Mortadella Sandwich: The King of Lunch Foods
In São Paulo, the Mortadella sandwich reigns supreme when it comes to lunch options. While mortadella sandwiches originate from Italy, São Paulo has put its unique spin on them, creating a hefty, meat-filled roll that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.
The secret lies in the Ceratti mortadella, a flavorful, spiced sausage that’s generously layered into Portuguese bread rolls, known locally as “pão francês.” These sandwiches typically contain around 300 grams of thinly sliced mortadella, often paired with cheese, tomato, and lettuce, making them a substantial lunch choice.
Pão na Chapa: A Breakfast Staple
A simple yet beloved breakfast in São Paulo is the pão na chapa. This is essentially bread and butter, but the magic is in the preparation. Large slices of freshly baked bread are slathered with butter and toasted to perfection.
Locals swear by this classic breakfast treat, which you can find at virtually any bakery in the city. It’s the perfect way to start your day, offering a warm, buttery delight that’s hard to beat.
Coxinha: A Street Food Favorite
Coxinha is a must-try when exploring São Paulo’s street food scene. These delicious deep-fried snacks originate from Limeira but have become a staple throughout Brazil. They consist of shredded chicken and cream cheese encased in dough and breadcrumbs, then fried to a golden crisp.
Often accompanied by a fiery hot dipping sauce, coxinha are a flavorful treat that packs a punch. Vegetarian versions and other fillings are also available, ensuring there’s a coxinha for everyone.
Cod Pastel (Bacalhau): The Best Cheap Eat
For those on a budget, pastels are a fantastic option. These deep-fried pastries are a common street food in São Paulo, with the cod pastel being a local favorite. Filled with salted cod, mashed potatoes, eggs, onions, and parsley, these pastels are like a delicious fish pie encased in crispy pastry.
If cod isn’t to your taste, don’t worry – pastels come with a variety of fillings, from meat to cheese to vegetarian options.
Feijoada: Brazil’s National Dish
Feijoada is a hearty black bean stew with beef and pork, known as Brazil’s national dish. In São Paulo, it’s traditionally eaten on weekends, often accompanied by rice and various side dishes.
Bolinha, a renowned spot in São Paulo, serves feijoada with up to 10 different cuts of pork. Variations of this dish abound, including vegetarian versions, making it a versatile and beloved meal.
Virado À Paulista: A Cultural Staple
Virado À Paulista is a hearty platter of beans, rice, pork, kale, sausage, plantain, and a fried egg. This dish has deep cultural and historical significance in São Paulo, tracing back to the early Portuguese colonists.
Typically eaten on Mondays, this dish is a filling meal that offers a taste of São Paulo’s rich culinary heritage.
Bauru: A Classic Sandwich
The Bauru sandwich is a São Paulo classic, named after the city in São Paulo state. It features roast beef, melted cheese, tomato, and pickles in a crusty bun.
The sandwich was created by a law student in 1934 at Ponto Chic, a famous restaurant, and has since become a staple menu item. You can still enjoy this delicious sandwich at Ponto Chic locations in São Paulo.
Açaí na Tigela: A Refreshing Treat
Açaí na Tigela, or açai bowl, is a popular dish made with frozen and mashed açaí berries, typically topped with banana, granola, and other healthy ingredients.
This dish has gained international popularity due to its purported health benefits, though its primary appeal is its delicious, refreshing taste.
Cuzcuz Paulista: A Unique Couscous Dish
Cuzcuz Paulista is a unique Brazilian take on couscous, made from corn or manioc flour rather than wheat semolina. This dish is a blend of garlic, pepper, coconut milk, prawns, fish, eggs, and palm hearts, steamed and then shaped into a ring mold.
It’s a flavorful and visually appealing dish that reflects the diverse influences on São Paulo’s cuisine.
Acarajé: A Bahian Delight
Originally from Bahia, acarajé has become a popular street food in São Paulo. These deep-fried balls made from mashed cowpeas are split open and stuffed with chicken or seafood.
While some argue that only Bahian cooks can make authentic acarajé, the São Paulo versions are still incredibly tasty.
Pão de Queijo: A Cheesy Treat
Pão de queijo, or cheese bread, is a beloved Brazilian snack that originated in Minas Gerais. Made from cassava flour and cheese, these puffy, chewy balls are a delicious treat at any time of day.
Available in bakeries across São Paulo, they are a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Cachorro-Quente: São Paulo’s Unique Hot Dogs
Hot dogs in São Paulo, known as cachorro-quente, are a far cry from their American counterparts. Often cooked in tomato sauce and topped with ingredients like mashed potatoes, peas, corn, potato sticks, and quail eggs, these hot dogs are a meal in themselves.
Esfiha: A Lebanese Influence
Esfiha are meat, cheese, or vegetable-filled pastries brought to Brazil by Lebanese immigrants. These triangular pastries or flatbreads are a popular snack in São Paulo, reflecting the city’s diverse culinary influences.
Churros: A Sweet Finish
No food guide would be complete without churros, a favorite sweet snack in São Paulo. These deep-fried pastries, often filled with chocolate or condensed milk, are a delicious way to end any meal.
You can find churros at street food stalls and markets throughout the city, making them an easy and satisfying treat.
Whether you’re indulging in a hearty feijoada, savoring a cheesy pão de queijo, or enjoying a sweet churro, the food in São Paulo offers a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences that are not to be missed.
