THE WONDERFUL CITY OF RIO DE JANEIRO: PART 2 – GASTRONOMY
As a Brazilian and a professional in the tourism industry I am proud to say that the cuisine of our country is one of the richest and most diverse in the world. Several elements contribute to its success, such as the variety of ingredients, be it from land or sea; and the undeniable influence of several cultures.
Starting with the indigenous peoples, who introduced elements that enriched our meals, such as sweet potatoes, corn, cassava, and beans.
Also, the African peoples have played a very significant role, introducing highly valued elements into our cuisine, such as palm oil, bird’s eye chili peppers, and coconut milk, as well as food preparation techniques, which highlights the use of clay pots.
When the Portuguese people colonized Brazil, they also introduced elements of their gastronomy, that were incorporated into our cuisine, such as rice, orange, mint, eastern spices, garlic, chives, ginger, lemon, basil, fig, chicory, watercress, melon, spinach, coriander, mustard, wheat, olive oil, cabbage, wine and codfish, among many others.
Brazilian cuisine represents an interaction of these various cultures, from indigenous to African, European, and even Asian.
When talking about tourism, we must remember that food preparation is a part of the identity of a people, and savoring good food is an important part of the trip. It represents a true sensory experience and a unique opportunity to be connected with the local culture and its hospitality. The gastronomic potential of a region has the ability to boost tourism in that area and influence the selection of tour destinations.
Street food is also a part of the uniqueness of Rio. Our city offers countless options, ranging from pastries filled with different types of ingredients, sugar cane juice, hot dogs, to the most sophisticated foods. Walking through the streets of our town, represents an opportunity to come across a variety of dishes, aromas and flavors from Rio’s gastronomic culture.
We cannot forget the Gastronomic Events. They stimulate the creation of innovative jobs and enhance the diversity offered to customers, encouraging the visit of foreign and Brazilian tourists, and promoting another leisure option for the city’s residents. Gastronomic festivals in addition to promoting the city’s name on the national and international scene, represent an unique moment to discover or try new dishes from the region’s cuisine, giving a special “flavor” to the experience.
Street food is also a part of the uniqueness of Rio. Our city offers countless options, ranging from pastries filled with different types of ingredients, sugar cane juice, hot dogs, to the most sophisticated foods. Walking through the streets of our town, represents an opportunity to come across a variety of dishes, aromas and flavors from Rio’s gastronomic culture.
We cannot forget the Gastronomic Events. They stimulate the creation of innovative jobs and enhance the diversity offered to customers, encouraging the visit of foreign and Brazilian tourists, and promoting another leisure option for the city’s residents. Gastronomic festivals in addition to promoting the city’s name on the national and international scene, represent an unique moment to discover or try new dishes from the region’s cuisine, giving a special “flavor” to the experience.
The gastronomy of our city is a true party for the senses, capable of generating emotional connections between people and the different aromas and flavors. If you appreciate good cuisine, Rio de Janeiro must be your destination; so come and discover its delights.