Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

All Topics about Natal All Cities in Brazil

1. Mandioca Farofa

A popular Brazilian side dish made from cassava flour, toasted and mixed with butter or bacon fat. Try it at Restaurante Alvarenga.

Authentic Experience: Restaurante Alvarenga is a classic Natal restaurant serving traditional local dishes.
Taste of Brazil: Mandioca Farofa is a staple dish in Northern Brazil, offering a unique taste experience.
Customizable: You can customize your Mandioca Farofa with various ingredients like hearts of palm, peanuts or shrimp.

A traditional dried beef dish from the Potiguar culture, served thinly sliced and often accompanied by manioc flour. Try it at Porquinoteca.

Cultural Significance: Carne Seca do Potiguar is a symbol of the Potiguar culture and a must-try in Natal.
Flavorful Experience: The beef is seasoned with salt, garlic, and annatto, giving it a unique flavor profile.
Local Sourcing: Porquinoteca sources their beef locally, ensuring quality and supporting the region.

A seafood stew made with shrimp, coconut milk, dende oil, and spices. Try it at Restaurant da Lara.

Seafood Delight: Bobô de Camarão is a delicious seafood dish showcasing Natal's coastal cuisine.
Traditional Recipe: This recipe has been passed down through generations, offering an authentic taste of the region.
Spicy Kick: The dish can be adjusted to your desired level of spiciness, making it enjoyable for all palates.

A thin, gluten-free pancake made from yuca flour and filled with various ingredients like cheese, chocolate or guava. Try it at Tapioca do Lagoa.

Gluten-Free Option: Tapioca is a great option for those with gluten allergies.
Versatile Fillings: There are countless filling options available, catering to different tastes.
Quick Snack: Tapioca is a quick and easy snack, perfect for a bite between meals.

A sweet pudding made from tapioca flour and coconut milk, often flavored with cinnamon or vanilla. Try it at Restaurante Bar do Porto.

Dessert Delight: Pudim de Tapioca is a traditional Natal dessert, offering a sweet treat after a meal.
Vegan-Friendly: This dessert is vegan-friendly, making it accessible to many dietary preferences.
Unique Texture: The unique texture of the pudding sets it apart from other traditional desserts.

A fish stew cooked in a clay pot with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, and various spices. Try it at Restaurant da Lara.

Seafood Delight: Moqueca de Peixe is another seafood dish showcasing Natal's coastal cuisine.
Traditional Recipe: This recipe has been passed down through generations, offering an authentic taste of the region.
Spicy Kick: The dish can be adjusted to your desired level of spiciness, making it enjoyable for all palates.

A traditional black pork dish from the Potiguar culture, known for its unique flavor and tenderness. Try it at Porquinoteca.

Cultural Significance: Porco Preto do Potiguar is a symbol of the Potiguar culture and a must-try in Natal.
Flavorful Experience: The black pig breed is raised on corn and beans, giving it a unique flavor compared to other pork varieties.
Local Sourcing: Porquinoteca sources their pork locally, ensuring quality and supporting the region.

Fried banana fritters coated in sugar. Try them at Tapioca do Lagoa.

Quick Snack: Salgadinhos de Banana are a quick and easy snack, perfect for a bite between meals.
Versatile Flavor: The bananas can be fried with cinnamon or condensed milk, offering different flavor profiles.
Traditional Treat: This is a traditional Natal snack, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

A fried chicken croquette made with shredded chicken, mashed potatoes, and seasoned dough. Try it at Restaurante Bar do Porto.

Traditional Snack: Coxinha is a traditional Brazilian snack, commonly found throughout the country.
Versatile Filling: The filling can vary, with some versions using shredded beef or cheese instead of chicken.
Portable Snack: Coxinha is a portable snack, making it convenient for on-the-go eating.

A traditional Amazonian soup made from manioc root juice, palm hearts, and various seasonings. Try it at Tapioca do Lagoa.

Amazonian Influence: Tucupi is a dish with Amazonian roots, showcasing a unique taste of the region.
Healthy Option: The soup is made with nutrient-rich ingredients like manioc root and palm hearts.
Spicy Kick: The dish can be adjusted to your desired level of spiciness, making it enjoyable for all palates.

Fried bean fritters filled with shrimp paste and various spices. Try it at Restaurante Bar do Porto.

Seafood Delight: Acarajé is a seafood dish showcasing Natal's coastal cuisine.
Traditional Snack: This is a traditional Bahian snack, commonly found throughout the state of Rio Grande do Norte.
Spicy Kick: The dish can be adjusted to your desired level of spiciness, making it enjoyable for all palates.

A seafood and manioc-based dish similar to Tucupi, but with shrimp, cassava leaves, and various seasonings. Try it at Restaurante Bar do Porto.

Seafood Delight: Tacaca is another seafood dish showcasing Natal's coastal cuisine.
Amazonian Influence: Tacaca is a dish with Amazonian roots, showcasing a unique taste of the region.
Healthy Option: The dish is made with nutrient-rich ingredients like shrimp and cassava leaves.

A black bean stew cooked with various meats, typically pork ribs, sausage, and beef. Try it at Porquinoteca.

Traditional Dish: Feijoada Potiguar is a traditional dish in Natal, offering an authentic taste of the region.
Hearty Meal: The stew is filling and hearty, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Versatile Flavor: The flavor profile can vary based on the meats used, making each feijoada unique.

A shrimp-based purée made from cooked shrimp and coconut milk. Try it at Restaurant da Lara.

Seafood Delight: Pirão de Camarão is another seafood dish showcasing Natal's coastal cuisine.
Traditional Recipe: This recipe has been passed down through generations, offering an authentic taste of the region.
Versatile Presentation: The pirão can be served as a side dish or used to stuff other foods like tapioca.

A savory tapioca crepe filled with Minas cheese and other ingredients like ham or hearts of palm. Try it at Tapioca do Lagoa.

Versatile Filling: The filling can vary, offering different flavor combinations.
Quick Snack: Tapioca with Minas cheese is a quick and easy snack, perfect for a bite between meals.
Traditional Treat: This is a traditional Natal treat, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.