Brazil Travel Guide

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Cuisine

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.

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.

Nightlife

The best entertainment occurs in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. In Rio, the major clubs do not present their main acts until after midnight. 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.