Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of São Paulo Brazil to Try & Video

Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of São Paulo Brazil to Try

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Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of São Paulo Brazil to Try

São Paulo, Brazil, is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture and diverse culinary scene. The city is a melting pot of flavors, and one of the best ways to experience its gastronomic delights is through its street food. From savory snacks to sweet treats, São Paulo’s street foods offer a unique and delicious insight into the local cuisine. In this article, we will explore ten must-try street foods in São Paulo, Brazil.

Tapioca

Tapioca is a popular street food in São Paulo, made from cassava starch. It is a gluten-free alternative to bread and is typically filled with various ingredients such as cheese, ham, or coconut. Tapioca is cooked on a hot griddle until it forms a thin, crispy pancake. The fillings are then added, and the tapioca is folded in half. This delicious and versatile snack is a staple of São Paulo’s street food scene.

  • Queijo Coalho: Grilled cheese with a firm texture and salty flavor.
  • Presunto: Ham, often combined with cheese for a savory filling.
  • Coco: Sweetened shredded coconut for a delightful dessert option.

Pastel

Pastel is a deep-fried pastry filled with various ingredients. It is similar to an empanada or a turnover. The dough is thin and crispy, while the fillings can range from meat and cheese to vegetables and seafood. Pastel is a popular street food in São Paulo, and you can find it in food markets and street stalls throughout the city.

  • Carne: Beef filling, often seasoned with onions and spices.
  • Queijo: Cheese filling, usually a combination of mozzarella and catupiry, a creamy Brazilian cheese.
  • Camarão: Shrimp filling, typically seasoned with garlic and herbs.

São Paulo Brazil Image 1: São Paulo Brazil

Coxinha

Coxinha is a popular Brazilian snack that resembles a teardrop-shaped croquette. It is made with shredded chicken, shaped into a ball or drumstick, coated in dough, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Coxinha is often served with hot sauce or mayonnaise and is a favorite street food in São Paulo.

  • Frango: Traditional chicken filling.
  • Queijo: Cheese filling, often combined with chicken or ham.
  • Calabresa: Spicy sausage filling for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Açaí Bowl

Açaí bowls have gained popularity worldwide, but in São Paulo, you can find some of the best. Açaí is a superfood berry native to the Amazon rainforest. It is blended into a thick, smooth puree and served in a bowl topped with granola, sliced fruits, and honey. Açaí bowls are a refreshing and nutritious street food option in São Paulo.

  • Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and flavor to the açaí bowl.
  • Fruit: Sliced bananas, strawberries, and other fruits provide a burst of freshness.
  • Honey: Drizzled honey adds a touch of sweetness to the açaí bowl.

São Paulo Brazil Image 2: São Paulo Brazil

Pão de Queijo

Pão de Queijo, or cheese bread, is a beloved Brazilian snack that originated in the state of Minas Gerais but is widely available in São Paulo. These small, bite-sized rolls are made with cassava flour, cheese, eggs, and oil. Pão de Queijo has a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior. It is best enjoyed warm and straight from the oven.

  • Traditional: The classic version made with Parmesan cheese.
  • Requeijão: Creamy Brazilian cheese, such as catupiry, is added for an extra indulgent experience.
  • Herbs: Pão de Queijo with added herbs like oregano or rosemary for a flavorful twist.

Acarajé

Acarajé is a popular street food from the northeastern region of Brazil, but it can also be found in São Paulo. It consists of deep-fried balls of black-eyed pea dough stuffed with a flavorful mixture of shrimp, vatapá (a spicy paste made from shrimp, bread, coconut milk, and spices), and caruru (a sauce made with okra, palm oil, and spices). Acarajé is a delicious and rich street food option for those looking to try something unique.

  • Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is a common filling for Acarajé.
  • Vegetarian: A vegetarian version with fillings like hearts of palm and vegetables is also available.
  • Extra Spicy: For those who enjoy heat, additional chili peppers can be added to the filling.

São Paulo Brazil Image 3: São Paulo Brazil

Esfiha

Esfiha is a Middle Eastern-inspired street food that has become popular in São Paulo. It is a savory pastry filled with a variety of ingredients. The dough is thin and soft, while the fillings can include ground beef, cheese, spinach, or a combination of flavors. Esfiha is typically baked until the crust is golden and served warm.

  • Carne: Ground beef filling seasoned with Middle Eastern spices.
  • Queijo: Cheese filling, often a mix of feta and mozzarella.
  • Calabresa: Spicy sausage filling for those who enjoy a kick of flavor.

Churrasco

Churrasco is a Brazilian barbecue style of cooking, and you can find delicious grilled meats being sold as street food in São Paulo. The meat is typically seasoned with rock salt and grilled over an open flame, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish. Churrasco is often served with farofa (toasted cassava flour), vinaigrette sauce, and a side of rice and beans.

  • Picanha: A popular cut of beef that is tender and full of flavor.
  • Linguiça: Brazilian sausage, often made with pork and seasoned with garlic and spices.
  • Frango: Grilled chicken, marinated in spices for a delightful taste.

Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro is a beloved Brazilian sweet treat that can be found throughout São Paulo. It is made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. Brigadeiros are rolled into bite-sized balls and are incredibly rich and indulgent. These chocolatey delights are a must-try when exploring the street food scene in São Paulo.

  • Traditional: Classic brigadeiro rolled in chocolate sprinkles.
  • White Brigadeiro: Made with white chocolate and rolled in coconut flakes.
  • Nutty Brigadeiro: Brigadeiro with chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Exploring the street foods of São Paulo, Brazil, is an adventure for the senses. From the savory delights of tapioca and pastel to the sweet indulgence of açaí bowls and brigadeiros, São Paulo’s street food scene offers a wide range of flavors and culinary experiences. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to venture out and savor the diverse and delicious street foods that São Paulo has to offer.

References

  • petitpalace.co.uk
  • visitbrasil.com
  • timeout.com