The capital has a large variety of great places to taste local flavors with a Brazilian twist.
When you think about a gastronomy experience in São Paulo, the first thing that comes to mind is the city’s famous food market: “Mercadão.” That is how locals warmly call São Paulo Market. It is located in a major landmark building, founded in 1933 with well preserved stained glass and a marvelous architectural construction. The edifice itself is already worth a visit. However, it is the great variety and high quality of ingredients that call the attention of renowned chefs and food lovers. It is a must go for gourmets! In addition to a large variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, several restaurants and cafés offer icons of the local cuisine. The most legendary one is the mortadella sandwich, with a very rich filling. When I say rich, I mean it! Just make sure you are hungry before you go. Anyway, your hunger for novelties and local food culture will be definitely satisfied.
Brazilian gastronomy in high style
However, São Paulo Food Market is not the only reason for São Paulo’s reputation of being one of the best gastronomic cities in the world. Several local chefs are putting the capital to shine in the international scenario. If you want an authentic upscale gastronomy experience, I highly recommend D.O.M., one of the best restaurants in the world, according to Pellegrino, “World´s 50 Best Restaurants”. D.O.M. is the quintessence of Brazilian flavors replicated in high gastronomy. Passionate about Brazil, the chef “Alex Atala” presents local ingredients carefully crafted through detailed techniques. If you want to enjoy this 2-star Michelin Star restaurant while visiting the city, make sure you have made your reservation way in advance your trip. You can also experience Atala’s creations in a more informal ambiance. Likewise, with genuine Brazilian cuisine, but this version inspired in grandma’s recipes. I am talking about “Dalva e Dito” Restaurant, a long dream of the chef, who serves high-quality traditional food without compromising the rustic style.
Another amazing high-gastronomy experience with Brazilian taste is "Maní." The name of the restaurant, Maní, is how the Brazilian Indians used to call manioc or tapioca plant, as it is mostly known. It is a reverence to Brazilian origins and native memory. The restaurant proposes a simple but contemporary ambient, with delicate local art details and light colors. The famous chef, Helena Rizzo who is holding one Michelin star since 2015, elaborates a menu that enhances national ingredients and supports local producers. The originality remains in the transformation of traditional recipes into a sensitive perception of tastes and textures. The restaurant also has its own “café version,” the “Manioca,” located at Iguatemi Mall. At this more relaxed option, many other Brazilian dishes are offered in a high-end quality but sustaining its roots.
Whatever you choose, I am sure that you will be amazed by the taste experience. It is an extraordinary discovery of native ingredients, beautifully transformed to your delight. "Bon appetit,"!
The author
Luciane Oliveira
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