Date of publication 18/03/2026
10 traditional dishes from Brazilian cuisine
Brazilian cuisine is a multicultural celebration for the senses. Its traditional dishes, rich in flavor, texture, and color, follow their own culinary codes, where European influences, especially Portuguese, German, and Italian dating back to the 16th century, and African influences, brought by communities forcibly taken to the country at that time, intertwine with Indigenous roots to tell a story full of meaning. A deep connection to nature, respect for agricultural cycles, and native traditions guide you on a fascinating journey into the heart of Brazilian identity every time you sit down to eat.
There is a story behind each of its ancestral ingredients. Cassava, yam, black beans, coconut, and açaí are more than simple staples. In the dining spaces of Iberostar hotels and resorts in Brazil, where locally sourced, environmentally respectful products take center stage, you can experience the best of this eclectic culinary tradition shaped by global influences. If you are looking for all-inclusive hotels in Brazil where local cuisine plays a leading role, our resorts in Praia do Forte offer the perfect starting point. To awaken your appetite, here are 10 dishes you should not miss on your next vacation in Brazil.
Must-try dishes from Brazilian cuisine
Feijoada
Feijoada, sometimes spelled fechuada, is more than a traditional Brazilian meal, it is the national dish. This protein-rich stew is made with black beans, vegetables such as tomato, bell pepper, and onion, salted pork cuts like ribs, loin, or bacon, and sausages such as chorizo. It is typically served with a sprinkle of cassava flour or farofa, already toasted and mixed with ingredients like egg, millet, or collard greens. On the side, you will find white rice, a staple of Brazilian cuisine, and slices of orange.
The original recipe was introduced to South America by African communities. Luís da Câmara Cascudo writes about it in his book History of Food in Brazil, highlighting its humble, resourceful origins. In Brazilian households, it is traditionally eaten on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which is why many restaurants include it in their daily menus. Staying at a family-friendly hotel in Brazil, such as Iberostar properties in Bahia, allows you to explore local traditions through cuisine and discover a deeper cultural experience.
Fried cassava (cassava fries)
Fried cassava is served as an appetizer or side dish. Similar to crispy French fries but with a slightly sweet, earthy flavor, it has become one of Brazil’s most popular snacks. You will find it both in restaurants and street food stalls. Cassava, also known as mandioca, has been cultivated in the Amazon region for over 3,000 years. Thanks to its high nutritional value, containing nearly twice the calories and carbohydrates of a potato, it became essential during times of scarce harvests. In the kitchen, it is highly versatile and can be fried, boiled, roasted, or ground into gluten-free flour used in many sweet and savory dishes.
Palmito skewer salad
Brazilian cuisine is known for its many meat-based dishes, but it also features a wide range of plant-based options made with fresh, seasonal ingredients that are especially appealing in warmer months. If you follow a vegan lifestyle, you will find plenty of choices during your vacation that align with your values. Find your all-inclusive hotel in Brazil with dining options to suit every taste at the Iberostar resort in Praia do Forte. The salada do palmito no espeto, or palmito skewer salad, brings together hearts of palm, mixed greens such as Batavia lettuce, arugula, or baby spinach, red onion, and kumato or cherry tomatoes. All dressed with extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt, thyme, and pepper. In general, choosing a more plant-forward diet while traveling helps care for both ecosystems, think, for example, of the extraordinary biodiversity of the Amazon River, and your own well-being. And including local vegetables, fruits, and legumes in your diet is always a pleasure.
Farofa
Farofa, another emblem of Brazilian cuisine you will be glad to try, can be served as a side dish or enjoyed as a starter or even a main course, depending on the ingredients used. Its base is unrefined cassava flour. After melting a bit of butter in a pan, the flour is sautéed with finely chopped garlic and onion until toasted, taking on its characteristic golden color. It can be mixed with olives, egg, and fresh parsley. Heartier variations may include beans, millet, crispy bacon, chorizo or sausage, as well as banana, cabbage, and a range of sweet and spicy sauces.
Its origins trace back to the state of Bahia, where the Iberostar Waves Bahía resort is located, one of the top all-inclusive hotels in Brazil for families and couples seeking a lively beachfront vacation. This five-star property in the heart of Praia do Forte, vibrant in both color and spirit, is ideal for families with children, groups of friends, and active couples alike. Its nature-based experiences, always with the ocean as a backdrop, guide you toward a deeper connection with yourself and with sensory pleasures, beginning with Brazilian cuisine across its six All Inclusive restaurants. Guests can also visit the on-site sea turtle conservation station, designed to protect and monitor five of the world’s key species, all of them endangered.
Pão de queijo mineiro
The idea behind pão de queijo mineiro, or cheese bread from Minas Gerais, comes from a rural Brazilian farm in the inland state of Minas Gerais. In this region of lush forests and a spirit of exploration, the recipe was passed down from generation to generation until Maria Dalva Couto, better known as Doa Dalva, opened a small shop more than thirty years ago. She began serving it as a snack, working alongside her children, Hélida and Hélder. It quickly became a hit with customers, and word of mouth did the rest. Today, it is considered an essential part of Brazilian cuisine, reflecting the street food culture found in markets, cities, and towns across the country. Similar to a fried dough bite, it is made by mixing fine cassava flour with grated aged cow’s cheese, egg, and milk to form a dough that is then shaped and fried in very hot oil. Discovering these street food delights is one of the many reasons to plan an all-inclusive vacation in Brazil with Iberostar.
Moqueca de peixe
Fresh seafood dishes are an essential part of Brazilian cuisine, especially in coastal areas like Praia do Forte. Moqueca de peixe is perhaps the best representation of Brazil’s seaside cooking. With Indigenous origins and African and Portuguese influences, this flavorful stew is made by slowly cooking local fish such as sea bream or hake with shrimp, vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and tomato. It also contains spices such as cilantro and annatto seeds, tucupi (cassava root broth), palm oil, and plenty of coconut milk. It is served with white rice and a squeeze of lime or lemon.
If you are looking for a couples’ hotel in Brazil to enjoy exceptional seafood cuisine, Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte offers a dining experience rooted in sustainability. Its restaurants prioritize responsibly sourced fish and seafood. At this five-star resort next to a natural reserve, you can relax in tailored suites, enjoy water sports, unwind at the spa, observe sea turtles ethically, and embrace outdoor adventures.
Acarajé
The Yoruba people arrived in Brazil in the 16th century from Africa. In their language, àkàrà means “ball of fire” and je means “to eat.” Acarajé lives up to its name as a bold, flavorful dish. Popular in today’s street food scene, it originated within Afro-Brazilian culture. It consists of a fried dough made from black beans and onion, filled with shrimp sautéed in palm oil with garlic and parsley, and served with a spicy sauce of malagueta pepper, onion, and green tomato. During celebrations like Rio Carnival, it is common to enjoy these “balls of fire” on the street. Rich in protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, it is an energizing snack at any time of day.
Chicken coxinha
Another iconic street food in Brazilian cuisine is coxinha de pollo. Trying this delicacy is reason enough to find your hotel in Brazil and let yourself be surprised by the creativity of its popular cuisine. It is reminiscent of a croquette or an Italian arancini, shaped like a rounded cone, although sizes and forms may vary depending on the household and region. In fact, it is believed to be a Brazilian-style evolution of European croquettes, originating in the city of São Paulo sometime in the 19th century.
The classic version is made with shredded boiled chicken, although other variations replace it with pork, shrimp, or, in vegetarian versions, vegetables or mushrooms. After mixing the filling with a sauté of green and red peppers, onion, garlic, and crushed tomato with parsley and sweet paprika, a dough is prepared using the chicken broth, milk, butter, and wheat flour. Once worked, it is shaped into small portions, filled with the mixture, coated in egg and breadcrumbs, and then fried in hot oil.
Brigadeiro
In the 1940s, with the outbreak of World War II, in which Brazil fought alongside the Allies, fresh milk and sugar were not easy to obtain in many countries. From that challenging period came the creativity that led to the brigadeiro, a beloved Brazilian sweet made with dark chocolate and condensed milk. According to historical records, it was first created in Rio de Janeiro.
It is prepared by melting cocoa powder with butter and condensed milk. Once the mixture has cooled, it is shaped into small balls and coated with chocolate sprinkles. Before serving, the pieces are placed in paper cups. Whether enjoyed as dessert, before a workout, alongside coffee, or with a colorful cocktail, these bites provide an energy boost thanks to the natural caffeine and theobromine found in cocoa.
Cocada
Cocada is a traditional dessert from Salvador, Bahia. Coconut, its main ingredient, is one of the most widely consumed fruits in the Caribbean. Rich in water, minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and iron, and vitamins E, C, and B, it is an excellent summer ingredient. Cocada is made by cooking grated coconut with condensed milk and sugar in melted butter or margarine. The mixture is then spread onto a tray, cut into pieces, and chilled until firm. The result is a sweet treat perfect for the beach, breakfast, or an afternoon snack, especially popular with children.
To support local fruit and vegetable producers during your trip, you can embrace community-based tourism through simple, thoughtful choices, such as selecting coconuts and other fruits grown within the country. Respect for the environment and for people’s work is part of this evolving way of traveling. Your choices have more impact than you might think, not only in supporting and appreciating Brazilian cuisine, but also in recognizing its role in honoring local ways of life rooted in the land and its traditions. Find your all-inclusive resort in Brazil and experience every flavor, texture, and story at Iberostar hotels in Bahia, designed for families, couples, and travelers seeking a genuine connection.
