Brazil

What to eat in São Paulo

São Paulo’s culinary scene mixes Brazilian staples with global flavors, from street‑food stalls to upscale restaurants. The city’s diversity reflects its immigrant history and vibrant market culture.

Local dishes to try

Virado à Paulista

Rice, beans, pork chops, kale, egg and banana; served for lunch in traditional taverns.

Bauru sandwich

Four cheeses and roast‑beef on French bread, a common snack in padarias.

Churrasco

All‑you‑can‑eat meat served tableside at churrascarias, popular for dinner.

Pastel

Crispy fried dough filled with cheese, meat or heart of palm, sold at market stalls.

Feijoada

Hearty black‑bean stew with pork, eaten on Saturdays in family restaurants.

Coxinha

Diced chicken inside a dough ball, deep‑fried; a ubiquitous bar snack.

Açaí bowl

Frozen açaí puree topped with granola and fruit, common for breakfast or a light meal.

Caipirinha

Cachaça, lime, sugar; Brazil’s national cocktail, served in bars citywide.

Where to eat

1
Mercado Municipal
Try pastel de bacalhau and mortadella sandwiches among the market’s stalls.
2
Rua 25 de Março
Street food and cheap eats, especially pastel and coxinha, in the bustling commercial district.
3
Vila Madalena
Hip neighbourhood with numerous bars and eateries offering pizza, sushi and Brazilian tapas.