#culture Archives - Texas de Brazil

Feliz Pascoa: Easter in Brazil

Posted on February 22, 2024February 22, 2024 by John Reynolds

Brazil remains a predominantly Catholic nation, with nearly 70 percent of the population identifying as such. This means Easter, or “Pascoa,” is a big deal. With Carnival drawing to an end, Brazilians turn their attention to the more solemn-yet-still-joyful traditions of Easter. While Brazil celebrates in much the same way as the US, with chocolate eggs (called “ovo de pascoa”) and Easter Mass, there are a few rituals that are a nod to the country’s unique history and blend of cultures.

Pascoa in Brazil

The Ovo de Páscoa

In Brazil, Easter eggs hold a special place in the hearts of both children and adults. Unlike American eggs, which are often small and plastic or hard boiled, a Brazilian ovo de pascoa is chocolate and LARGE–about the size of a pineapple. Some are filled with more chocolate, but most are hollow and contain small toys or wrapped candies.

The ovos de Pascoa are sold wrapped in foil that is twisted and fluted at the top. You can find them lining the aisles of supermarkets or, more often, suspended from the ceiling like helium balloons. They arrive in shops well before Easter Sunday and can set you back a pretty penny (as much as $30 per egg!).

Good Friday Dinner

The Friday before Pascoa holds a significant place in the Christian calendar, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Brazil, it is customary for families to gather for a special dinner on Good Friday, often featuring fish dishes. This tradition reflects the Catholic practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, the period of fasting and penance leading up to Easter.

Bacalhau is a kind of salt cod that features in a variety of recipes, and will typically be found in some form for dinner on Good Friday. Bacalhau com natas is a favorite, as are fried fish balls called bolinhos de bacalhau.

Minas Gerais Páscoa Flower Carpet

In the state of Minas Gerais and other regions, Easter is celebrated with a unique tradition known as the flower carpet, or tapete de flores. This involves creating elaborate designs using flower petals and colored sand. In some areas, children dressed in white sing hymns while the carpet is being made.

Blooms for Palm Sunday

A species of flower called the macela, is a beautiful, tropical bloom that flowers only around Easter. For this reason, it is often brought to mass on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Pascoa. The auspicious flowers are also used for a variety of medicinal purposes, from indigestion-curing teas to crushed petals stuffed in pillow cases to promote sleep.

Painting of Cats and Dogs in Ivoti

In the town of Ivoti, there is a rumor that takes on a whimsical tone with the tradition of painting cats and dogs. According to local lore, this playful custom originated centuries ago when villagers would paint animals to let the children know that Easter was on its way.

Easter Dinner Made Simple

Wondering what to serve for Easter dinner? We can help! You can either enjoy a delicious meal tableside at one of our 50+ locations, or order a beautiful dinner to go. Or, purchase one of our hand-curated butcher boxes to have premium cuts of meat, like Australian rack of lamb, delivered right to your door.

New Year’s Eve in Brazil

Posted on December 26, 2023December 27, 2023 by John Reynolds

As the clock ticks down to midnight on December 31st, people around the world eagerly anticipate the arrival of the New Year, each culture bringing its unique traditions and customs to the festivities. In Brazil, New Year’s Eve is a vibrant and lively celebration, marked by a fusion of cultural influences that make it truly one-of-a-kind. Let’s take a look at some of the quintessential traditions of New Year’s Eve in Brazil. Maybe you’ll adopt one or two for your own celebration!

How Brazilians Ring in the New Year

New Year’s is called Reveillon in Brazil. The word comes from the word “reveiller” in French, which means “to waken.” It describes a feast held until morning.

There are a few key traditions associated with New Year’s Eve in Brazil, all designed to encourage prosperity and peace over the next 365 days:

Wearing White

Many of the New Year’s Eve traditions in Brazil are derived from the Afro-Brazilian religions of Candomble and Umbanda. Candomble incorporates aspects of many of the religions of West Africa, which is where a majority of Brazilian slaves came from. Meanwhile, Umbanda is a medley of Afro-Brazilian and certain Roman Catholic traditions.

One of the Afro-Brazilian traditions adopted for New Year’s is dressing in white from head to toe. In Candomble and Umbanda, the color white symbolizes purity, peace, and renewal. Remember that Brazilians do not merely say “Happy New Year” on New Year’s Eve. They say, “New Year, New Life.” Wearing white symbolizes this expression.

Offerings to Yemanjá

Along the coast, particularly in Rio de Janeiro and Bahia, worshippers and revelers alike participate in the traditional offering of white flowers, soaps, necklaces, hair combs, and other small trinkets to Yemanja. Yemanja, also spelled Lemanja, is the Candomble and Umbanda goddess of the sea. The items are placed in small boats and gently pushed out to sea. In return for their offerings, Brazilians request protection and good luck for the year.

Feasting on Lentils and Pomegranates

New Year’s Eve in Brazil also involves the consumption of pomegranates and lentils. The way you eat the pomegranate is important: you eat the flesh but save the seeds. You then wrap seven of the seeds in paper and put them in your wallet to attract wealth. (Don’t worry, they don’t have to stay there all year–just until January 6.)

Meanwhile, lentils are a popular meal at family gatherings for New Year’s Eve in Brazil. Lentilha da sorte, a stew of lentils, veggies, and pork sausage, is a particular favorite. Like the pomegranate, there are rules for making the most out of your lentils at New Year’s: stand on a chair, table, or other high place and take seven even bites of lentils to attract luck and prosperity in the coming year.

Fireworks and Street Parties

New Year’s Eve in Brazil is renowned for its spectacular fireworks displays and lively street parties. Major cities like Rio de Janeiro host enormous gatherings, with music, dancing, and a contagious energy that fills the air. The iconic Copacabana Beach in Rio is a focal point for millions of revelers, as they gather to witness breathtaking fireworks and take part in the largest New Year’s Eve party in the world.

Jumping Over Seven Waves

Another tradition for New Year’s Eve in Brazil involves jumping over seven waves at midnight, making wishes with each leap. Even non-coastal citizens travel hours to the sea so they can complete this ritual. The number seven holds special significance in Afro Brazilian culture. In this case, successfully leaping over seven successive waves means you will overcome obstacles in the New Year.

Wearing Colorful Undergarments

While many Brazilians choose to wear white clothing on the outside, under the clothing is a different story. Most are wearing brightly colored undergarments, the color carefully selected to represent individual desires. Yellow, for example, symbolizes money and success; red can ignite passion and love, and orange may stimulate creativity.

Bay Leaves for Wealth

If pomegranate seeds aren’t your thing, you can also put a bay leaf in your wallet with some cash. Unlike the seeds, however, you must leave the bay leaf in the wallet for the whole year, then donate the money to charity on December 31. The bay leaf must then be discarded in a running water source, like a stream or the ocean.

Easy New Year’s Eve Dinner

Brazilian New Year’s Eve celebrations are a captivating blend of cultural diversity, spirituality, and exuberance. The customs and traditions reflect the nation’s rich history and the resilience of its people. Among other traditions, good food is a part of any Brazilian celebration.

Make it easy on yourself this year and pre-order Texas de Brazil’s Beef Ribs Holiday Feast for your New Year’s Eve Celebration. This ready-to-eat kit feeds up to eight people. Tender, fall-of-the-bone ribs are accompanied with your choice of two sides, like our garlic mashed potatoes or feijoada black beans with crispy farofa topping. You’ll also receive a dozen Brazilian cheese bread rolls and a side of chimichurri for the ribs. Make sure you get your order in today before we sell out!

Carne Seca (Brazilian Beef Jerky)

Posted on July 24, 2023August 1, 2023 by John Reynolds

From the parma hams of Spain to the salted cod of Scandinavia, meat preservation has existed in cultures around the globe since ancient times. Prior to refrigeration, it was a crucial means of making food last longer by preventing spoilage from bacteria and other contaminants. In Brazil, a ration of dried beef was a staple for the gauchos, who required fast and shelf-stable ingredients while driving cattle across the country. Known simply as carne seca (“dried beef”), this Brazilian version of beef jerky remains popular both as a snack and an ingredient. Let’s take a closer look at the history of carne seca in Brazilian cuisine, how it is made, and how it differs from North American beef jerky.

Carne Seca in Brazil

The first iterations of carne seca in South America were known as charqui, a Quechua term that referred to various types of meat, mostly llama, that were cut in thin strips and dried in the sun. “Charqui” is, in fact, where the word “jerky” comes from.

There are variations of carne seca according to region. Beef has replaced llama as the most common type of carne seca, although other meats can be used. All Brazilian beef jerky recipes typically involve salt to draw out the moisture and speed the drying process. More or less salt is used depending on local tastes, and other seasonings may be added, such as pepper, and ground herbs.

What Type of Beef is Used for Carne Seca?

You can use any kind of beef you like to make homemade carne seca. However, it is best to use a leaner cut, such as a top round, bottom round, or flank steak. Picanha will also work beautifully, since the majority of its fat exists in a thick cap on top of very lean muscle.

North American vs Brazilian Beef Jerky

While carne seca is, indeed, a kind of beef jerky, it has some key differences with its American counterpart. In the US, we think of beef jerky as bite-sized, fairly thick pieces of salted, dried beef that you eat with your hands on the go. The meat often has a smoky or peppery flavor, and is rarely used in cooking.

In Brazil, by contrast, carne seca is utilized predominantly as an ingredient in main courses, such as feijoada and arroz carreteiro. It is usually air dried, as opposed to American jerky, which can be smoked. Prior to using in a recipe, carne seca is typically rinsed to remove excess salt then rehydrated.

The appearance of Brazilian beef jerky is also different. It is often shredded finely, especially when accompanying a side of Brazilian rice and beans. This gives it a more satisfying texture that is much less chewy than larger pieces would be.

Can You Make Carne Seca at Home?

Absolutely! To make carne seca at home, you basically need three ingredients: beef, salt, and sun. It is also best done in a fairly dry climate, since humidity will attract more pests (even with all that salt). Otherwise, you can use a dehydrator or a Biltong box (see below).

Homemade Carne Seca Basic Recipe

1. Prepare the Beef

Trim excess fat away from your cut of beef. Then, place it on a baking sheet in the freezer for around 15 minutes until it is partially frozen. This will make it easier to slice into strips.

2. Cut the Beef

Cut the beef in very thin strips (3-4 mm) against the grain. If you have a friend at your local butcher’s, you could ask them to do this for you with the deli slicer and save you a lot of time.

3. Salt the Beef

For every 8 oz of beef you have, add 1 tablespoon of salt. Mix with your hands to be sure all the strips are evenly coated.

4. Cure the Beef

Cover your salted beef strips and refrigerate them for four hours.

5. Dry the Beef

Now, for the drying. You have a couple options for this. You can be a real gaucho and attempt to sun-dry your beef by hanging it up somehow. A clothesline can come in handy for this method. Simply drape the thin strips over the meat and let the sun do the work. This will take several days and can most certainly invite pests, like birds and insects. Unless you are able to maintain fairly constant vigilance, we recommend either a dehydrator or a Biltong box.

If using a dehydrator, you can go high and fast or low and slow. We prefer the low and slow method, which sets the dehydrator at 105 degrees Fahrenheit and slowly dries the meat over 20 hours or so.

The Biltong box is closer to the traditional method, since it involves air drying; but it is protected from pests inside a box. The Biltong box is actually named after a kind of preserved meat eaten in South Africa. Buying one online can set you back a pretty penny, but if you are handy, you can make your own using stuff you probably already have around the house.

The length of time for drying carne seca in a Biltong box will vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how thick you’ve cut it. With the thickness we recommended, however, it shouldn’t take longer than 72 hours.

6. Shred the Beef

Brazilian beef jerky has a signature, shredded texture. This can be easily achieved by pulsing your carne seca in a food processor. Pulse in short bursts until your jerky achieves a fluffy, shredded appearance (kind of like the hairs on a coconut husk).

Where to Buy Carne Seca?

If you want to save yourself the trouble and simply buy carne seca, it is easily done in the US. It is quite popular in northern Mexican cuisine; as such, many mercado’s will carry pre-packaged shredded beef jerky. You can also buy it online, if you are so inclined.

If you are looking for a non-shredded version of carne seca that seamlessly blends American and Brazilian tastes, try Texas de Brazil’s all new line of beef jerky. Choose from smoky original or spicy, and indulge your taste buds in a truly delicious and dangerously snackable jerky. Visit our online market to order yours today.

Father’s Day in Brazil

Posted on June 5, 2023June 5, 2023 by John Reynolds

Unlike the US and many other parts of the world, Father’s Day in Brazil is actually celebrated in August. Like Mother’s Day, it is not a public holiday; nevertheless, it is still celebrated nationwide with gift-giving and family activities. Read our article to learn more about how Brazilians celebrate Father’s day and why it takes place on the second Sunday in August.

Why Father’s Day is Different in Brazil

The official date for celebrating Father’s Day in Brazil was established rather recently. In the 1950s, a journalist named Roberto Marino and his colleague, Sylvio Behring, (not the jiu-jitsu expert!) named the second day in August “Dia dos Pais.” This date coincided with the feast of Saint Joachim, who is the patron saint of fathers and believed to be the biological father of the virgin Mary. This is in keeping with many of Brazil’s national holidays, which tend to align with the Catholic Christian tradition.

Interestingly, the original Portuguese Catholics who arrived in Brazil observed a feast in honor of father’s on March 19. This is the feast of St. Joseph, and it dates back to at least the early 15th century. Spain, Portugal, and Italy continue to celebrate Father’s Day on March 19.

It is not known exactly why Sylvio Behring and Roberto Marino chose a different date, nor why they had the authority to do so. The theory is that Marino wanted to boost newspaper sales and Behring suggested the feast of Saint Joachim as a marketing ploy. Whether or not this story is true, Father’s Day does happen to be one of the most consumer-driven holidays in Brazil, so perhaps Behring’s tactic worked!

How Do Brazilians Celebrate Father’s Day?

Father’s Day in Brazil is observed in similar fashion to other countries, with the day being dedicated to spending time with loved ones, eating good food, and giving gifts. Children will often prepare a homemade present at school on the Friday before Father’s Day. Written notes of gratitude are also common, as are cartões de Dia dos Pais (greeting cards). Some of the most popular presents include clothing and cologne for Dad.

If the family is Catholic, they may start the day with Sunday Mass. Then, a special lunch will be prepared, or the family may go to a favorite restaurant. The rest of the day is spent together, doing outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or grilling.

Like Mother’s Day in Brazil, Father’s Day celebrates multiple generations. Uncles, Grandfather’s, and Great Grandfathers will be included in the festivities.

Texas de Brazil Father’s Day Promo

While Brazilians have another couple of months to plan for Father’s Day, it is right around the corner here in the US. At Texas de Brazil, we know fathers and barbecue tend to go hand in hand. If your dad is a grill master, why not give him something truly special this Father’s Day?

Our online Butcher Shop features hand-curated grill packages of the most premium cuts of beef, chicken, pork, and lamb. Let Dad dazzle guests churrasco style style-we’ve even got aprons and a sleek gaucho knife to complete your Father’s Day meat box. Go online and use PROMO CODE: FATHERSDAY for a special discount.*

Feliz dia dos pais!

*Discount only available for purchases of $150 or more.

Mother’s Day in Brazil

Posted on April 10, 2023 by John Reynolds

Like the US, Mother’s Day in Brazil is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It is a day dedicated to honoring not just mothers, but also grandmothers, aunts, and any other mother-like figures deserving of recognition. While it is not an official holiday, Brazilians still consider Dia das Mães one of the most important celebrations, second only to Christmas.

How Do Brazilians Celebrate Mother’s Day?

As a predominantly Catholic nation, many families will start the celebration by attending Mass together. The rest of Mother’s Day in Brazil typically involves good food and time spent together. It’s no secret that Brazilians love the outdoors, so activities like barbecues and picnics are very common. Flowers are also a traditional gesture: you’ll find familiar favorites, like roses, mixed with more exotic blossoms, like orchids and hibiscus.

Of course, gift giving is also an important part of Mother’s Day in Brazil. In fact, this day ranks second for consumer spending in the Nation (after Christmas). Homemade gifts are also appreciated, especially from school-aged children, who are encouraged by their teachers to make something for the mamães. (Reverence for one’s mother is instilled at quite an early age in Brazil!)

In many Brazilian families, it is the mother who does most of the cooking. Brazilians want to give their mothers, grandmothers, and aunties a break from that on Mother’s Day. They do this by preparing the food themselves or taking their mothers out to a nice restaurant.

Autumn in Brazil

Mother’s Day falls right in the middle of the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn. May, in particular, is considered one of the best times of year to visit Brazil.Temperatures are still warm, but not as oppressive as they are in the summertime. This means that Mother’s Day is an ideal time to hit the beach or go for a family hike.

Mother’s Day Dining Ideas

Texas De Brazil will be opening early on Mother’s Day. Most locations will open at 11 am (California and New York at noon). Book your table today for a truly special Mother’s Day experience. We will be serving our traditional menu, which includes all-you-can-eat salad bar and succulent churrasco style meats carved table-side. It doesn’t get any more decadent than that!

If Mom prefers to spend the day outdoors, why not treat her to an incredible barbecue? You can order our premium cuts of beef, chicken, pork, and lamb to be delivered right to your door. Don’t forget the Brazilian sausages, too! Order online today to get yours in time for Mother’s Day churrasco.

Lebanese Brazilian Food: Fried Kibbeh

Posted on July 19, 2022November 3, 2023 by John Reynolds

Immigration from the Levantine Region to Brazil began in the late 19th century. The Ottoman Empire had collapsed, resulting in uncertain political and economic futures for the citizens of Lebanon and Syria. Between 1885 and 1933, over 130,000 Lebanese immigrants arrived in Brazil through the Port of Santos.

Today, over 7 million Brazilians claim Lebanese descent. This number is greater than the population of Lebanon itself, so it is no surprise that Lebanese culture is quite prevalent in many parts of Brazil. This is particularly true of Lebanese cuisine, which can be found readily in almost every city. Favorite Brazilian Lebanese dishes include hummus, tabbouleh, sfiha, and sweet halwas drizzled with honey.

Another favorite Lebanese dish in Brazil is kibbeh. Traditional kibbeh are a kind of croquette made by pounding a mixture of lamb, spices, fresh mint, and onions. The mixture is rolled together into a football shape and stuffed into a shell made from a blend of bulgur wheat and more minced lamb and spices.

Kibbeh in Brazil

Brazilian kibbeh are similar to the traditional Lebanese croquettes, but the meat of choice is typically beef instead of lamb. There is also a raw version known as kibbeh cru. This is often compared to a French steak tartare, but the presence of those Levantine spices make it quite unique.

Brazilian kibbeh may also be stuffed with various fillings, including requeijao (Brazilian cream cheese).

What is Bulgur?

The bulgur used to form the shell of the kibbeh is made from cracked whole kernels of wheat (usually durum wheat) that are then par boiled. This precooking method means that bulgur can be prepared much faster than other versions.

Bulgur is a very popular whole grain in the Middle East, where it has been used in various recipes for thousands of years. Tabbouleh salad, for example, incorporates bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, fresh mint, and a tangy lemon dressing.

What Is a Good Bulgur Substitute?

If you do not have or do not want to use bulgur, many recipes use wheat couscous instead. Plain white rice, farro, or barley can also be used.

Gluten free bulgur substitutes include quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, and millet.

For kibbeh, the grain most similar in flavor is barley. However, barley will take much longer to cook, since it has not been parboiled. For a gluten-free substitute for kibbeh, we recommend millet. Again, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it is tender.

Do I Have to Use Mince Meat in Brazilian Kibbeh?

No, you can use a vegan alternative, like chickpeas, to form your shell and filling. You may need to experiment with the quantities to form a good binding, or you can just try this delicious recipe with chickpeas, dates, walnuts, and red onions.

What is Kibbeh Spice Made Out Of?

Kibbehs are spiced with a special blend known as kamouneh. This is a mixture unique to the Levantine region of the Middle East and lends an earthy flavor to any recipe. It centers around cumin (kamouneh), which is enhanced with various dried herbs and berries.

If you cannot find pre-made kamouneh or kibbeh spice, try the following recipe:

Homemade Kamouneh for Brazilian Kibbeh

2 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp ground marjoram
1 tsp dried mint
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp ground coriander
1 tbsp allspice
2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp cayenne (or more for additional heat)

Brazilian Kibbeh Recipe

Ingredients:

For the shell

2.5 cups bulgur wheat (fine ground)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon kamouneh spice
Pinch of salt

For the Filling

1 pound lean ground beef
½ yellow onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon kamouneh spice
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
Extra virgin olive oil
Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

Soak your bulgur in cold water for fifteen minutes, then strain.
Add the bulgur, 1 pound of lean ground beef, the roughly chopped onion, and one tablespoon kamouneh to a food processor*. Pulse until a thick, smooth paste forms.
Place the paste in the refrigerator.
Cook the filling. Heat a skillet on medium heat and add in a drizzle of olive oil. Add in your diced onions and cook until softened and translucent (2-3 minutes).
Now add in your beef and one tablespoon of kibbeh spice. Cook until evenly browned.
Just before the meat is done, add in the garlic and cook until it is fragrant and the meat has finished browning. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Allow your filling to cool for ten minutes or so.
Retrieve your kibbeh dough from the fridge.
Next to the kibbeh bowl, have your filling and a small bowl of water nearby. You will need to continually wet your hands to avoid the dough becoming too sticky.
Wet your hands in the water and scoop about two tablespoons of the shell dough out. Roll the dough into an oval shape.
Press a hollow in the middle of your dough ball with your hands or the back of a spoon.
Put a small amount of filling in the hollow you have made. Seal the dough back around the meat filling and roll again to make it smooth.
Continue this process until you have used up all your dough and filling.
Freeze the raw kibbeh for thirty minutes.
Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium high with enough oil to submerge the kibbeh (a deep fry). If you have a heat thermometer, heat the oil to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
Retrieve your frozen kibbeh and fry them in batches until they are golden brown. Let them strain on paper towels and serve immediately with tzatziki, a drizzle of tahini, or greek yogurt thinned with a little lemon juice and olive oil.

*If you do not have a food processor, you can achieve a similar effect with a blender. Or, if you want to go the traditional route, you can use a large mortar and pestle to beat the bulgur and meat together until they make a fine paste. In Lebanon, this mortar and pestle is known as a jeren. Jeren are made from solid rock and can weigh over 100 pounds!

More Recipes Like This:

Favorite Breakfast Foods in Brazil

Posted on May 2, 2022June 7, 2022 by John Reynolds

In America, we love a big breakfast with eggs, potatoes, pancakes, and bacon. When we’re in a hurry, we tend to load up on starch with glazed donuts, muffins, or a bagel with cream cheese.

In Brazil, breakfast is usually on the lighter side. Lunch is a much heartier meal, so most Brazilians stick with coffee and a small plate. The name for breakfast is, in fact, café da manhã, which translates to “morning coffee.” The food you eat might change, but coffee in some form is essential.

Top 5 Brazilian Breakfast Foods

1. Pingado with French Bread

A favorite breakfast in Brazil is pingado with french bread or rolls. Pingado is a beverage made with steamed milk and just a splash of coffee. It can be plain or sweetened with sugar. It is paired with a warm baguette from the bakery, smeared with plenty of butter.

Brazilian pingado drink with french bread — Pingado is traditionally served in a glass cup instead of a mug.

2. Acai na Tigela (Brazilian Acai Bowl)

Brazilians love fruit, so smoothies are also a popular breakfast item. A national favorite is made from frozen acai berries blended with guarana syrup. The smoothie mixture is served in a bowl with granola and fresh fruits, like strawberries and sliced banana.

acai bowl with granola, strawberries, and banana — Acai is native to Brazil’s tropical rainforest.

3. Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) With Deli Meat

Pao de queijo is a light and chewy puff made from tapioca starch and mozzarella or parmesan cheese. It is a very popular breakfast food that Brazilians like to eat plain or with slices of cured meat and cheese. You can also find stuffed Brazilian cheese breads, with fillings like spiced sausage or dulce de leche. All are gluten-free, bite-sized, and delicious.

Brazilian cheese bread on tray with coffee — Brazilian cheese bread can be eaten plain or stuffed with delicious fillings.

4. Bolo de Fuba (Brazilian Cornmeal Cake)

Brazilians love cake for breakfast! Pound cake and coffee cake are common, but a quintessential Brazilian breakfast cake is the bolo de fuba. This cake is made with finely ground cornmeal and traditionally served in a bundt shape. Some variations use coconut milk for a denser crumb. It can be topped off with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of dulce de leche.

Brazilian cornmeal cake with a slice missing — Bolo de fuba is made from cornmeal and buttermilk or coconut milk.

5. Brazilian Tapioca Crepes

These “crepes” are often simply referred to as tapioca and are made from just cassava flour and water. The mixture is lightly fried in a pan to form the crepe, which is then filled with things like coconut and condensed milk, melted cheese, or chocolate and bananas.

Brazilian crepe made from tapioca flour on a plate — Brazilian crepes are made from just two ingredients: tapioca and water.

Try Brazilian Food at Home

You can enjoy churrasco from Texas de Brazil’s online butcher shop, featuring hand-curated boxes with premium cuts of meat delivered right to your door. Try your hand at home-grilled picanha, rack of lamb, chops, and zesty brazilian sausage.