Cultured Palate: International Dishes from Brazil

If you’ve been dreaming of an escape, Brazil may be calling your name. With an average yearly temperature of 77° and diverse regions that include beaches, rainforests, mountains, and savannas, Brazil is a place that’s unsurprisingly diverse in its population as well. As a result, their culinary tradition has evolved to encompass a vast variety of different dishes, including European, African, and even Asian influences.

If you travel to Brazil, make sure to check out a few of these dishes. Brazilians love to eat and the more you know before you go, the easier it will be for you to fill your belly with amazing and authentic cuisine.

1. Pão de queijo

One of the most popular snack foods in Brazil is pão de queijo — tiny cheese buns made with cassava starch which originally came to Brazil via African slaves in the 19^th century.

While they’re found in many groceries stores throughout the country, the best pão de queijo are either homemade or bought from a bakery. You can also find excellent pão de queijo sold on the street, where it can be bought as a cheap and easy snack. Eat them on their own or with a cup of coffee, but watch out — it’s impossible to eat just one.

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