashed potato, tomatoes, corn, chips, mustard, ketchup, cheese, more sausages, chicken and bacon if you feel like it. Anything could go in your hot dog.

9. Coxinha

 “Little thigh” is made of a fried dough filled with chicken. Another must of Brazilian birthday parties. As people got creative you can now find vegan coxinha, coxinha with bacon, coxinha with pizza, and so on.

10. Paçoca

 I usually describe this as peanut butter in powder form. Made of peanuts, it is the perfect dessert after dinner or an afternoon snack. I absolutely love to mix it with banana, it looks gross, but it’s so tasty.

If you’re feeling adventurous today and would like to try any of the items listed above, they’re all available in Dublin. Bom apetite!