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 (rich stew of black
beans, chunks of pork, sausage, chops, pigs’ ears and tails on white rice, chopped kale and orange slices).
• Moqueca (fish or seafood stew from Bahia made with palm oil and coconut milk).
• Vatapá (shrimps, fish oil, coconut milk, manioc paste and rice).
• Acarajé (mashed, deep-fried bean fritters often served with dried shrimps, okra, onions and peppers).
• Churrasco (mixed grilled meat served with manioc flour).
National drinks:• Draught beer is called
chopp and
Brahma is the most popular brand.
• 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 a
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.
• Guaraná is a popular fizzy drink made with energy-giving extract from an Amazonian plant.
Legal drinking age: 18.
Tipping: 10% 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 - 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 clubs featuring live music are popular, especially in Rio. Outside the main cities, most towns have late night bars and clubs.
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