You've probably heard a lot about typical Bahia foods. Bahian regional cuisine is very famous and dishes such as acarajé, vatapá and caruru are known from north to south of
the country. It is no accident that gastronomic tourism in Bahia is much explored and attracts the interest of people who visit the local beaches. But, after all, what are the main typical Bahian foods? We selected a few dishes and explained a bit about each one below. Check it out!
Get ready for lots of flavor!
Strong spices and lots of flavor: that's what you'll find when you try the famous Bahian cuisine. Another characteristic is the mixture of traditional indigenous ingredients, such as corn and cassava, with Portuguese heritage foods, such as seafood and stews. Discover the main ones below!
Acarajé
Certainly, acarajé, a dish of African origin, is one of the most well-known typical foods in the state. Tasting the delicacy prepared by a Bahian woman is an unmissable gastronomic experience for anyone traveling there.
The acarajé recipe includes ingredients such as black-eyed beans, onion and salt. From them, a dumpling is made, fried by immersion in palm oil. After passing through the oil, the dumpling is filled, usually with vatapá, the most used, which we will talk about later
. For those who like chili peppers, the dumpling can be served “hot” — a term used to refer to spicy acarajé. Those who don't like this condiment can order the “cold” and milder option. It is one of the main typical dishes of Bahia.
Abará
Despite being less known, Abará is also one of the typical local foods that you must try. The ingredients are very similar to those in acarajé: black-eyed beans, onion, salt, palm oil
and shrimp. The main difference between them is in the preparation mode. Abará is wrapped in a plantain leaf and cooked in a water bath. In it, palm oil and shrimp are integrated into the dough.
Caruru Caruru
is another accompaniment to acarajé. It contains ingredients such as okra, peanuts, dried shrimp, cashew nuts, coriander, ginger, onion, and palm oil.
If you want to know how to make caruru, there's no mystery. The preparation is quick and easy and there are several recipes on the internet that teach you how to do it, including the possibility of adapting the ingredients to the most common in your region.
In addition to serving as an accompaniment to acarajé, caruru can be prepared as a main meal, accompanied by white rice and salad. If you turn up your nose at okra, this is an opportunity to make peace with the food by trying one of the main typical foods
in Bahia. Cocada
Despite being considered one of the typical Bahian foods, cocada is almost a national cultural heritage. This very popular candy is made with grated coconut, sugar, and water
. There are a multitude of variations of the cocada recipe. In Bahia, you can find candy with different flavors and textures. It is a delicious dessert, made with a fruit rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C and E, antioxidants, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium and phosphorus
. Mungunzá
Mungunzá is also a sweet typically produced in Bahia. But in this case, the main ingredient is another: corn. Known as hominy or canjiquinha, it is made with grated coconut, condensed milk, heavy cream, and coconut milk.
Very popular in Bahian cuisine, it is a dessert that you will certainly find when visiting restaurants in the state. Take advantage of the typical local heat to cool off with a chilled mungunza
. Vatapá
Without a doubt, the combination of acarajé and vatapá is one of the best known in Bahia. Vatapá is a typical dish of African and Afro-Brazilian cuisine. It consists of preparing a mixture with a base ingredient, which can be rice flour, sleeping bread or
cornmeal. Then, coconut milk, fish, peanuts, dried or fresh prawns, cashews and spices are added. This is one of the oldest recipes in Bahian cuisine, but it always has a special and different touch from those who prepare it
. Importance of the 'Bahian craft' Bahiana
women are the great stars of local cuisine, especially when it comes to acarajé and vatapá. The so-called “Bahian profession” is a traditional knowledge that keeps alive the tradition, culture, and cuisine of their
ancestors. It was through street trading that many enslaved women were able to produce and survive when freed. For this reason, the Bahian profession and the preparation of acarajé are an essential part of local culture and history
. When visiting the state, don't miss the opportunity to try the main Bahian foods and honor these women who make all the difference in maintaining and continuing the history and culture of the Bahian people.
Enjoy Bahian cuisine during your next vacation!
Now that you know more about the typical foods of Bahia, how about planning your next trip to try these delights? In Costa do Sauípe, you can find hotels and restaurants where you can experience days of joy and relaxation accompanied by lots of good food.
In the complex's pools, we have kiosks that serve freshly fried acarajé and are always served fresh for you to enjoy during your stay. In addition, we have the Baêa Restaurant, which specializes in typical Bahia food and with environments inspired by Bahian culture.
Costa do Sauípe Resort is the perfect place for you to spend your next vacation in contact with nature and with a breathtaking view. In addition to the natural beauty, you can also enjoy various tours and cultural activities! Discover our promotional packages and choose the best one for your pocket.