Introduction: Wild fiddlehead ferns, known locally as paku or pakis, grow abundantly along Brunei's riverbanks and are gathered and stir-fried as a simple, everyday vegetable side. Cultural Background: Wild fiddlehead ferns, known locally as paku or pakis, grow abundantly along Brunei's riverbanks and are gathered and stir-fried as a simple, everyday vegetable side. Their tender, […]
Introduction: Laksa in Brunei follows the wider Bornean tradition of a rich, coconut-spiced broth built around fresh fish or prawns, ladled over rice vermicelli. Cultural Background: Laksa in Brunei follows the wider Bornean tradition of a rich, coconut-spiced broth built around fresh fish or prawns, ladled over rice vermicelli. It differs from the tamarind-forward laksas […]
Introduction: Escondidinho, meaning 'little hidden one', is a baked casserole in which a savory filling is hidden beneath a mash topping. Cultural Background: Escondidinho, meaning 'little hidden one', is a baked casserole in which a savory filling is hidden beneath a mash topping. This version uses carne seca (sun-dried salted beef), a preservation method rooted […]
Introduction: Bacalhoada, a baked salt cod casserole layered with potatoes, peppers and olives, reflects the deep Portuguese influence on Brazilian holiday cooking. Cultural Background: Bacalhoada, a baked salt cod casserole layered with potatoes, peppers and olives, reflects the deep Portuguese influence on Brazilian holiday cooking. It is a centrepiece dish for Easter (Semana Santa) tables […]
Introduction: Moqueca is a signature Bahian stew combining Indigenous Tupi fish cookery, Portuguese seafood traditions and West African dende oil and coconut milk. Cultural Background: Moqueca is a signature Bahian stew combining Indigenous Tupi fish cookery, Portuguese seafood traditions and West African dende oil and coconut milk. It is traditionally cooked and served in a […]
Introduction: Bobo de camarao descends from Afro-Brazilian Bahian cuisine, blending Indigenous cassava cookery with West African dende palm oil and coconut milk brought via the transatlantic slave trade. Cultural Background: Bobo de camarao descends from Afro-Brazilian Bahian cuisine, blending Indigenous cassava cookery with West African dende palm oil and coconut milk brought via the transatlantic […]
Introduction: Coxinha, shaped to resemble a chicken drumstick, originated in 19th-century São Paulo, reportedly created for a prince who loved chicken thigh meat. Cultural Background: Coxinha, shaped to resemble a chicken drumstick, originated in 19th-century São Paulo, reportedly created for a prince who loved chicken thigh meat. Today it is Brazil's most iconic savoury snack […]
Introduction: Despite its name, cuscuz paulista has no relation to North African couscous; it is a layered steamed cornmeal dish shaped in a ring mould, brought to São Paulo's cuisine through Indigenous and Portuguese-Brazilian cooking traditions and popularised in the 20th century as a hearty family breakfast or brunch, often served sliced and cold. Cultural […]
Introduction: Canja de galinha is a comforting chicken and rice soup with roots in Portuguese colonial cuisine, long regarded across Brazil as restorative food given to those recovering from illness, prepared for new mothers, or served on cold rainy days. Cultural Background: Canja de galinha is a comforting chicken and rice soup with roots in […]
Introduction: Brought over through centuries of Portuguese colonisation and trade, salt cod fritters became fully Brazilianised as bolinho de bacalhau, a golden fried appetizer served at bars, bakeries and family gatherings nationwide, especially popular around Easter when salt cod consumption traditionally peaks. Cultural Background: Brought over through centuries of Portuguese colonisation and trade, salt cod […]