What Food To Try in Fortaleza and Food Prices

Omelete - Omelete de Queijo (cheese omelet) - A fluffy omelet filled with local cheese, often served with tomatoes and onions. Locals enjoy it for breakfast, sometimes paired with fresh bread from the bakery down the street.

Acarajé - Acarajé (bean fritter) - Deep-fried black-eyed pea dough stuffed with shrimp and vatapá (a spicy paste made from bread, shrimp, and nuts). You’ll often find this at street markets, especially in the evenings, where locals gather for a late snack.

Carne do Sol - Sun-Dried Beef - Salted and sun-dried beef served with mashed potatoes and a side of vinaigrette. This dish is a favorite at lunch, often enjoyed during family gatherings, as it pairs wonderfully with a cold beer on a hot day.

Moqueca - Moqueca (fish stew) - A fragrant stew made from fresh fish, coconut milk, tomatoes, and a touch of palm oil, typically served with rice. You’ll see locals enjoying this during special occasions, reflecting their coastal heritage.

Espetinho - Espetinho (grilled meat skewer) - Skewers of marinated meat grilled to perfection, served with onions and peppers. They're a popular choice for street food enthusiasts, often devoured after a night out with friends—though don’t expect to find them during the day!

Pamonha - Pamonha (corn pudding) - Made from fresh corn blended with coconut milk and traditionally wrapped in corn husks, it’s a cherished comfort food. You’ll often see vendors selling pamonha in the summer when the corn is at its freshest.

Feijão Verde - Green Beans with Bacon - A savory dish combining tender green beans with crispy bits of bacon, creating a delightful blend of flavors. Typically served during family dinners, it captures the essence of homemade meals in Fortaleza.

By the way, about portion sizes... many locals joke that portions are twice as generous at lunch, so keep that in mind before your next meal!

Coconut Water - Água de Coco (refreshing hydration) - Freshly harvested coconut water, served chilled with a straw right from the coconut. It’s a staple on hot beach days, where locals sip it while lounging at the shore.

Licor de Jenipapo - Jenipapo Liqueur (fruit-based spirit) - A sweet and aromatic liqueur made from the jenipapo fruit, mixed with sugar and alcohol. Often enjoyed as an after-meal drink during family gatherings or festivities, it has a unique earthy taste—just remember to pace yourself!

Quentão - Quentão (spiced hot drink) - A warm concoction of cachaça, ginger, cinnamon, and sugar, it’s a popular drink during the June Festival known as Festa Junina. Served in small cups, it’s perfect for cooling evenings after a long day at the celebrations.

Bolo de Rolo - Bolo de Rolo (rolled cake) - This multi-layered cake is made with thin layers of dough and sweet guava paste, creating a delightful rolled appearance. It's often enjoyed at family gatherings or celebrations, typically served at room temperature with a cup of coffee.

Açaí Bowl - Açaí na Tigela (frozen fruit delight) - A thick smoothie-like blend of açaí berries topped with granola, banana, and honey, it's a refreshing treat enjoyed by locals especially during the hot afternoons. Ordering it in a ‘banana split’ style—mixing in other fruits—is a popular choice!