Brazil’s street food scene is a vibrant mix of flavors, cultures, and traditions, reflecting the country’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of São Paulo, relaxing on a Rio beach, or wandering through the colonial towns of Bahia, there’s always something delicious to try. From crispy pastéis to tropical açaí bowls, here’s your ultimate guide to Brazilian street food and where to find the best bites.
1. Pastel – Brazil’s Crispy, Deep-Fried Delight
🥟 What is it?
A pastel is a golden, crispy deep-fried pastry filled with a variety of savory (or sometimes sweet) ingredients. The most popular fillings include:
- Queijo (cheese)
- Carne (ground beef)
- Palmito (hearts of palm)
- Bacalhau (salted cod)
📍 Where to try it:
- Mercado Municipal de São Paulo – Famous for giant pastéis served with fresh fruit juices.
- Feiras Livres (Street Markets) in Rio de Janeiro – A popular Saturday morning snack.
2. Acarajé – Bahia’s Afro-Brazilian Icon
🍤 What is it?
A beloved Bahian street food, acarajé is a deep-fried ball of black-eyed pea dough, stuffed with vatapá (a spicy paste made from shrimp, coconut milk, and peanuts) and topped with dried shrimp. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers!
📍 Where to try it:
- Pelourinho, Salvador – Find the best acarajé from street vendors wearing traditional Bahian dresses.
- Acarajé da Cira (Salvador) – One of the most famous acarajé stalls in Brazil.
3. Coxinha – The Ultimate Brazilian Snack
🍗 What is it?
Shaped like a teardrop, coxinha is a deep-fried snack filled with shredded chicken and creamy catupiry cheese. The crispy outer layer gives way to a deliciously soft, savory interior.
📍 Where to try it:
- São Paulo bakeries – Every corner bakery sells coxinhas, but try Veloso Bar for one of the best.
- Beach kiosks in Rio de Janeiro – A great beach snack with a cold beer.
4. Pão de Queijo – Brazil’s Cheesy Delight
🧀 What is it?
A small, chewy, cheese-filled bread made from tapioca flour and Minas cheese. Pão de queijo is gluten-free and best enjoyed warm!
📍 Where to try it:
- Any padaria (bakery) in Brazil – Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
- Casa do Pão de Queijo (Nationwide chain) – Specializes in pão de queijo with different fillings.
5. Tapioca – Brazil’s Gluten-Free Pancake
🌿 What is it?
A tapioca is a chewy, slightly crispy pancake made from cassava flour. It can be stuffed with sweet or savory fillings like cheese, ham, chocolate, or coconut.
📍 Where to try it:
- Feira de São Cristóvão (Rio de Janeiro) – A huge market featuring tapioca stalls with endless filling options.
- Tapioca da Sé (São Paulo) – A top spot for creative tapioca flavors.
6. Espetinhos – Brazilian BBQ on a Stick
🍢 What is it?
Brazilian skewers, or espetinhos, are grilled meats served on a stick, often with farofa (toasted cassava flour). Common types include:
- Espetinho de picanha – Juicy sirloin steak
- Espetinho de frango – Grilled chicken
- Espetinho de queijo coalho – A grilled, slightly salty cheese skewer
📍 Where to try it:
- Street vendors in Belo Horizonte – The city is known for its espetinhos culture.
- Lapa, Rio de Janeiro – Late-night street vendors grill espetinhos outside bars and clubs.
7. Churros – Brazil’s Sweet Street Treat
🍩 What is it?
Unlike Spanish churros, Brazilian churros are filled with gooey doce de leite (caramelized milk) or chocolate and coated in cinnamon sugar.
📍 Where to try it:
- Street carts in São Paulo – Often found near parks and squares.
- Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (Rio de Janeiro) – A perfect dessert while enjoying lakeside views.
8. Açaí – The Amazon’s Superfood
🍇 What is it?
A frozen smoothie-like bowl made from açaí berries, blended with guaraná syrup and topped with bananas, granola, and sometimes condensed milk.
📍 Where to try it:
- Amazon region markets – Try pure, unsweetened açaí for an authentic experience.
- Rio’s beach kiosks – Refreshing and energizing after a swim in the ocean.
9. Kibe – A Middle Eastern-Brazilian Fusion
🥩 What is it?
Brought by Lebanese immigrants, kibe is a deep-fried bulgur and beef croquette, crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
📍 Where to try it:
- São Paulo’s Middle Eastern bakeries – Like Esfiha Juventus.
- Street food stalls in Rio’s Centro district – A popular quick snack for workers.
10. Cuscuz Paulista – A Savory Cornmeal Cake
🌽 What is it?
A São Paulo specialty, this dish is a compact, flavorful cake made from cornmeal, vegetables, olives, eggs, and sardines or shrimp.
📍 Where to try it:
- Mercado Municipal de São Paulo – A great spot for traditional Paulista dishes.
- Local street markets in São Paulo – Often found at food stalls.
Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Brazil
✔ Look for crowds – The best food vendors attract the most customers.
✔ Try different regional specialties – Each part of Brazil has unique street food.
✔ Pair your snacks with fresh juices – Brazil has amazing tropical fruit juices like guava, passion fruit, and cashew fruit.
✔ Carry cash – Many street vendors don’t accept cards.
Brazilian street food is a delicious adventure, full of diverse flavors and influences. Whether you’re grabbing a coxinha in São Paulo, sipping açaí on a Rio beach, or savoring acarajé in Salvador, there’s always something tasty waiting to be discovered.
🍽️ Which Brazilian street food are you most excited to try?