The traditional Christmas feast in North America usually culminates in a big slice of pie – usually pumpkin pie, though there are families that swear by mincemeat. And (at least according to Mr. Dickens) in England everyone wants to finish their meal with a serving of steaming hot Christmas pudding with hard sauce.
In Brazil the Christmas meal often centres on roast turkey, just like in North America or Europe. The bird is unlikely to be stuffed though, and it was probably baked not in the house, but down the street where the neighborhood bakery roasts everyone’s turkey at the same time, for a small fee. But when it comes to dessert, Brazil steers its own course. No pie, no pudding. In fact, nothing that Northerners would consider dessert at all. Read the full story

One of the things I missed the most while living abroad was my daily trips to the local padaria (bakery). The smell of freshly baked goods and coffee, the banter with the staff, the sense of community.

You don’t need to necessarily eat at the padaria every day – what most people do is buy some bread there and eat it at home with their family.

Here is what I’ll often have for breakfast when I eat at the bakery around the corner: a pão na chapa – a French baguette of sorts, freshly baked and quickly toasted on a hot plate, with a cream cheese spread – plus a big cup of espresso coffee and a fresh orange juice.

That normally costs about R$7 (£ 2.40) – a far cry from my Pret A Manger breakfasts in London!

The unification of the global economic order means the world is getting smaller. People can be born and grow up in one country, then spend their working life in another and perhaps retire in a third. As a result, dual nationality is becoming increasingly popular and more people, and their children, are becoming multi-nationals, identifying with several cultures, languages, religions and gastronomies at once. Read the full story

One of the best bargain rodizios you will find. Sabor Brasileiro is based in North West London they have been open since 2003 and as well as rodizio offer a good buffet selection, including plenty of Brazilian fish dishes, as well as homely facilities such as a games room and lounge area. Read the full story

Rodizio Preto is the best restaurant of its kind in London serving good quality barbecued meats and other traditional Brazilian dishes at very reasonable prices. Friendly service and lively atmosphere. This is the closest you will get to the real Brazilian rodizio experience in the UK. Highly recommended. Read the full story

Finally a Brazilian-style burger restaurant, which means a huge bun, freshly cooked meat pattie and at least 20 toppings (!) Only kidding of course, two or three toppings is normally fine with the normal cheese augmented by sweetcorn, bacon, chicken hearts, salads and anything else you can fit in there. Read the full story

Canela brings the culinary influences of Portugal and Brazil to Central London, offering an exciting menu different from anything else in the West End. They make a great feijoada! Read the full story

Brazilian Gourmet is a cafe/restaurant serving Brazilian and Portuguese specialities. We recommend the Rump Steak (Picanha no Prato). Read the full story

Should nations have an official national dish, like they have an official flag, a national anthem and a coat of arms? Unofficially, many countries already have just such a dish – who would deny national dish status to haggis? Some have even suggested bestowing national dish status on England’s chicken tikka masala, though that one definitely sticks in the craw of culinary traditionalists and conservatives. They’d be happier crowning roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Read the full story

In this guide Rosana McPhee – a Brazilian living in London – talks us through the origins of Brazilian food, explaining why it is so distinctive, and also looks at the customs associated with it and how Brazilian cuisine varies regionally. Read the full story