Rio de Janeiro: Food Tasting Tour with 33 Brazilian Dishes

Summary

Sample Brazil’s flavors in Rio with street snacks, meats & sweets

You’ll taste your way through Rio with 33 beloved Brazilian dishes—from crispy street snacks to tropical fruits and homemade sweets—guided by a local who shares family stories along the way. Expect laughter over caipirinhas, new flavors you can’t quite name, and an easy pace that feels more like hanging out than touring. You’ll leave full—in every sense.

What’s the experience like?

We started the food tour in Rio de Janeiro with a caipirinha that was so cold it made my teeth ache a little. Our guide, Mariana, was already laughing about how many foods we’d try—33, she said, like it was totally normal to eat that much in three hours. The first bite was this golden coxinha from a tiny counter I would’ve walked past a hundred times. There was music somewhere behind us—someone’s radio maybe—and the smell of frying oil mixed with sweet fruit from the next stall.

I lost track of time after the third or fourth savory snack. Mariana told stories about her grandmother’s kitchen and how certain fruits only show up for a few weeks each year. She handed us slices of cupuaçu and something else I still can’t pronounce right (Li laughed when I tried). We ate grilled picanha that was smoky and just salty enough, then sipped mate so strong it made me pause before the next bite. The tour kept moving but never felt rushed—more like wandering with friends who know all the shortcuts.

By the time we reached desserts, I was sure I couldn’t eat another thing… but then came brigadeiros and this creamy coffee that tasted almost chocolatey. People at nearby tables were chatting fast in Portuguese; someone clapped for a birthday. I remember thinking how every dish had its own story—Mariana knew them all, even the silly ones about bar snacks and late nights out. It wasn’t fancy or forced—just real food and real people sharing what they love.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 3-hour tasting tour of Brazilian foods

• Start with a caipirinha drink
• Taste Amazon açaí and tropical fruits
• Sample savory street snacks and bites
• Try grilled meats like picanha and cupim
• Enjoy cheeses, dairy, and salty sides
• Eat bar snacks to share and laugh
• Drink guaraná and mate beverages
• Taste sweet treats like brigadeiro and paçoca
• End with a toast among new friends

Top questions

How long is the Rio food tasting tour?

The tasting session lasts around 3 hours.

How many foods do you try on this tour?

You’ll sample 33 different Brazilian foods and drinks.

Is there a local guide during the tasting?

Yes, a bilingual local food expert leads the experience.

Are drinks included on the tour?

Yes, you get a signature caipirinha plus other beverages like tropical juices and mate.

Does the tasting include dessert?

Dessert and artisanal coffee are included at the end of the session.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the meeting point.

Can children join this food tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; alcohol is only served to guests 18 or older.

What’s included

Your experience includes guidance from a bilingual local food expert (English & Spanish), over 33 tasting portions of classic Brazilian dishes and drinks—including savory snacks, meats, regional specialties, sweets, dessert with artisanal coffee—and starts off with a signature caipirinha plus fresh tropical juices. If you don’t love it, there’s even a five-star guarantee for your peace of mind.