Coma bem! (eat well)
BRAZIL IS known across the world for its beautiful people, its beaches, carnival, football and, of course, samba – the rhythm of the nation. It’s a nation that really has it all. From metropolises buzzing with excitement underneath rising towers, to mystic rainforests and one of the most beautiful coastlines on this planet. This is a place with a lot of everything for everyone.
But there is one Brazilian trait that certainly does not get its due in the travel blogs and magazine columns – its food.
As the world descends on Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic Games, many foreigners will be getting their first real taste of Brazilian fare.
It has been said that you haven’t truly lived until you’ve had a bellyful of the finest the country has to offer. For Jamaicans and Caribbean nationals, the experience shouldn’t be too much of a culture shock, with many of the ingredients and methods resembling those you’ll find in your local cookshop.
Beans, tropical fruits, cheese, meat. You’ll find a lot of that in most Brazilian dishes.
There are a few that are sure to satisfy the appetite and feed the soul.
Moqueca can be confused quite easily for yet another fish stew, but its mix of colour and attitude – with a healthy serving of diced tomatoes, onions and Chinese parsley, peppers and coconut milk – this is one of the must-haves on any trip to Brazil.
Brigadeiros is the perfect option for anyone with a sweet tooth. The chocolate truffle variant is made by boiling condensed milk with cocoa powder, then stirring in butter and shaping the mix into balls before rolling in chocolate sprinkles. Simple and tasty.
Another interesting Brazilian offering is called acai. A product of the Amazon, the fruit is revered for its energy-boosting qualities and is still a favourite among indigenous tribes. It is often served as a sweet, frozen sorbet, mixed in juices. Be sure to try the acai beer, found in any local supermarket.
Feijoada is another Brazilian favourite. This is basically a black bean chili – a mix of various types of beef and sausage.
The offerings are plentiful and so are the servings, and as Brazil gets ready to feed the world, there is only one thing left to say: Coma bem! Eat well!