Without a doubt Rio de Janeiro is a steak-oriented city. In fact, so is Brazil in general. However, there are excellent fish and seafood dishes that are part of the local culinary, and are very popular among locals.
Bear in mind that elaborated fish dishes such as Moqueca are not an every day choice as Cariocas (natives of Rio de Janeiro) prefer on a daily basis the combination of rice and beans accompanied with some sort of animal protein [chiken/steak/porc/fish] (and possibly some salad and/or potatoes).
If you visit Brazil you should definitely try probably the most popular and typical dish in the country: Moqueca. It can be found on the menu of restaurants in Rio de Janeiro as well as in other regions in Brazil, especially in the North-East, such as in the State of Bahia (whose capital is Salvador).
What is Moqueca?
Moqueca is a fish, crab, or shrimp stew (sometimes all of these three in the same dish) enriched with coconut milk, having white rice and manioc flour as side dishes. Moqueca is usually served for two persons (some restaurants may serve a portion for one person only).
In fact, many dishes (fish or not) in Brazil are huge enough to feed two persons (sometimes even three). Beware that this important detail may not be indicated on the menu — confirm with the waiter if it is good for two (it is not usual to see huge amount of food left by tourists who ordered double than necessary).
Another typical and popular fish/seafood dish in Rio de Janeiro (and in other cities in Brazil) is Bobo de Camarao (Shrimp Bobo). This delicious dish consists of shrimp in manioc and coconut milk purée accompanied by white rice and manioc flour. (Note that most tourists don’t like the manioc flour; the secret to like it is to mix it with the source, otherwise it is too dried).
Interested in learning and trying other popular and typical Brazilian dishes? Get a copy of My Rio Travel Guide to have access to a full list of must-try dishes as well as where to eat them in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leme, Leblon, and Santa Teresa neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro.
Click below to learn more about My Rio Travel Guide PDF e-Book!
