Brazilians are not only excellent in soccer (why do I know this?) and dancing the samba; they’re also great in cooking and enjoying delicious foods.

Let’s go to sunny Brazil and pick out 10 dishes. It’s not going to be easy, I warn you, since Brazilian food, just like Brazilian people, is one of the best in the world.

Brazilian food is a patchwork of native traditions and influences from European, Asian, Arabic, and African cuisines, with great varieties from region to region.

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The cuisine has preserved some of the ingredients used by the native peoples like cassava, cumaru, guaraná, cashews, and açaí. European immigrants introduced their own favorites like wheat, leafy greens, dairy, and wine.

Besides all the delicious Brazilian foods mentioned below, we mustn’t forget the national beverage – coffee, as well as Brazil’s native liquor – cachaça.

Pão de queijo – Brazilian cheese bread

Two staples in Brazilian cuisine – cheese and bread – are combined an unexpectedly delicious delight. Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, these gluten-free cheese puffs are enjoyed any time of the day. They are made with tapioca flour, eggs, and grated cow’s milk cheese. They are usually rolled into small balls (even though there are varieties as big as cakes) and stuffed with meat or cheese fillings.

Make your own: Pão de queijo

Espetinhos – Brazilian Kebabs

Espentihos are a Brazilian food found at almost every public event throughout the country. The word translates as “little skewers” and these kebabs can be made with many different things, including spiced chicken or beef, hot dogs, sausages, fish, shrimps, and even cheese. Espetinhos are usually served with hot sauce or manioc flour (an ingredient that accompanies many other Brazilian foods). In addition, icy beer is almost always at hand when eating these Brazilian kebabs.

Make your own: Espetinhos – Coconut Milk and Lime Shrimp Brazilian Skewers

Feijoada – Brazilian Black Bean Stew

Feijoada is the Brazilian food which ‘unites’ the so-different regions in the country for the simple reason it is eaten literally everywhere. It is a stew composed of sausages, chopped pork, and black beans. Traditionally, the recipe calls for less usual parts of the pig as well, like ears and feet! It is usually served with rice, toasted manioc flour, oranges, kale, and cachaça liquor on the side. Brazilians must really love this food, bearing in mind that its preparation takes 24 hours. Luckily, most of the restaurants in the country have Feijoada on their menu so you can skip the cooking and just enjoy.

Make your own: Feijoada

Açaí

One of the most popular superfoods and the star of many Instagram accounts, açaí is a fruit native to the Amazon. Native peoples used to consume it for energy and prepared sauces to serve with fish dishes. Today, it finds its way to the omnipresent acai bowls, smoothies, breakfast granolas, frozen sorbets, and even beer!

Make your own: Autumn Acai Bowl with Vanilla Bean Cashew Butter

Brazilian Sticky Coconut Rice

One of the most common side dishes in the country is coconut rice. But what makes the Brazilian version different from all the other similar recipes out there? Brazilians have a special method of preparation – first, they toast the rice; then they add brown sugar. In addition, there is also canned coconut milk, and just a little bit of salt to balance the sweetness of the sugar, plus some more toasted coconut on top (if you wish).

This Brazilian food is very easy and simple to make. The final result is creamy and flavorful rice that pairs especially well with pork dishes.

Make your own: Brazilian Coconut Rice

Brazilian Soup

Soup is the food of choice for the ceia, late-night supper, but also on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The recipe we’re offering here is a delicious tomato creamy soup with shrimp, coconut milk, and various seasonings. There’s nothing better for the cold, winter nights here up North!

Make your own: Brazilian Shrimp Soup

Top Brazilian Drinks

Cachaça/Caipirinha

As mentioned before, cachaça is considered a national drink in Brazil. It has been around since the early 16th century and accompanies many Brazilian foods. It is made from fermented sugarcane juice and is the main ingredient in Brazil’s national cocktail – caipirinha, which is made with lime slices, brown sugar, ice, and uncolored, unaged cachaça. However, this is the basic version; we’re offering one made with strawberries! Other popular drinks are the Brazilians favorite soda – Guaraná, Caldo de Cana (pressed sugar cane juice), and água de coco (coconut water).

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Make your own: Strawberry Basil Caipirinha Cocktail

Limonada Suíça – Brazilian Lemonade

Have you ever had a creamy lemonade? Well, it’s high time you did. Actually, this is a limeade, since the original recipe is made with limes. However, if you are a lemon person, who’s to stop you from using them. Because the ingredient that makes it special, creamy, and sweet isn’t the fruits but the condensed milk. Another paradox about this popular drink is its name – Limonada Suíça means Swiss lemonade, which is completely weird. Nevertheless, make yourself a big glass of lemonade and bring summer to your home!

Make your own: Brazilian Lemonade

I believe that food should not only taste good, but make you feel good as well and that is why I am so interested in exploring ingredients, preparing meals, and finding ways to make the whole cooking experience fun and exciting! Being a blogger for MyGreatRecipes unites my two passions – food and writing, and I am enjoying every second of it!