You’re staying in Brazil. You go out of your house to take a bus. On your way, you find a food stall selling freshly fried lumps of dough filled with shredded chicken. They smell good, and you’re hungry. You buy one and savor it while you wait for the bus. While you wait, you see that in the café across the street, there is a basket full of pão de queijo. You have some time to kill and decide to go for some. And in this way, you spend some time being lured around by Brazilian snacks.
The fact is, Brazilian snacks are everywhere in our country. They’re sweet, they’re savory, and they’re cheap. Are they healthy? That’s a question for another article. Here I list for you the best popular Brazilian snacks to make you go “mmmmmm” every day.
Traditional Brazilian Snacks
Those are the snacks you’ll see everywhere, in Brazil and abroad. They’ve gained a reputation and a life of their own.
Coxinha
Coxinha is a popular Brazilian snack that consists of savory fried dough filled with shredded chicken.
The dough is made from wheat flour, chicken broth, and butter, resulting in a crisp exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.
The shredded chicken is typically seasoned with spices and cooked until tender.
Coxinha is often shaped like a small drumstick, earning it the name "coxinha," which means "little thigh" in Portuguese.
This snack is commonly enjoyed as an appetizer or a quick bite on the go.
And the question is: what side do you bite first? (that’s actually a great topic for conversation with Brazilians.)
Pão de Queijo
Pão de Queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread, is a beloved snack made with tapioca flour and cheese.
The dough combines grated cheese, tapioca flour, eggs, and oil. The result is a chewy and cheesy bread roll with a golden crust.
Pão de Queijo is often enjoyed fresh out of the oven (you don’t want pão de queijo de ontem – “from yesterday”) and can be eaten plain or served with various accompaniments.
It is a favorite snack in Brazil and is commonly found in cafes, bakeries, and street food stalls and on the table of the best grannies in the country.
Brigadeiro
Brigadeiro is a chocolate fudge-like truffle that is a staple at Brazilian birthday parties and celebrations. Made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles, brigadeiros are rich, sweet, and incredibly indulgent.
The mixture is cooked until it thickens and then rolled into small balls, which are then coated in chocolate sprinkles. Brigadeiros come in various flavors, including traditional chocolate, coconut, and peanut butter. Business have grown and prospered on brigadeiros only!
And if you'd like to make your own brigadeiros, try this recipe — simple and effective 🙂
Acarajé
Acarajé is a traditional street snack hailing from the northeastern region of Brazil, specifically the state I currently reside in, Bahia.
It is made from deep-fried black-eyed pea dough that is stuffed with a flavorful filling of shrimp, spices, and other ingredients.
The dough is formed into a ball and then fried until golden brown.
Acarajé is typically served hot (both temperature and seasoning) and garnished with a spicy sauce. If you’re sensitive to spicy food, you don’t need to forgo this snack – just remind the seller that you want yours “sem pimenta” (without pepper).
This snack offers a savory combination of textures and flavors, with the crispy exterior contrasting with the tender shrimp filling.
Queijo Coalho
Queijo Coalho is a popular snack in Brazil, especially at beachside stalls and barbecues. It consists of skewers of grilled cheese made from a firm, salty cheese called "queijo coalho."
The cheese is often marinated in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and spices before being grilled until it develops a golden crust. Queijo Coalho can be eaten by itself or served with a side of molho de pimenta, a spicy pepper sauce. The cheese has a unique texture and a slightly smoky flavor, making it a delightful snack for cheese lovers.
But here, just between you and me, look at the cheese you’re buying and look around – you’re on the beach, with very little sanitary conditions. If you purchase one from the guys who approach you with a bucket full of hot coal and a grill with cheese, make sure you’ve written your will.
Pastel
Pastel is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with a variety of savory ingredients.
The dough is made from flour, water, and a pinch of salt, resulting in a thin and crispy shell. The fillings can vary widely and may include cheese, ground meat, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
Pastel is typically folded into a half-moon shape and then fried until it becomes golden and crispy (but many are square-y).
This versatile snack is a favorite in Brazil and can be found in street food markets, cafes, and even in the frozen section of supermarkets.
By the way, I love pastel. And my love story with pastel is here (along with some recipes)
Açaí Bowl
Açaí Bowl is a refreshing and nutritious snack made from frozen açaí berries. Açaí berries are native to the Amazon rainforest and are known for their high antioxidant content. The berries blend with a liquid splash (such as coconut water or juice) to create a thick, smooth puree.
The açaí base is then topped with different toppings, such as granola, sliced fruits, honey, and nut butter. Açaí bowls are delicious and a popular choice for health-conscious individuals, as they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
For a while, açaí enjoyed even greater popularity due to the açaí franchises being so affordable [in Portuguese] to most mom-and-pop businesses. It’s still considered a good option for investors who want to open their own small business, but the market is saturated (in my opinion).
Empada
Empada is a baked pastry that can be filled with various savory ingredients.
The dough is made from a combination of flour, butter, and eggs, resulting in a rich and flaky crust. If it ain’t flaky, it ain’t empada.
The fillings can range from chicken, beef, and shrimp to cheese, vegetables, and even hearts of palm (“palmito”).
Empadas are typically bite-sized and are often enjoyed as snacks or appetizers. They are a popular street food in Brazil and can be found in bakeries and food stalls nationwide.
Esfiha
Esfiha is a savory pastry that originated in the Middle East but has become a beloved snack in Brazil.
The dough is made with flour, yeast, water, and a hint of sugar, resulting in a soft and slightly chewy texture.
The fillings can include ground meat (such as lamb or beef), cheese, or vegetables.
Esfihas are typically shaped like small triangles or half-moons and are baked until golden and puffed. These delicious pastries are often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of tahini sauce.
But if you eat esfihas in a fast-food chain, you’ll see they are nothing like what I just described. I’m not sure whether their recipe is the “traditional” one, but it’s not like other esfihas.
Tapioca Crepes
Tapioca crepes, also known as tapiocas or beijus (in Bahia, pronounced “bay-ZHOO”), are thin crepes made from tapioca flour. Tapioca flour is derived from the cassava root, which is a staple in Brazilian cuisine.
The flour is mixed with water and cooked on a hot griddle until it forms a thin, flexible crepe. Tapioca crepes can be filled with various sweet or savory ingredients, such as cheese, ham, coconut, condensed milk, or fruit preserves. These gluten-free crepes are a popular street food in Brazil, especially in the northeastern region.
Where to Find Brazilian Snacks
If you're not up for making Brazilian snacks at home, you can find these treats in plenty of places.
Brazilian restaurants and cafes in your area
Many cities worldwide have Brazilian restaurants and cafes serving authentic Brazilian snacks. These establishments offer a taste of Brazil's culinary gifts, allowing you to experience the flavors and ambiance of the country. Check online directories or ask locals for recommendations to find Brazilian eateries near you.
Online stores and specialty food shops
If you cannot find a local Brazilian restaurant, you can still enjoy Brazilian snacks by shopping at online stores and specialty food shops. Many online retailers offer a wide range of Brazilian snacks and ingredients that can be delivered to your doorstep. Specialty food shops may also carry Brazilian products, allowing you to recreate the flavors of Brazil in your own kitchen if you’re the “cooking kind.” (a Portuguese expression – do tipo que cozinha).
Brazilian food festivals and cultural events
Attending Brazilian food festivals and cultural events is a great way to sample a variety of Brazilian snacks in one place. These events often feature food stalls and vendors selling traditional Brazilian snacks, giving you the opportunity to try different flavors and specialties. Keep an eye out for local events and festivals that celebrate Brazilian cuisine and culture.
Tips for Enjoying Brazilian Snacks
Although you can just put the food into your mouth and start chewing, you can also enjoy those snacks in a more meaningful, memorable way.
You can drink something special
To enhance your Brazilian snacking experience, consider pairing your favorite snacks with traditional Brazilian beverages (I have some tips with cachaça here).
For savory snacks like Coxinha and Queijo Coalho, try pairing them with caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar. The citrusy and refreshing caipirinha flavors complement these snacks' rich and savory flavors. For sweet treats like Brigadeiro, consider pairing them with cafézinho, a strong Brazilian coffee (usually ruined by adding too much sugar, but that’s a personal preference). Combining the rich and creamy desserts with the aromatic coffee creates a delightful contrast of flavors.
Hosting a Brazilian-themed snack party or gathering
Invite friends and family over for a Brazilian-themed snack party or gathering, especially if they’re Brazilian.
Create a festive atmosphere by decorating the space with Brazilian colors and motifs.
Serve an array of Brazilian snacks, both traditional and popular street snacks, to cater to everyone's tastes. Provide recipe cards or demonstrations for homemade snacks to encourage guests to try making their own Brazilian treats. Play Brazilian music in the background to set the mood, and consider incorporating Brazilian games or activities to make the gathering even more enjoyable.
Exploring other Brazilian dishes and desserts to complement the snacks
If you've developed a love for Brazilian snacks, why not explore other dishes and desserts from Brazil? Brazilian cuisine is diverse and offers a wide range of flavors and textures. There are countless recipes to try, from feijoada, a hearty black bean stew with pork, to brigadeirão, a larger version of Brigadeiro that resembles a chocolate flan. Expand your culinary horizons and immerse yourself in the delights of Brazilian cuisine.
Well, I hope you can eat all of those
Unless, of course, you’re on a diet.
Brazilian snacks offer a tantalizing journey into the flavors and traditions of Brazil. Whether you're exploring Brazilian cuisine at a local restaurant, making homemade snacks in your own kitchen, or attending a Brazilian food festival, these treats will satisfy your cravings.
And if you have some time, please share your stories with Brazilian snacks in the comments below 🙂 Also, what's your favorite snack from your country?