Rio de Janeiro

Feijoada

Brazil's national stew of black beans and various pork cuts, simmered slowly and traditionally served on Saturdays with rice, collard greens, farofa and orange slices. It is hearty and smoky, the dish most Brazilians would call their true national meal.

◆Look for a 'feijoada completa' at a Saturday lunch buffet, the classic way locals eat it.

Pão de Queijo

Small, chewy cheese bread rolls made from tapioca flour and cheese, with a springy, slightly gummy texture unlike Western bread. They are eaten any time of day and sold at bakeries, cafes and even beach kiosks across Rio.

◆Best fresh and warm from the oven, so ask a padaria (bakery) if a new batch is coming out.

Coxinha

A teardrop-shaped fried snack filled with shredded chicken and creamy catupiry cheese, crisp outside and soft inside. It is one of Brazil's most iconic street-food bites, sold at bars, bakeries and food carts everywhere.

Açaí Bowl

Frozen, blended açaí berries served as a thick, dark-purple bowl topped with granola, banana and honey, tart and cold rather than sweet like a dessert. It is a Rio beach-culture staple that surprises visitors who only know açaí as a supplement pill.

◆Order it freshly blended ('na hora') from a beachfront kiosk rather than a pre-packaged cup.