While you can certainly keep yourself busy visiting the various museums and exploring São Paulo by foot, one thing that we particularly enjoyed during our time in São Paulo was the incredible cuisine. Here are the savory dishes and drinks that topped our list!

Churrascaria:

For a set price, you can gain access into carnivore heaven. It’s a world where passodores, or meat servers, pass by your table every minute offering any type or cut of meat your little heart desires. While you may have been to knockoff Brazilian steakhouses in other parts of the world, a trip to Brazil isn’t complete without a visit to the Mecca of meat. “Can’t stop, won’t stop” is the name of the game. I have to admit I was a bit of a churrascaria virgin prior to our trip to Brazil. However, realizing this was an important Brazilian meal time tradition, I was obliged to overindulge and take part in the feast that is all about meat. Hello, meat sweats!

Let the games begin…

What a dietitian’s plate looks like. I warned Brian that I wasn’t going to eat my money’s worth.

Brian said he would eat enough for the both of us. I think he was successful!

Caipirinhas:

This is the national cocktail of Brazil or so the story goes. These deceivingly strong cocktails can be found everywhere and are consumed by men and women alike! With enough sugar to send you into a diabetic hyperglycemic emergency, caipirinhas not only pack the punch with sugar but more importantly with alcohol. Cachaca is the potent ingredient whose flavors slide under the radar thanks to the high sugar and fruit content of the drink. After one or two of these delicious cocktails, wave goodbye to your evening as well as your next few days. Two words – holy hangover.

Drinker beware – these drinks are potent!

Sushi:

With the world’s largest Japanese population outside of Japan, it’s no wonder that you can find some ridiculously delicious sushi in São Paulo. We loved the sushi so much that we frequented a Japanese restaurant three nights in a row! Sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri – it will all far exceed your expectatons!

We couldn’t get enough sushi!

Feijoada:

Last but certainly not least is, hands down, our favorite meal in São Paulo. It answers to the name of feijoada. We were lucky enough to be invited to our friend’s father’s house who lives in São Paulo for a traditional Brazilian home cooked meal! The meal consisted of a stew of beans cooked with pork and sausages, rice, and collard greens. We cherished this amazing meal enjoyed with close friends!

You can’t beat sharing a meal with good friends!