Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Natal, Brazil
1. Moco de Queijo e Carne
A hearty dish made with cheese and beef stew served over a bed of farofa (toasted manioc flour). Try it at Restaurante Alambique.
- Hearty Meal: Ideal for filling up after a long day of exploring
- Traditional Flavor: Taste the authentic Northeastern Brazilian cuisine
- Unique Ingredient: Experience the richness of farofa, a common ingredient in Northern Brazilian dishes.
2. Potiguar Stew (Moqueca Potiguar)
A flavorful seafood stew cooked with coconut milk and dendê oil. Savor it at Restaurante Bar do Riachuelo.
- Seafood Delight: Indulge in fresh, locally-caught seafood
- Cultural Influence: Understand the impact of African and Indigenous Potiguar cultures on local cuisine
- Spicy Flavor: Experience the fiery taste of dendê oil, a popular ingredient in Natal's cuisine.
3. Acarajé
A tasty fritter made from beans and okra, filled with shrimp and served with malagueta pepper sauce. Find it at Acarajé da Rita.
- Street Food: Experience the vibrant street food culture of Natal
- African Influence: Taste the impact of African cuisine on Northeastern Brazilian dishes
- Spicy Snack: Enjoy the tangy heat of malagueta pepper sauce with your Acarajé.
4. Cuscuz de Camarão
A traditional dish made from steamed cornmeal and coconut milk, served with shrimp. Enjoy it at Restaurante Camarões na Balança.
- Light Meal: A perfect choice for a lighter lunch
- Seafood Delight: Indulge in fresh, locally-caught shrimp
- Cultural Heritage: Experience the unique cultural heritage of Natal through its cuisine.
5. Vatapá
A rich and creamy shrimp paste dish served over manioc flour. Try it at Restaurante Bar do Riachuelo.
- Seafood Specialty: Savor the distinctive taste of shrimp paste in this dish
- Cultural Fusion: Understand the blending of African, Indigenous Potiguar, and Portuguese influences in Vatapá.
- Hearty Meal: Ideal for filling up on a chilly day in Natal
6. Moqueca de Peixe
A delicious seafood stew cooked with coconut milk and served over rice. Try it at Restaurante O Boto.
- Seafood Delight: Indulge in fresh, locally-caught seafood
- Cultural Influence: Understand the impact of African and Indigenous Potiguar cultures on local cuisine
- Spicy Flavor: Experience the fiery taste of malagueta pepper in this dish.
7. Carne Seca com Arroz e Feijão
Dried beef served with rice and beans. Try it at Restaurante Bar do Riachuelo.
- Hearty Meal: Ideal for filling up after a day of exploring
- Traditional Flavor: Taste the authentic Northeastern Brazilian cuisine
- Unique Preparation: Experience the traditional method of preserving meat through drying.
8. Açai na Tigela
A refreshing bowl filled with açaí berries, topped with granola and banana. Enjoy it at Açai Bar do Sabore.
- Refreshing Snack: Cool down from the tropical heat
- Local Produce: Taste the delicious açaí berries, native to Brazil.
- Healthy Option: Enjoy a nutritious and energizing snack.
9. Rapada de Bolotas
A tasty root vegetable dish cooked in coconut milk. Try it at Restaurante Bar do Riachuelo.
- Hearty Meal: Ideal for filling up after a day of exploring
- Cultural Heritage: Experience the unique cultural heritage of Natal through its cuisine.
- Unique Ingredient: Taste the earthy flavor of Bolotas, a root vegetable common in Northeastern Brazilian dishes.
10. Coxinha de Galinha
A tasty fried pastry filled with shredded chicken. Find it at Pastelaria Barroquinha.
- Street Food: Experience the vibrant street food culture of Natal
- Traditional Snack: Taste a traditional Brazilian snack with a twist from Natal
- Flaky Pastry: Enjoy the crispy, flaky texture of this delightful pastry.
11. Pudim de Coco
A creamy coconut pudding. Try it at Pastelaria Barroquinha.
- Dessert Option: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this tasty dessert
- Local Flavor: Taste the distinctive coconut flavor in this sweet treat.
- Creamy Texture: Enjoy the smooth, creamy texture of this pudding.
12. Camarão na Moranga
Grilled shrimp served on a half-ripe avocado. Try it at Restaurante Camarões na Balança.
- Seafood Delight: Indulge in fresh, locally-caught shrimp
- Unique Presentation: Experience the innovative presentation of this dish.
- Healthy Option: Enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal.
13. Sucupira na Tingueira
A fish dish cooked in a clay pot. Try it at Restaurante Camarões na Balança.
- Seafood Specialty: Savor the distinctive taste of this traditional dish.
- Unique Preparation: Experience the traditional method of cooking fish in a clay pot.
- Hearty Meal: Ideal for filling up on a chilly day in Natal
14. Cuscuz de Milho
A dish made from cornmeal, served with a variety of ingredients like shrimp or beef. Try it at Restaurante Alambique.
- Light Meal: A perfect choice for a lighter lunch
- Traditional Flavor: Taste the authentic Northeastern Brazilian cuisine
- Versatile Dish: Experience the versatility of this dish, served with a variety of ingredients.
15. Pirão de Camarão
A shrimp and manioc flour porridge. Try it at Restaurante O Boto.
- Seafood Specialty: Savor the distinctive taste of this traditional dish.
- Unique Preparation: Experience the traditional method of making porridge with manioc flour.
- Hearty Meal: Ideal for filling up on a chilly day in Natal