Brazilian street food is one of the world's great urban food cultures — loud, bold, fried, and completely irresistible. From the gleaming glass cases of the corner padaria to the smoking charcoal skewers of the weekend street fair, Brazilian streets are alive with edible temptation.
The Brazilian Bakery (Padaria)
The padaria is the heartbeat of Brazilian street food culture. Open from early morning to late evening, these bakeries serve as community gathering places. Behind the glass counter of every padaria you will find a rotating selection of salgados (savory snacks):
- Coxinha — shredded chicken croquette in a teardrop shape
- Pastel — thin fried pastry with various fillings
- Pão de Queijo — cheese bread puffs
- Kibbeh (Quibe) — deep-fried bulgur and ground beef torpedoes, a legacy of Lebanese immigration
- Empadão — individual savory pies
Beach Food Culture
Brazil's coastline stretches thousands of kilometers, and beach food is a sub-category unto itself. Vendors walk the beaches with coolers and portable grills:
- Mate com limão — iced maté tea with lemon, the iconic Rio de Janeiro beach drink
- Queijo coalho — sticks of grilled coalho cheese, sometimes drizzled with honey or oregano
- Biscoito de polvilho — puffed cassava starch crackers, airy and addictive
- Espetinho — grilled meat skewers cooked on portable mini-BBQs