Best Budget Eats in Natal, Brazil
1. Tapioca de Coco
Traditional Brazilian snack made from cassava root and coconut milk, offering a sweet and tangy taste. A budget-friendly option for those with a sweet tooth.
- Affordability: Prices start at around BRL 2 (USD 0.4) per serving.
- Local Experience: Found in street vendors and local markets, providing an authentic taste of Natal's cuisine.
- Quick Snack: A perfect bite-sized snack for a quick energy boost during your exploration of the city.
2. Camarão na Moranga
Grilled shrimp served in a half-ripened pear (moranga), combining sweet and savory flavors. A popular street food option in Natal.
- Authentic Brazilian Flavor: A unique dish that showcases the local ingredients and cooking techniques of Natal.
- Budget-Friendly: Prices range from BRL 5 (USD 1) to BRL 8 (USD 2) for a filling meal.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy this dish at local street food vendors, providing an immersive cultural experience.
3. Moqueca de Peixe
A traditional Brazilian seafood stew made with fresh fish, coconut milk, and various spices. A must-try for seafood lovers on a budget.
- Seafood Delight: A delicious and hearty meal featuring the freshest seafood Natal has to offer.
- Affordable Luxury: Prices range from BRL 10 (USD 2) to BRL 20 (USD 4) for a serving, offering great value for the quality of the dish.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the flavors and aromas of this classic dish in local restaurants or beach-side kiosks.
4. Pastel de Queijo
Crispy, deep-fried pastries filled with creamy cheese. A popular and budget-friendly snack in Natal.
- Affordability: Pastels de queijo are usually sold for BRL 1 (USD 0.2) to BRL 3 (USD 0.6), making them a great budget snack.
- Quick and Delicious: Enjoy this tasty snack on-the-go, perfect for a quick energy boost while sightseeing.
- Local Favorite: A traditional snack loved by locals and visitors alike.
5. Caipirinha
The national cocktail of Brazil made from sugarcane liquor (cedar), lime, and ice. A refreshing drink to cool off after a long day exploring.
- Authentic Drink: Experience the iconic taste of Brazil with this popular cocktail.
- Affordable Alcoholic Option: Prices for a Caipirinha start at around BRL 5 (USD 1) in most bars and restaurants.
- Refreshing Thirst Quencher: A perfect drink to cool off during Natal's hot and humid climate.
6. Feijoada
A hearty Brazilian bean stew made with various types of beans, meat, and spices. A filling and budget-friendly option for lunch or dinner.
- Affordable Meal: Prices range from BRL 10 (USD 2) to BRL 20 (USD 4), offering great value for a filling meal.
- Authentic Brazilian Experience: Feijoada is a traditional dish, providing an authentic taste of Brazil's rich culinary heritage.
- Hearty Meal: A satisfying and warming meal for those chilly evenings in Natal.
7. Pão de Queijo
Cheesy bread rolls made from tapioca flour and cheese. A popular snack that is easily found in Natal.
- Affordable Snack: Prices start at around BRL 1 (USD 0.2), making it an affordable and tasty snack option.
- Quick Snack: Enjoy these cheesy rolls on-the-go, perfect for a quick energy boost while sightseeing.
- Local Favorite: A traditional snack loved by locals and visitors alike.
8. Acarajé
Deep-fried balls made from black-eyed peas, filled with shrimp or vegetables. A popular street food in Natal.
- Authentic Brazilian Flavor: A unique dish that showcases the local ingredients and cooking techniques of Natal.
- Budget-Friendly: Prices range from BRL 3 (USD 0.6) to BRL 5 (USD 1), offering great value for a filling meal.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy this dish at local street food vendors, providing an immersive cultural experience.
9. Tacacá de Galinha
A soup made from cassava leaves, chicken, and various spices. A comforting and flavorful dish to warm you up.
- Hearty Meal: A filling and warming meal for those chilly evenings in Natal.
- Authentic Brazilian Experience: Tacaca de Galinha is a traditional dish, providing an authentic taste of Brazil's rich culinary heritage.
- Affordable Meal: Prices range from BRL 10 (USD 2) to BRL 15 (USD 3), offering great value for a filling meal.
10. Acarajé de Camarão
Deep-fried balls made from black-eyed peas, filled with shrimp and coconut. A flavorful and filling street food in Natal.
- Flavorful Snack: Enjoy the unique combination of sweet coconut and savory shrimp in this delicious snack.
- Budget-Friendly: Prices range from BRL 3 (USD 0.6) to BRL 5 (USD 1), offering great value for a filling meal.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy this dish at local street food vendors, providing an immersive cultural experience.
11. Coxinha
Deep-fried balls made from mashed chicken and dough. A popular snack that is easily found in Natal.
- Affordable Snack: Prices start at around BRL 1 (USD 0.2), making it an affordable and tasty snack option.
- Quick Snack: Enjoy these crispy balls on-the-go, perfect for a quick energy boost while sightseeing.
- Local Favorite: A traditional snack loved by locals and visitors alike.
12. Cuscuz de Camarão
A dish made from steamed tapioca pearls with shrimp, coconut milk, and various spices. A flavorful and filling meal.
- Hearty Meal: A filling and warming meal for those chilly evenings in Natal.
- Authentic Brazilian Experience: Cuscuz de Camarão is a traditional dish, providing an authentic taste of Brazil's rich culinary heritage.
- Affordable Meal: Prices range from BRL 10 (USD 2) to BRL 15 (USD 3), offering great value for a filling meal.
13. Batata Frita
Fried slices of sweet potato. A popular and budget-friendly snack in Natal.
- Affordable Snack: Prices start at around BRL 1 (USD 0.2), making it an affordable and tasty snack option.
- Quick Snack: Enjoy these crispy slices on-the-go, perfect for a quick energy boost while sightseeing.
- Local Favorite: A traditional snack loved by locals and visitors alike.
14. Tacaca de Peixe
A soup made from cassava leaves, fish, and various spices. A comforting and flavorful dish to warm you up.
- Hearty Meal: A filling and warming meal for those chilly evenings in Natal.
- Authentic Brazilian Experience: Tacaca de Peixe is a traditional dish, providing an authentic taste of Brazil's rich culinary heritage.
- Affordable Meal: Prices range from BRL 10 (USD 2) to BRL 15 (USD 3), offering great value for a filling meal.
15. Pastel de Nata
Traditional Portuguese egg tart pastry with a creamy custard filling. A popular dessert option in Natal.
- Authentic Pastry: Experience the iconic taste of Portugal with this popular pastry.
- Affordable Dessert: Prices range from BRL 2 (USD 0.4) to BRL 5 (USD 1), offering a budget-friendly sweet treat.
- Portuguese Connection: Natal has strong Portuguese influences, and this dessert is a reminder of its rich history.