Brazil is a country that pulsates with energy, music, and incredible food. From the bustling markets of Rio to the Amazonian depths, its cuisine is as diverse as its landscape. But if the thought of exotic stews, unfamiliar grilled meats, and tropical fruits makes your picky eater (and consequently, you) nervous, you might be wondering about eating Brazilian food with a picky eater. Rest assured, beneath the layers of vibrant flavours, there are plenty of elements in Brazilian cuisine that can be appealing and adaptable for selective children, allowing the whole family to savour the taste of Brazil.
An Introduction to Brazilian Flavours (for the Picky Palate)
Brazilian food is hearty and often focuses on core components like rice and beans (often cooked together or served side-by-side), various meats (grilled, stewed, or fried), fresh fish and seafood (especially on the coast), and mandioca (cassava), often served fried or as farofa (toasted flour). While famous dishes like Feijoada (black bean stew) can be complex, many everyday meals are built from simpler elements that can be isolated. Plus, Brazil’s abundance of sweet tropical fruits and tasty baked goods like pão de queijo (cheese bread) offer appealing options.
Navigating Brazilian Mealtimes with a Picky Eater
Trying new restaurants and food experiences is part of the fun of visiting Brazil. Here are some strategies for eating Brazilian food with a picky eater while you’re there or trying a Brazilian restaurant at home:
The Power of the Buffet (Comida por Quilo)
‘Comida por quilo’ (pay-by-weight restaurants) are very common in Brazil and are a picky eater’s dream! They offer a vast array of dishes in a buffet format. This allows your child (and you) to see exactly what is on offer and choose only the items they feel comfortable with, like plain rice, beans, simple grilled chicken or steak, pasta, vegetables, and salads.
Relying on Rice and Beans
Rice (arroz) and beans (feijão) are served with almost everything in Brazil and are often prepared simply, boiled with minimal seasoning (though beans can sometimes be stewed). These are excellent, reliable staples that can form the base of your child’s meal.
Grilled Meats (Churrasco)
Brazilian steakhouses (Churrascarias) or even simpler restaurants serving grilled meats offer fantastic options. Simply grilled chicken hearts (coração de frango), various cuts of beef, or chicken drumsticks (coxa de frango) are often just seasoned with salt and are usually a hit.
Discovering Pão de Queijo
These small, baked cheese rolls are incredibly popular, often served for breakfast or as a snack. They have a unique, chewy texture and cheesy flavour and are usually universally loved by children (and adults!). They make a great easy win.
Exploring Tropical Fruits
Brazil boasts an incredible variety of delicious tropical fruits like mango, papaya, passion fruit (maracujá), acerola, and açai. These are naturally sweet and colourful and can be appealing even to cautious eaters. Offer them simply sliced.
Simple Pastries and Desserts
Brazilian bakeries (padarias) are plentiful and offer a range of breads, cakes, and pastries, some of which will look familiar. Desserts often feature condensed milk or local fruits and can provide a sweet, positive food experience.
Asking for ‘Sem Pimenta’ (No Chilli)
Spice levels can vary. Use the phrase ‘sem pimenta’ (pronounced sem pee-MEN-ta) or ‘para criança’ (for a child) to ask for dishes prepared without chilli or strong spices.
Finding Familiarity & Safety
Even with many local options, having backups helps manage picky eating stress on holiday.
Supermarket Staples
Brazilian supermarkets (supermercados) are well-stocked. You can easily find bread, cheese, ham, yogurts (iogurte), milk (leite), and a variety of biscuits (biscoitos) and snacks that feel more familiar.
International Options
In larger cities and tourist areas, you’ll find restaurants serving international cuisines like pizza, burgers, and pasta, offering a fallback if needed.
Gentle Introductions to Brazilian Tastes
Encourage tiny tastes of Brazilian flavours in low-pressure ways. Smoothies (vitaminas) and fresh juices (sucos) made from local fruits are delicious and an easy way to try new tastes. Let them dip a piece of pão de queijo into a tiny amount of mild sauce, or try a grain of plain rice alongside their usual portion.
Conclusion
Navigating eating Brazilian food with a picky eater is entirely achievable with a little preparation and a focus on the many simple, delicious elements the cuisine offers. Leverage buffets, rely on staples like rice and beans, explore the joys of pão de queijo and tropical fruits. Remember, don’t hesitate to ask for plain preparations. By keeping mealtimes positive and low-pressure, you can introduce your child to the wonderful tastes of Brazil and make food just another exciting part of your family’s adventure!
For more general help with picky eaters and travel, check out our guides on Picky Eating Solutions for Family Holidays and Fussy Eating Tips: Simple Strategies for Calmer Mealtimes.