
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Serra, Espírito Santo, Brazil
1. Moqueca de Peixe
Delicious seafood stew cooked in coconut milk and spices, traditionally made with local fish and shellfish. Try it at Restaurante da Casa do Peixe.
- Local Ingredients: Uses fresh seafood caught in the nearby coastal waters.
- Authentic Recipe: Prepared according to traditional Bahian recipe passed down through generations.
- Seafood Variety: Features a mix of fish, shrimp, and mussels in the stew.
2. Vatapá
Creamy dish made with shrimp, bread, coconut milk, and peanuts. Savor it at Restaurante do Vatapá.
- Unique Texture: Its smooth and creamy texture makes it a popular choice.
- Bahian Flavor Profile: Features the distinct flavor of Bahia, combining sweet, spicy, and nutty tastes.
- Traditional Presentation: Served with manioc flour or crackers called farofa.
3. Pato no Tucupi
Duck cooked in a sauce made from tucupi (manioc broth) and served with manioc flour. Experience it at Restaurante do Tucupi.
- Amazonian Influence: Inspired by the Amazonian cuisine, using tucupi as a key ingredient.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy skin of the duck adds a satisfying texture to each bite.
- Local Tastes: Features flavors commonly enjoyed in Espírito Santo.
4. Carne de Sol
Traditional dish of sun-dried meat prepared using a unique process that preserves its flavor. Try it at Casa da Carne de Sol.
- Preservation Technique: Uses the natural process of sun-drying to preserve the meat.
- Deep Flavor: The long drying process results in an intense, robust flavor.
- Versatility: Can be served as a main dish or snack with farofa and cassava flour.
5. Sopinho
Thick cornmeal soup garnished with manioc flour and meat or seafood. Enjoy it at Restaurante do Sopinho.
- Hearty Meal: Fills you up on a cold day, perfect for the chilly Serra climate.
- Versatile Ingredients: Can be made with various types of meat or seafood depending on your preference.
- Cultural Significance: A long-standing dish in Bahian cuisine, passed down through generations.
6. Bobó de Camarão
Creamy shrimp soup made with coconut milk, okra, and manioc flour. Sample it at Restaurante da Baiana.
- Tropical Flavor: Features the tropical flavors of coconut milk and okra.
- Smooth Texture: Its creamy texture is delightful and comforting.
- Seafood Richness: Packed with the rich taste of succulent shrimp.
7. Coxinha
Fried chicken croquette made from shredded meat, mashed potatoes, and dough. Find it at Café do Vaqueiro.
- Portable Snack: Perfect for a quick bite on-the-go or as an appetizer.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy exterior and creamy interior make it irresistible.
- Traditional Bakery: Baked fresh daily at local bakeries like Café do Vaqueiro.
8. Cachaça de Serra
Artisanal cachaça distilled in the picturesque mountains of Serra. Visit Distillery Docemel for a tasting.
- Mountain Terroir: Made using sugarcane grown on the mineral-rich soil of Serra.
- Traditional Distillation: Distilled following traditional methods passed down through generations.
- Flavorful Profile: Known for its bold, smooth flavor and long finish.
9. Quindim
Delicious dessert made from coconut, sugar, and egg yolks. Sample it at Casa do Quindim.
- Tropical Ingredients: Features the rich flavors of coconut, sugar, and eggs.
- Creamy Texture: Its smooth and creamy texture makes it a delightful treat.
- Traditional Bakery: Baked fresh daily at local bakeries like Casa do Quindim.
10. Tapioca de Doce de Coco
Thin pancake made from cassava flour served with coconut milk dessert. Try it at Restaurante do Tapioca.
- Local Flour: Made using tapioca flour, a common ingredient in Bahian cuisine.
- Sweet Taste: The sweetness of the coconut milk dessert complements the savory pancake perfectly.
- Traditional Preparation: Following a traditional method passed down through generations.
11. Acarajé
Fried ball made from peeled black-eyed peas and served with shrimp sauce. Taste it at the street vendors in the Mercado Municipal de Serra.
- Authentic Street Food: A traditional Bahian snack sold by street vendors.
- Crunchy Texture: The crispy exterior and soft interior make it irresistible.
- Shrimp Sauce: Served with a flavorful shrimp sauce, adding a seafood twist to the dish.
12. Mortadela de Serra
Unique local sausage made with ingredients such as garlic and white pepper. Find it at Mercado Municipal de Serra.
- Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced ingredients like garlic and white pepper.
- Distinct Flavor: Features a distinct flavor profile compared to other sausages.
- Artisanal Production: Handcrafted by skilled butchers at the market.
13. Salgadinhos de Coco
Coconut fritters made from shredded coconut and flour. Try them at the street vendors in Serra.
- Portable Snack: Perfect for a quick bite on-the-go or as an appetizer.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy exterior and soft, sweet interior make it irresistible.
- Tropical Flavor: Features the rich flavors of coconut and sugar.
14. Casquinha de Siri
Stewed mussels cooked in their shells with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and white wine. Enjoy it at Restaurante Casquinha de Siri.
- Seafood Freshness: Made using fresh, local mussels.
- Garlic Aroma: The aromatic garlic and onion blend enhances the flavor of the mussels.
- Local Restaurant: Named after the dish, a must-visit for seafood lovers in Serra.
15. Caipirinha de Serra
Refreshing cocktail made with cachaça, lime juice, sugar, and crushed ice. Sip it at any local bar in Serra.
- Local Cachaça: Made using the artisanal cachaça from Distillery Docemel.
- Refreshing Drink: Perfect for cooling off on a hot day in Serra.
- Iconic Brazilian Cocktail: A traditional drink enjoyed throughout Brazil, but with its own unique twist in Serra.