Reflecting Brazil’s rich cultural melting pot, its cuisine is similarly diverse and flavoursome. There are dishes to cater for all tastes and appetites (huge portions in restaurants can usually feed two). Standards are generally very high, although it is certainly possible to pay a high price tag for a mediocre meal in resort areas. European, North American, African and Asian foods are widely available in resorts and main cities.
The fruits and plants of the Amazon are widely available throughout the country. ‘Wonder’ products are presented as the latest health cult, such as the açai berry, served in cafes as a refreshing cool smoothie. Unsurprisingly for a country with a huge coastline and many rivers, fish and seafood are plentiful. The north east specialises in rich spicy seafood stews, while Amazonian freshwater fish are often turned into soups or steamed in palm leaves.
Although there is no definitive national dish, there are many traditional dishes and regional specialities.