10 Foods You Cannot Miss When In Brazil

Brazil is a country with rich diversity in culture. The diverse population stemming from Portuguese colonization, long history of slavery, and large group of immigrants from Europe and Asia, Brazil boasts of a rich food heritage. The food palette is as colourful as the culture of the country and the dishes vary greatly from region to region.

Here is a list of 10 must try mouth-watering Brazilian foods:

* Misto Quente

This everyday Brazilian snack or light lunch option is half of a French baguette grilled with melted cheese and ham inside, and is often eaten with fresh fruit juice from the snack bars on the streets.

* Moqueca

This fish stew showcases how the ingredients vary from one region of Brazil to another.Moqueca is made from coconut milk, coriander, tomatoes, onions, and dendê, the palm oil that is so typical of the food of Bahia. The dish can be made with white fish or prawns.

* Empada

Empadas are mini pies that are sold in nearly all snack bars, bars and restaurants throughout Brazil. They are perfect as an on-the-go snack or washed down with a cold beer. The most typical fillings are dried meat, chicken with cream cheese, prawns with cream cheese or heart of palm.

* Pao de Queijo

This is so much more than just cheese bread. Made with cassava flour so it is totally gluten-free, these little puffs are crispy on the outside, squidgy on the inside and filled with cheesy flavour. They are generally sold in packets with mini cheese balls inside, or as great balls the size of large oranges.

* Acarajé

Acarajé is a black-eyed bean patties that is deep fried and served steaming hot. It usually has prawns inside and is served with an optional chili oil.

* Farofa

Farofa is unique to Brazil and its taste and significance is hard to understand without actually trying it. It is basically fried tapioca flour mixed with small pieces of fried bacon and served alongside rice and beans.

* Beijinho de Coco

The name literally translates to little kiss of coconut, which fits perfectly with this mouth-sized dessert. It’s made with condensed milk and butter mixed together before being rolled up into little balls and covered in coconut flakes. The top is often decorated with a clove. Light and moreish, these little treats are popular at Brazilian birthday parties.

* Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro is balls of truffles made with condensed milk and covered in chocolate sprinkles. The traditional brigadeiro is milk chocolate, yet there are also white chocolate versions available, too. They can get even more delicious when made with a whole strawberry in the middle.

* Canjica

Canjica is a bowl of whole pieces of white corn mixed with milk, a splash of coconut milk and condensed milk to make a creamy, enviable dessert with sprinkles of cinnamon on top. It is usually served during the annual June Festival, yet as it is too tasty to save for just once a year, it’s easy to find year round.