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Rio 2016: Food Olympics

Brazil also has an impeccable taste in food. So here are the best places to try out a few of this exquisite land's greatest hits.

Rio de Janeiro is known for its abundance of fresh produce more than most other tourist hotspots. The restaurants here do not shy away from utilising that fact to the fullest. Add to that the Brazilians’ expertise in cooking meat and also the several other nationalities that migrated here and influenced cooking styles — and you have a gastronomical experience like no other. If you’re lucky enough to see the Olympics this year in Rio, here are the must-try restaurants in the city!

Do it like a local
The street food of a city reflects the heart and soul of the people that reside there. It showcases what the locals love and know how to whip up in a jiffy. So, it’s obvious that should you visit Rio you should do as the Brazilians do! Espetinhos are barbecued meats on a skewer that are elevated by adding sauces and farinha de mandioca (crunchy flour) on top. Quiejo coalho is another such addictive dish which is again served on a skewer.

A salty Brazilian cheese grilled to perfection and served piping hot, it makes for a delicious snack at any time of the day. If you're looking for something greener, maybe you could sample some Milho verde which is simply boiled corn on the cob drenched in butter! Finally, if you want some sweet after all the deep-fried madness, you could try fried tapioca pancakes paired with coconut, condensed milk and sweet choice. Sounds mouth-watering, doesn’t it?

Porcão Rios | What would Brazilian food be without its iconic barbeques? The best all-you-can-eat churrascaria (barbeque house) in town, Porcao’s Flamengo beach restaurant has a stunning view that will keep you company while you slowly drift in and out of a food coma with their exquisitely cooked meat.

Signature dish: Skewer specials and ribs

Espírito Santa

Known as the specialists of seafood dishes from the Amazon, Espirito Santa’s ambience is to die for. Set in a restored mansion, the restaurant has a rooftop where one can look at the sprawling greenery that surrounds them or enjoy the brightly-coloured indoors.

Espírito Santa

Signature dish: Moqueca (a preparation made with the pintado river fish)

Gaia Art & Café | For those who are looking to find vegetarian meals in Rio, there’s hope. The Gaia Art Café is at a distance from the usual traffic that Rio sees and will be seeing during the Olympics. It has a lively, enthralling atmosphere which mimics Leme beach on which it is located.

Gaia Art & Café

Signature dish: Pumpkin kibe (Middle Eastern snack using bulgur wheat)
Also check out: Aprazivel, Bira de Guaratiba and Restaurante Os Esquilos

Zazá Bistrô Tropical | Zazá, locate at Joana Angelica 40, is a restaurant that is not just a foodie’s paradise but also an experience. Diners can opt to gorge on dishes with an Asian twist amidst candle-light and a cozy atmosphere upstairs or to sit out front, in this converted house. The artistic decor is also worth noting.

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Signature dish: Grilled fish with caramelised plantain

Olympe | One of the most iconic restaurants in Rio, Olympe is located in a peaceful villa that is away from the noise of the city. The famous father and son chef duo, Claude and James Troisgros, originally from France, combine the classic and the modern in their cooking.

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Signature dish: Duck with passion fruit, endive and foie gras

Wallet factor
Your average dinner for two could cost anywhere between $70-$100. At an upscale restaurant, it could start from $300.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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