Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Salvador, Brazil, Salvador, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

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1. Moqueca Baiana

A traditional Bahian seafood stew made with coconut milk and dende oil, served with farofa and white rice. Try it at Restaurante da Pesca in Pelourinho.
  • Seafood Variety: Features a variety of fresh local seafood including shrimp, fish, and shellfish.
  • Coconut Milk: The creamy coconut milk gives it a unique flavor that sets it apart from other seafood stews.
  • Dende Oil: Gives the dish its vibrant red color and distinct, rich taste.

2. Acarajé

A fritter made from peeled black-eyed peas, stuffed with shrimp, okra, onions, and peppers. Find the best ones at Acarajé da Romildinha in Pelourinho.
  • Gluten-Free: Made from peas, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance.
  • Authentic Experience: Traditionally sold by street vendors in Salvador.
  • Versatile Toppings: Can be customized with a variety of toppings such as cabbage, shrimp, and coconut sauce.

3. Vatapá

A rich seafood dip made with coconut milk, peanuts, bread, and dende oil. It is often served with manioc flour and farofa at Restaurante Solar do Unhão.
  • Seafood Paste: The creamy paste is made from shrimp, fish, and crab.
  • Peanuts: Gives the dish a unique nutty flavor.
  • Dende Oil: Enhances the taste and texture of the dip.

4. Tapioca

Thin, gluten-free pancake made from cassava flour, typically filled with ingredients like cheese, hearts of palm, or coconut. Try it at Tapiocaria do Sabão in Barra.
  • Gluten-Free: Made from cassava flour, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance.
  • Versatile Fillings: Offers a variety of fillings to choose from.
  • Traditional Technique: Cooked on a hot stone, giving it a unique texture and flavor.

5. Caruru

A thick, savory stew made from okra, shrimp, peanuts, coconut milk, and dende oil. Try it at Restaurante Tiririca in Pelourinho.
  • Okra-Based: The main ingredient, okra, gives the dish a unique texture.
  • Coconut Milk: Gives it a creamy, rich flavor.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Features a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, peanuts, and dende oil.

6. Pato no Tucupi

Roasted duck served in a tucupi sauce made from manioc root. Try it at Restaurante do Café in Barra.
  • Tucupi Sauce: The unique, tangy tucupi sauce sets the dish apart.
  • Duck Meat: Tender and flavorful, the duck meat is a highlight of the dish.
  • Traditional Technique: The duck is traditionally roasted over an open flame.

7. Cozinha Regional de Aracaçá

A traditional dish from the town of Aracacá featuring shrimp, coconut milk, and palm oil. Try it at Restaurante Aracacá in Barra.
  • Seafood Variety: Features a variety of fresh local shrimp.
  • Coconut Milk: Gives the dish a unique, creamy flavor.
  • Palm Oil: Enhances the taste and texture of the dish.

8. Sopé de Camarão

A thick soup made from shrimp, okra, onions, and coconut milk. Try it at Restaurante do Bacurau in Barra.
  • Shrimp Soup: The focus ingredient, shrimp, makes the soup flavorful.
  • Coconut Milk: Gives it a creamy, rich flavor.
  • Okra: Thickens the soup and adds a unique texture.

9. Cobres de Atum

Grilled tuna steaks served with farofa, rice, and vegetables. Try it at Restaurante do Sabor in Barra.
  • Fresh Tuna: The freshness of the tuna guarantees a delicious flavor.
  • Grilling Technique: Grilled to perfection, giving it a smoky flavor and tender texture.
  • Side Dishes: Comes with traditional Bahian sides such as farofa and rice.

10. Tapioca com Queijo Minas

Thin, gluten-free pancake made from cassava flour, filled with Minas cheese and served with guava paste. Try it at Tapiocaria do Sabão in Barra.
  • Gluten-Free: Made from cassava flour, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance.
  • Minas Cheese: The melty, rich cheese is a highlight of the dish.
  • Guava Paste: Balances the savory taste of the tapioca with its sweetness.

11. Cuscuz de Galinha

Chicken cooked in coconut milk and served over a bed of cuscuz (Bahian polenta). Try it at Restaurante do Café in Barra.
  • Chicken and Coconut: The combination of tender chicken and creamy coconut milk creates a delightful flavor.
  • Cuscuz: Gives the dish a unique, grainy texture.
  • Traditional Technique: The chicken is traditionally slow-cooked in coconut milk.

12. Brigadeiro

A traditional Brazilian dessert made from condensed milk, chocolate, and butter. Try it at Brigadeiro da Helena in Pelourinho.
  • Traditional Dessert: A classic Brazilian dessert loved by locals and tourists alike.
  • Chocolatey Flavor: The rich, chocolate flavor makes it a popular choice for sweet-toothed travelers.
  • Variety of Flavors: Available in various flavors such as dulce de leche, coconut, and strawberry.

13. Açaí na Toca

A popular frozen dessert made from açaí palm fruit, served in a bowl or on a stick. Try it at Açai Bar do Toquinho in Pelourinho.
  • Frozen Treat: A refreshing treat perfect for hot days.
  • Açaí Fruit: The unique flavor and antioxidants found in açaí make it a popular choice.
  • Versatile Toppings: Can be customized with toppings such as granola, nuts, and banana.

14. Coxinha

A fried snack made from shredded chicken, dough, and spices. Try it at Coxinha da Muda in Pelourinho.
  • Fried Snack: A convenient, portable snack for those on the go.
  • Chicken Filling: The tender, flavorful chicken filling is a highlight of the dish.
  • Crispy Texture: The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, savory interior.

15. Pudim de Leite

A classic Brazilian custard pudding made from milk and sugar. Try it at Pudinaria in Pelourinho.
  • Traditional Dessert: A popular, comforting dessert loved by locals and tourists.
  • Creamy Texture: The smooth, creamy texture makes it a delightful treat.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Can be served in a variety of forms such as individual servings or large trays.
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