If you’ve read our guide on the ‘The Top Ten Things To Do In Fortaleza’ no doubt you’ll be wondering what you should eat. So here you go:
Brazilian food can be a bit hard to get a handle on. The cusine is so diverse and has influences from all over, including Portugal and Africa and most of us are unfamiliar with its own indigenous foods. Ever heard of cupuaçu, bacuri, pupunha or tucumã? Didn’t think so. However, like most places in the world, one thing is for sure – you find the best seafood on the coast and Fortaleza is no exception. Here it’s abundant and delicious. We’ve listed some of the not-to-miss Brazilian foods when your in Fortaleza, but our top recommendation is to eat seafood whenever you have a chance.
CARNE DE SOL
Carne de Sol is a delicious “sun-dried” meat which translates to “meat of sun.” Beef is heavily salted and cured in the sun for one or two days. It’s typically served alongside a semi-hard cheese called queijo de coalho which is also delcious. Try it!
TAPIOCA
The locals love to eat tapioca for breakfast. These unique pearlescent Brazilian-style crepes are made with tapioca starch derived from the cassava root (also called yuca). They are chewy and bland, but turn out to be quite satisfying when filled with something sweet or savoury. We liked having ours with cheese. Other favourite fillings include grated coconut, banana and carne de sol. If you get a chance, watch them being made – tapioca is poured onto a heated pan and somehow sticks together forming a crepe. It’s a bit like watching a magic trick.
Seafood Anything
Seafood is a speciality of Fortaleza. It’s especially famous for its lobster, shrimp and crab. For a great seafood experience go to fish market at the end Avenida Beira Mar. Here you can buy fish or shellfish at one market stall, and another stall will clean, cook and serve it up with some rice for you to eat. For a great seafood restaurant you can’t go wrong with Coco Bambu.
Acai Bowl
If you’re a foodie or really into your fitness, then you’ve probably heard of the acai berry. Grown on palm trees in the swamps and floodplains of the Amazon, the acai berry is one of those super foods that everyone raves about. Some people even call it the youth berry. When you’re in Brazil, you must try an acai bowl. It’s basically a really thick smoothie that sort of resembles ice cream and is commonly topped with granola and banana. It tastes a bit tangy and bitter, but even if you don’t like it, remember it’s doing wonderful things to your body.
Caranguejada
Going to Fortaleza and not experiencing Thursday night crab-fest and having a crab-blowout is inconceivable. Head to Varjota which a neighbourhood where you’ll find lots of bars and great restaurants. Order a “Caranguejada” which is a crab dish with lots of fresh spices. It’s authentic, local and delicious.
Pão de queijo
Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. These little cheese puffs are made with tapioca flour and are a much loved snack. We liked having them for breakfast.
Tacaca
This is a delicious soup of shrimps common to the North of Brazil. It’s made with shrimps (obviously) yellow pepper and other herbs boiled in manioc root broth.
Peixe delicia
This is boiled or grilled fish served with bananas and coconut milk. It may sound like an odd combination, but it totally works.
Vatapa
This is a delicious dish made from bread, shrimp. coconut milk and finely ground peanuts, mashed into a creamy, if not a little grainy paste.
GETTING THERE: TAP Portugal flies from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester to Fortaleza, via Lisbon, with prices from £532 return. Call 0345 601 0932 or see flytap.com.
STAYING THERE: Bed and breakfast at Hotel Vila Gale Fortaleza is from £50 per room per night; all inclusive at the Hotel Vila Gale Cumbuco is from £119 per room per night, see vilagale.com.