When visiting Salvador, be sure to try the city's unique Afro-Brazilian cuisine, which combines African, Portuguese, and indigenous influences, with must-try dishes including acarajé, abará, and moqueca.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Salvador's cuisine is a reflection of the city's rich cultural heritage, with African, Portuguese, and indigenous influences. The city's location on the coast of Brazil has also contributed to the development of a unique culinary style, with a strong emphasis on seafood and coconut milk. The African influence is particularly evident in the use of dendê oil, a type of palm oil that is commonly used in cooking. Regional variations within Salvador include the comida baiana, which is characterized by the use of coconut milk, dendê oil, and spices.
The city's culinary scene is also shaped by its history as a major port city, with many different cultures contributing to the development of its cuisine. The Portuguese influence is evident in the use of bacalhau (dried cod), while the indigenous influence can be seen in the use of açaí and other native fruits. Overall, Salvador's cuisine is a unique and delicious blend of different cultures and influences.
Salvador's food culture is also closely tied to its festas (parties) and celebrations, where food plays a central role. The city's famous Carnaval celebrations, for example, feature a wide range of traditional dishes, including acarajé and abará. These dishes are not only delicious, but also carry significant cultural and historical meaning, making them a must-try for anyone visiting Salvador.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| acarajé | snack | fried dough filled with vatapá and caruru | street vendors and markets |
| abará | snack | steamed dough filled with vatapá and caruru | street vendors and markets |
| moqueca | stew | seafood stew made with coconut milk and dendê oil | restaurants in the Pelourinho neighborhood |
| feijoada | stew | hearty stew made with black beans and various meats | restaurants throughout the city |
| bobo de camarão | soup | shrimp soup made with coconut milk and dendê oil | seafood restaurants |
| escondidinho | dessert | coconut milk pudding with rapadura (cane sugar) | comida natural restaurants |
| quindim | dessert | coconut milk custard with rapadura (cane sugar) | comida natural restaurants |
| tapioca | snack | crispy tapioca flour crackers filled with queijo coalho (fresh cheese) | street vendors and markets |
| cocada | dessert | coconut milk candy with rapadura (cane sugar) | street vendors and markets |
| paçoca | snack | peanut candy with rapadura (cane sugar) | street vendors and markets |
Street Food & Snacks
- acarajé: fried dough filled with vatapá and caruru, $3-$5 USD
- abará: steamed dough filled with vatapá and caruru, $3-$5 USD
- tapioca: crispy tapioca flour crackers filled with queijo coalho (fresh cheese), $2-$3 USD
- cocada: coconut milk candy with rapadura (cane sugar), $1-$2 USD
- paçoca: peanut candy with rapadura (cane sugar), $1-$2 USD
- esfiha: meat or cheese pastry, $2-$3 USD
- pão de queijo: cheese bread, $1-$2 USD
- coxinha: crispy dough filled with chicken, $3-$5 USD
Drinks
- caipirinha: sugarcane spirit with lime and sugar, $5-$7 USD
- guarana: sweet, creamy soda made from guarana fruit, $2-$3 USD
- água de coco: fresh coconut water, $1-$2 USD
- suco de açaí: açaí fruit juice, $3-$5 USD
- cachaça: sugarcane spirit, $5-$7 USD
- refresco de maracujá: passionfruit juice, $2-$3 USD
Dining Customs
- comida é sagrada (food is sacred): mealtimes are considered sacred and should be respected
- use your hands: it is common to eat with your hands, especially when eating acarajé or abará
- tipping is expected: 10% is standard, but 15% is considered generous
- reservations are recommended: especially for popular restaurants in the Pelourinho neighborhood
- dress code is casual: but dress nicely for festas and special occasions
- try new things: Salvador's cuisine is all about trying new and exotic flavors
Where to Eat
- mercados: markets like the Mercado Modelo offer a wide range of traditional dishes and snacks
- comedores: small, informal restaurants that serve traditional dishes
- restaurantes: formal restaurants that offer a wide range of dishes, including seafood and comida natural
- food courts: many shopping malls have food courts that offer a variety of dishes, including comida baiana
- street vendors: street vendors and markets offer a wide range of traditional snacks and dishes
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Mercado Modelo: a large market that offers a wide range of traditional dishes and snacks, located in the Comércio neighborhood
- Feira de São Joaquim: a market that specializes in comida natural and organic products, located in the São Joaquim neighborhood
- Festa do Divino: a festival that celebrates the city's culinary heritage, held in May
- Carnaval: a major festival that features a wide range of traditional dishes and snacks, held in February or March
- Rio Vermelho: a neighborhood that is known for its comida baiana and traditional restaurants, located in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood