Brazilian food caters for all tastes and standards are generally very high. European, North American and Asian foods are widely available in resorts and main cities. There are many traditional dishes and regional specialties, such as those developed by slaves in Bahia during the days when they had to cook scraps and anything that could be caught locally, together with coconut milk and palm oil.
Things to know: Some bars have waiters and table service. There are no licensing hours or restrictions on drinking.
National specialties:•
Feijoada (thick stew of
black beans, chunks of beef, pork, sausage, chops, pigs’ ears and tails on white rice, boiled green vegetables and orange slices).
•
Moqueca (delicious fish stew from Bahia)
•
Vatapá (shrimps, fish oil, coconut milk, bread and rice).
•
Caruru (shrimps, okra, onions and peppers).
• Churrasco (mixed grilled meat served with manioc flour).
National drinks:• Beer is particularly good and draught beer is called
chopp.
Brahma and
Nova Schin are popular brands.
• The local firewater is
cachaça, a spirit derived from sugar cane popular with locals. It is often mixed with sugar, crushed ice and limes to make
caipirinha, a refreshing if intoxicating cocktail, and the Brazilian national drink.
• Southern Brazilian wine is of a high quality.
•
Sucos (fruit juices) are freshly made at juice bars, and
Guaraná is a popular fizzy drink made with energy-giving extract from an Amazonian plant.
• Coffee is available everywhere and is exceptionally good.
Legal drinking age: 18.
Tipping: 10 to 15% is usual for most services not included on the bill.
NightlifeThe best entertainment occurs in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. In Rio, the major clubs do not present their main acts until after midnight, and the daily paper gives current information; small clubs (
boites) provide nightly entertainment throughout the city. São Paulo nightlife is more sophisticated, with greater choice. Both cities host top international DJs.
Samba shows and clubs are popular, especially in Rio. Outside the main cities, most towns have late night bars and clubs.
Next Page »
