A Culinary Trip into Sao Paulo
12 million people and more than 11 thousand restaurants reside in Sao Paulo. The 462 year-old Brazilian megacity is special when it comes to gastronomy. It brings together food from almost every corner of the world to one city and Ricardo Fittipaldi, Executive Development Chef Brazil, is here to give his take. What about dishes you should look out for? His personal favorite is Feijoada, a stew of beans and meat. It is considered a national dish in Brazil.
Breakfast: Mosteiro São Bento
The Brunch at the Monastery of São Bento is a fixture in the calendar. After the traditional mass at 10:00 a.m., on the last Sunday of each month, it opens the doors of its canteen to the public, which features delicacies from their bakery and dishes by some of the best chefs in São Paulo. I love the breads and cakes from the bakery and can especially recommend the corn cake.
Largo de São Bento, s/n -Centro, São Paulo
Cafe: Café Girondino
Situated in the heart of the city, you can enjoy a great coffee here while reading the newspaper or taking in the view of the old city center. It’s also a charming and classy place in the Jardim Paulista neighbourhood to stop for a quick breakfast of coffee with milk and toasty bread smeared with butter.
1 Boa Vista, 365 – Centro, São Paulo
Bar: Do Elidio
Elidio Bar, founded in 1959, was the first bar to have a snack counter in Brazil. The walls are lined with more than 40 autographed soccer jerseys, some of them by legendary player Pelé. The acepipes (similar to tapas) counter has more than 120 types of these small dishes, including favorites like olives, ham and a variety of cheeses.
The Brahma Chopp (draft) lager beer has a creamy top, is served very cold and is super refreshing. In this bar I always ask for the Chopp and codfish snack.
St. Isabel Dias, 57 – Mooca, São Paulo
Dinner: Dalva e Dito Restaurante
Dalva e Dito is located in the charming Jardins district. The restaurant has a contemporary menu with touches of Brazilian favorites. What’s most enchanting about this restaurant is the rustic decor and its many natural details combined with antique tile floors. I always order the roast beef rib with garlic confit at this restaurant.
1 Padre João Manuel, 1115 – Cerqueira César, São Paulo