What Food To Try in Goiania and Food Prices

Pão de Queijo - Cheese Bread (savory snack) - These delightful little rolls are made from tapioca flour and cheese, making them chewy and flavorful. Usually enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack, locals often eat them fresh out of the oven.

Pastel - Fried Pastry (street food) - This crispy pastry envelope is filled with various ingredients like seasoned meat, cheese, or vegetables and then deep-fried until golden. Streetside vendors sell them hot, and they make for a quick and satisfying bite on the go, often paired with spicy sauce.

Arroz com Pequi - Rice with Pequi (main course) - A unique dish featuring rice cooked with pequi fruit, known for its distinct, aromatic flavor and rich oiliness. It's a classic choice for lunch in many family-run restaurants, celebrated especially during pequi season in the region.

Guiro - Goiania Specialty (meat stew) - This hearty stew consists of locally sourced beef, cooked low and slow with a blend of spices and vegetables, creating deep flavors. Often enjoyed during family gatherings, it’s a dish that warms both stomach and soul, typically served with rice and beans.

Vaca Atolada - Smothered Beef (main course) - This dish features tender beef cooked in a rich, savory sauce thickened with cassava (yuca) that provides a rustic texture. Served during lunch or dinner, it's often accompanied by rice, and you might find locals enjoying it with a good caipirinha on special occasions.

Empadão Goiano - Goianian Pie (savory pie) - A savory pie filled with chicken, sausage, and vegetables, all encased in a flaky crust. Popular during family celebrations, this hearty dish is a staple at communal meals, often enjoyed with hot pepper sauce on the side.

Pamonha - Sweet Corn Porridge (seasonal specialty) - Made from fresh corn mixed with sugar and coconut, this dish is wrapped in corn husks and boiled. Commonly enjoyed during the Festa Junina, it’s a nostalgic flavor locals savor as summer draws near.

Frango com Pequi - Chicken with Pequi (main dish) - This dish combines chicken with the native pequi fruit, cooked to create a comforting, aromatic stew. Best enjoyed warm on a family gathering night, it's a testament to the region's unique flavors and a culinary experience to remember.

Café com Leite - Café com Leite (coffee with milk) - A comforting blend of strong Brazilian coffee and hot milk, typically enjoyed in the morning or during a mid-afternoon break. Locals love it served in small cups, and you might see families gathering around their kitchen tables for a cozy chat over this drink.

Suco de Caju - Cashew Juice (refreshing drink) - This vibrant juice is made from the fruit of the cashew tree, creating a sweet and slightly tangy beverage. You're most likely to find it served cold on hot summer days at local markets, and it pairs perfectly with a snack of queijo de coalho. By the way, if you order it, just say “suco” and they’ll assume you're talking about this one!

Guaraná Antártica - Guaraná Antártica (soft drink) - A bubbly soda that packs a punch of guaraná flavor, this is a quintessential Brazilian soft drink. Perfect as a refreshing accompaniment during lunch or a casual outing, you’ll often find locals sipping it while enjoying some street food at parks. It’s sweet but not overpowering, and great for cooling down on hot days.

Pastel de Fubá - Pastel de Fubá (cornmeal pastry) - These cornmeal pastries are slightly crispy on the outside and filled with cheese or meat, making them a delightful snack. Locals usually grab one at street fairs or markets, especially during celebrations, and share them amongst friends while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Just be careful not to accidentally ask for a "pastel" without specifying the filling!

Dulce de Leite - Doce de Leite (sweet milk spread) - A creamy and rich milk spread, it's commonly enjoyed drizzled over biscuits or eaten straight from the jar during festive occasions. Generally, it's prepared for family gatherings, especially around the June festivals, and you’ll find variations depending on the family recipe. Keep in mind that if you see “doce,” it usually leads to irresistible temptation!