Most people travel to places like Rio for the sun and the scene. That was also my plan until I discovered a place that immediately spoke to my heart and reminded me of my ancestral roots. From the outside on the surface, you see the romanticized version of Brazil; skimpy swimwear, the biggest Carnaval on the planet and beaches that go on forever. When you plant your feet on the soil, you feel the heartbeat of this country. It shows up in the tanned lines of the people, in the rhythmic beats of the music and in the mouthwatering food. Food is one of the most accessible ways to connect with a culture. If Brazil is on your radar, you will want to know how to find the best bites in Brazil.
Brazil isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place you taste. But if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with overpriced tourist food and watered-down caipirinhas. This guide will help you eat (and sip) like you belong.
Where to Find the Best Bites and Drinks in Brazil
Whether you’re staying for a few days or a few weeks, these food and drink experiences are your fast track to flavor, fun, and cultural connection in Brazil. I’ve tasted my way through Rio and beyond so you don’t have to guess when hunger strikes. Here’s what to look for and where to go.
Start with the Street Food Scene
Street food is easy to find in Rio especially if you are on the beach. Vendors are everywhere selling everything from empanadas to shrimp skewers. It might appear odd at first to see the vendors walking around with coolers or portable grills but these are some of the best bites in Brazil. And the prices are incredibly cheap. I had two empanadas for less than $2 and loved every bite.
If you’re not catching the waves on the beach, you should also explore markets like Feira de São Cristóvão. While you are there, try local staples like pão de queijo (cheese bread), pastéis (crispy fried pastries), and coxinhas (chicken croquettes). Look for vendors with a line because that usually means the food is fresh. Above all, make sure you keep an eye out for things that may not look safe.
Check out Dining Confidently Abroad and the video on Street Food Safety for tips on what to look for before you indulge.
Make sure you carry cash for easy transactions but some of the vendors now accept credit cards or digital wallets.
Hit Up a Boteco, Brazil’s Casual Foodie Haven
A boteco is a laid-back pub where locals gather to eat, drink, and socialize. You’ll usually find a football game on the screen and a lot of locals with their favorite team jerseys crowding the place. That’s how you know it’s good.
Move away from the tourist scene on the beaches and venture into the neighborhoods to find the best ones. Try Boteco Belmonte and Bar do Mineiro for a happening scene.
The menus may be a bit overwhelming. I tried yuca fritters and it was a bust. Instead try bolinho de bacalhau (codfish fritters), empadas (savory pies), and picanha (grilled steak). For the best vibe go during happy hour, you may even get a great deal.
Eat Feijoada Where the Locals Eat It
If you’re looking for the soul of Brazil, you’ll find it Feijoada. While feijoada has Portuguese roots, the version popularized in Brazil owes much to enslaved Africans who turned undesirable cuts (feet, ears, tails) into slow-simmered stew. It is considered Brazil’s ultimate comfort food. You definitely want to try this.
I was lucky enough to be in Brazil with an Afro Brazilian who showed me the ropes. We ventured to Feira Hippie Market in Ipanema and made a b line to the booth filled with ladies dressed in traditional garb.
You can also look for it at Casa da Feijoada or local restaurants in Santa Teresa. Try it with farofa (toasted cassava flour) and couve (sautéed greens). Just know that the Saturdays are the traditional day to eat feijoada in Brazil.
Tap Into Afro-Brazilian Culinary Roots
We all know that more than 50% of the population in Brazil identify as Black. So it’s no wonder the food in Brazil is steeped in history. The cuisine tells a story of resilience and cultural pride.
The most authentic experience can be found Salvador (about a 3 hour flight from Rio). If you can’t get to Salvador, head to Rio’s Lapa district or Pequena Africa to sample this rich and spicy Bahia-style cuisine.
Don’t leave Brazil without trying acarajé. This deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters is stuffed with spicy vatapá (a paste made of shrimp, peanuts, and coconut milk) is based on the West African dish akara. Find a great spot to try Moqueca Baiana another seafood stew with clear African influences.
Don’t Skip Breakfast
I love a great breakfast and apparently so do the folks in Brazil. The bakeries are everywhere and they were some of the best breakfast spots I’ve ever visited. Everything was fresh and I never felt rushed.
Places like Nusa Cafe & Bistro or BiBi near Copacabana and Ipanema are local favorites. Just get there early because the lines get long. Once you are seated, get your day going with a fresh juice. You won’t regret it.
I couldn’t get enough of the pão de queijo (cheese bread). I think I ordered it for every breakfast. It’s made with Tapioca flour so it’s gluten free and I told myself that it was healthy. I never knew tapioca could be used in so many ways. They also use it to make this wonderful breakfast crepe. Different but delicious.
Try Acai
Acai is actually a small, dark purple berry, which comes from a palm tree in the Amazon rainforest. In recent years, it has become a popular item in the US because of the health benefits that come along with it. Popular outlet like OakBerry make acai bowls filled with a sorbet version of this staple topped with fresh fruit, granola and even candy. It can be a total sugar bomb especially those with sugary add-ons.
But you haven’t tried Acai until you’ve tried it in Brazil. There are vendors on every corner in Rio. Look for bowls made with real acai berry puree, not just juice or powder, for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
I couldn’t tell you if it’s breakfast or desert. Just know it’s really one of the best bites in Brazil and you can have it anytime and almost anywhere. My favorite was at Rio Acai Gourmet.
Know Your Caipirinhas—And What to Try Instead
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Brazil’s national cocktail in a post about Brazil: The caipirinha. You can barely turn a corner without someone offering you one in Rio. I certainly had my fill of them during my visit.
A Caipirinha is made by mixing lime, sugar, and cachaça (a sugarcane spirit). The cachaça is what makes it a true caipirinha. Anything else is considered a Caipiroska. And I had a few of those too.
If you’re feel adventurous, order a caipifrutas which is basically a caipirinha with a bit more fruit. Popular variations include passionfruit, mango, or pineapple. Just check in with the bartender to get a few recommendations and sample away.
If you tire of caipirinhas, taste batida de coco (coconut cocktail) or Guaraná soda or simply sip cachaça straight to really feel like a local. The cocktail culture is big in Rio so you’ll have plenty of options.
If you happen to be anywhere near a beach grab a coconut and indulge on fresh coconut water. I don’t know where they source so many coconuts but every bar along the beach has them. The cost is around 10 BRL (or less than $2 USD).
My Perspective
Exploring the foods from Brazil as a Black traveler felt like a nice warm hug from back home. I found so many similarities to the foods I grew up with in the south. The creativity of using the scraps and unwanted items to make delicious foods to feed their families resonate so much with my own history. It’s no wonder I felt really connected to the culture there.
If you are planning a trip to Brazil, I would encourage you to seek out Afro-Brazilian cuisine for a soulful connection to culture of this amazing country. Take advantage of the street food and pop into a casual boteco for a true meal with the locals. Remember: the best food in Brazil often costs less than $5—and tastes like a million bucks.
And by all means try a caipirinha. You won’t regret it.
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FAQs About Finding the Best Food and Drinks in Brazil
Do I need to speak Portuguese to order food or drinks in Brazil?
No, but learning a few basic food terms helps! Many menus have photos, and Google Translate can be a lifesaver.
Is it safe to eat street food and drink cocktails with ice in Brazil?
Yes—especially in major cities like Rio and São Paulo. Look for stalls with high turnover and bars that cater to locals.
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