Top 10 Foods to Try in Brazil on Your Vacation

When planning your South American adventure, securing a tourist visa for Brazil is your first step. But once you’ve ticked that box, a whole world of rich culture and delicious cuisine opens up before you. Brazilian food is a flavorful fusion of indigenous, African, Portuguese, and even Japanese influences, each bite offering something uniquely local. Whether you're enjoying a beachside barbecue or exploring a vibrant city like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, these dishes are must-tries for every foodie traveler.

Here’s a curated list of the top 10 foods to try in Brazil during your vacation — guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and enhance your travel experience.

1. Feijoada – The National Dish

No visit to Brazil is complete without trying feijoada, a hearty black bean stew made with pork, beef, and spices. Traditionally served on Wednesdays and Saturdays, this dish is slow-cooked and typically accompanied by rice, collard greens, and orange slices to aid digestion. Its deep, smoky flavors reflect Brazil’s colonial past and culinary diversity.

2. Pão de Queijo – Brazilian Cheese Bread

These fluffy, cheesy bread rolls are a favorite snack across Brazil. Pão de queijo is made from tapioca flour and cheese, giving it a chewy texture and gluten-free edge. You’ll find them in cafes, airport lounges, and street markets. Pair it with a cup of Brazilian coffee for a perfect mid-day treat.

3. Moqueca – Seafood Stew with a Coconut Twist

Originating from Bahia or Espírito Santo, moqueca is a seafood stew simmered with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coriander, and palm oil. The aroma is unforgettable. Usually served in clay pots, it’s best enjoyed with farofa (toasted cassava flour) and white rice.

4. Coxinha – Chicken Croquettes with a Crunch

Shaped like little chicken drumsticks, coxinha is a popular street food that features shredded chicken wrapped in dough, breaded, and deep-fried to golden perfection. It’s Brazil’s answer to comfort food and a quick bite you shouldn’t miss on the go.

5. Açaí na Tigela – Amazon Superfood Bowl

Craving something sweet and healthy? Açaí bowls are native to the Amazon and wildly popular in beach towns like Rio. Blended frozen açaí berries are topped with granola, banana, and honey. Perfect for a post-surf energy boost or a tropical breakfast.

6. Brigadeiro – Brazil’s Beloved Chocolate Truffle

No birthday party or celebration in Brazil is complete without brigadeiros. Made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles, these bite-sized sweets are simple yet irresistible. They also make great souvenirs—if you can resist eating them all first.

7. Churrasco – Brazilian Barbecue at Its Best

Meat lovers, rejoice! Churrasco is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Skewered cuts of beef, pork, and chicken are grilled over an open flame and served continuously in traditional rodízio-style restaurants. Don’t miss the picanha, a juicy, flavor-packed cut of beef that Brazilians proudly claim as their own.

8. Tapioca – Crepe-Style Street Snack

Made from cassava flour, tapioca crepes are a street food staple in northeastern Brazil. They’re crispy on the outside and filled with sweet or savory fillings like cheese, ham, coconut, or chocolate. Gluten-free and versatile, it’s a light yet satisfying snack.

9. Vatapá – Creamy Bahian Delight

This Afro-Brazilian dish combines shrimp, coconut milk, peanuts, bread, and dendê oil into a rich and spicy paste. Vatapá is commonly served with acarajé (deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters) and reflects the deep African roots in Bahian cuisine.

10. Pastel – Brazil’s Fried Pastry

Think of pastéis as Brazil’s answer to empanadas—crispy, deep-fried pastries stuffed with savory fillings like cheese, minced beef, heart of palm, or even pizza-style combinations. You’ll find them in open-air markets and pastelarias across the country.

Final Thoughts: Travel for Taste, Stay for Culture

Brazil isn’t just a destination—it’s a sensory experience, especially when it comes to food. From fiery stews to sweet coconut treats, each dish tells a story of Brazil’s history and heritage. While planning your journey and applying for your tourist visa for Brazil, don’t forget to prepare your palate for adventure too.

Ready to take the first bite into Brazil? Whether you're exploring carnival, beaches, or the Amazon, a food-focused itinerary makes everything more memorable. For everything you need to know before your trip, including entry requirements, check out a complete Tourist Brazil travel visa guide. Your dream foodie getaway is just a few steps away!