When visiting Curitiba, be sure to try the city's unique blend of Italian, German, and indigenous influences, which have shaped the local cuisine, with must-try dishes including Feijoada, Churrasco, and Açaí.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Curitiba's cuisine is a reflection of the city's cultural diversity, with significant influences from Italian, German, and indigenous communities. The city's proximity to the Atlantic coast has also shaped its cuisine, with fresh seafood featuring prominently in many dishes. The local cuisine is known for its hearty and comforting dishes, often made with locally-sourced ingredients such as cassava, beans, and pork. Regional variations within the state of Paraná, where Curitiba is located, have also contributed to the city's unique culinary identity.
The Italian influence on Curitiba's cuisine is particularly notable, with many restaurants serving traditional Italian dishes such as pasta and pizza. However, these dishes have often been adapted to incorporate local ingredients and flavors, resulting in a unique fusion of Italian and Brazilian cuisine. The city's German influence is also evident, with many restaurants serving traditional German dishes such as sausages and schnitzel.
Overall, Curitiba's cuisine is a vibrant and eclectic mix of different cultures and influences, reflecting the city's history and cultural diversity. From traditional Brazilian dishes to international cuisine, there is something for every palate in Curitiba.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feijoada | Stew | a hearty stew made with black beans and pork | traditional Brazilian restaurants |
| Churrasco | Grill | a type of barbecue featuring grilled meats, often served with rice, beans, and farofa | churrascarias and steakhouses |
| Açaí | Fruit | a type of fruit native to the Amazon region, often eaten as a sweet and refreshing snack | juice bars and cafes |
| Barreado | Stew | a traditional dish from the state of Paraná, made with beef, beans, and cassava | traditional restaurants |
| Moqueca | Stew | a seafood stew made with fish, shrimp, and mussels, cooked in a coconut milk-based broth | seafood restaurants |
| Pão de Queijo | Bread | a type of cheese bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside | bakeries and cafes |
| Coxinha | Snack | a type of fried dough filled with chicken, often served as a snack or appetizer | street food vendors and snack bars |
| Tambaqui | Fish | a type of fish native to the Amazon region, often served grilled or fried | seafood restaurants |
| Paçoca | Dessert | a type of sweet made with peanuts and cassava flour, often served as a dessert or snack | bakeries and cafes |
Street Food & Snacks
- Açaí na Tigela: a bowl of frozen açaí topped with granola and banana, typically costing $3-5 USD
- Coxinha: a type of fried dough filled with chicken, often served as a snack or appetizer, typically costing $2-3 USD
- Pão de Queijo: a type of cheese bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, typically costing $1-2 USD
- Esfiha: a type of savory pastry filled with meat or cheese, typically costing $2-3 USD
- Pastel: a type of fried or baked pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, typically costing $2-3 USD
- Tapioca: a type of crepe made with cassava flour, often filled with cheese, ham, or chicken, typically costing $3-5 USD
Drinks
- Guarana: a type of soft drink made from the guarana fruit, often served as a sweet and refreshing beverage
- Açaí Juice: a type of juice made from the açaí fruit, often served as a healthy and refreshing beverage
- Caipirinha: a type of cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar, often served as a refreshing and tangy drink
- Chimarrao: a type of tea made from the yerba mate plant, often served as a traditional and energizing beverage
- Cerveja: a type of beer, often served cold and refreshing
- Suco de Laranja: a type of orange juice, often served fresh and squeezed
Dining Customs
- Tipping: it is customary to tip 10% of the total bill at restaurants and bars
- Reservations: it is recommended to make reservations at popular restaurants, especially on weekends and holidays
- Dress Code: the dress code is generally casual, but some restaurants may require more formal attire
- Eating Etiquette: it is customary to wait for the host to indicate where to sit, and to keep your hands visible on the table
- Payment: credit cards are widely accepted, but it is recommended to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases
- Meal Times: mealtimes are generally later than in other countries, with lunch often served between 11 am and 2 pm, and dinner between 6 pm and 9 pm
Where to Eat
- Restaurants: there are many restaurants in Curitiba, ranging from traditional Brazilian cuisine to international options
- Food Courts: many shopping malls and markets have food courts, offering a variety of options and cuisines
- Markets: the city has several markets, including the Mercado Municipal, which offers a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and dairy products
- Cafes: there are many cafes in Curitiba, serving coffee, pastries, and light meals
- Street Food Vendors: there are many street food vendors in Curitiba, offering a variety of snacks and meals
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Mercado Municipal: a large market offering a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and dairy products, located in the city center
- Feira do Livramento: a market offering a variety of street food and snacks, located in the Livramento neighborhood
- Curitiba Food Tour: a guided tour of the city's culinary scene, offering samples of local dishes and drinks
- Açaí Farm: a farm offering tours and tastings of açaí, located just outside the city
- Churrascaria: a type of restaurant specializing in grilled meats, often offering a buffet-style meal and live music, located throughout the city