This fall, the Flavors of Brazil, the country’s best-known gastronomic festival, will return to New York for the second time. For those who can’t make it to the Big Apple, rest assured that the culinary delights of Brazil will be digitally replayed across the world via the wondrous internet. This is thanks to the efforts of Vinicius Pinto, a Sao Paulo-based digital marketer and entrepreneur who has made it his mission to bring the magic of Brazilian cuisine to those who can’t get enough of it in real life.
The Rise Of The Digital Gastronome
In an age where people are increasingly turning to social media for everything from buying a cup of coffee to finding a romantic partner, the opportunity to promote your culinary delights through digital marketing channels is undoubtedly there.
According to digital marketing and marketing research agency Future Inc, 13% of millennials (people between the ages of 18 and 24) consider themselves “digital natives” (those who grew up with smartphones in their daily lives), compared to only 7% of baby boomers (people between the ages of 55 and 69). Furthermore, 50% of millennials use social media to learn about brands or products, while only 14% of millennials use search engines to learn about brands or products.
This trend is being reflected across all industries, not just food, and marketers should take note. In 2021, 89% of consumers in a PwC report said that they would use digital marketing to learn about products and companies.
Why Brazil?
It’s high time for Brazilian food lovers to unite and enjoy the culinary delights of their homeland as much as possible. After all, the country has some of the most delectable cuisines in the world, and the opportunity to indulge in all that fat and sugar is now at our fingertips.
For those who want to learn more about Brazilian cuisine, here are a few top reasons to travel there and fall in love with its food.
All You Can Eat
When most people think of eating out in Brazil, images of “all you can eat” buffet lines usually come to mind. These food stations allow customers to build their own meals from a variety of meats, salads, and side dishes, and are a popular choice for families, especially during festivals and carnivals, when the country’s restaurants put on “family-friendly” buffets for the sheer love of food. A surprising number of restaurants in Brazil offer all-you-can-eat options, especially during the week, so those who want to try the country’s food shouldn’t worry about going broke.
The Variety
With dishes like Acarajé and Mandioquinhas (deep fried morsels of meat), rice and beans, and feijoada (black bean stew), it is clear that Brazilian cuisine offers something for everyone. Whether you like your food savory or sweet, there is a dish out there to suit you. The most popular restaurants in Brazil typically serve a variety of meat and seafood, with small plates geared toward sharing and group dining. Those who love their food spicy may opt for dishes like pirão (dried anchovies) or choupa (shrimp paste). For dessert lovers, there is always the ubiquitous ice cream or the rich “queijada” (clotted cream) found only in some parts of the country.
The Entertainment Factor
In addition to the food, Brazil also provides plenty of opportunity for entertainment. There are over 1,000 movies and television shows available in the country, ranging from mainstream movies to acclaimed series and independent films. In theatres and cinemas across the country, guests can enjoy the scenery, the music, and the food, and sometimes even catch a glimpse of the famous people who were born there.
You don’t have to travel to Brazil to enjoy its culinary delights. Thanks to modern technology, you can get a taste of the wonderful dishes of Brazil whenever you want. If you visit the country’s most popular restaurants, you’ll see that many offer a digital menu or an online ordering system so that customers can enjoy the food without having to leave the comfort of their homes. Restaurants that embrace the digital age typically offer something for everyone, from families to bachelor parties. With so much variety and options, it is guaranteed that you’ll find a restaurant that will please you.
The Heritage
With dishes like Acarajé and Mandioquinhas, which originated in Africa, and candelas (snack cakes), which originated in the Caribbean, it is clear that Brazil has been influenced by many cultures. These influences are present in the country’s cuisine today, making it a combination of African, British, and American influences, as well as indigenous dishes. This is why many of the country’s most popular restaurants offer traditional and unique dishes that represent the country’s blend of cultures.
The Environment
The Amazon rainforest, the largest in the world, is an important part of the country’s culture. Its pristine rainforests and sprawling canopy provide an exceptional habitat for animal and plant life. It is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including some 200 mammal species. As you might expect, many restaurants in Brazil offer views of the rainforest during dinner. Locals and nature enthusiasts have long maintained that the forest is a crucial part of the planet’s biodiversity, and it is important to conserve this piece of nature while you are there.
The People
Although it is common for chefs to be a part of a community focused around food, Vinicius is doing his bit to change that. By creating an organic coffee farm, a craft beer brewery, and a vineyard, as well as getting involved with local schools and societies, he is showing everyone in Brazil and around the globe that a business can have good deeds as well as profits. Furthermore, he is helping to maintain local traditions while introducing a new wave of customers to the wonders of Brazilian cuisine. If you are considering a visit to this beautiful country, then Vinicius’ restaurants may be among your first stops. With the opportunity to try a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, there is sure to be an option to suit you.
What’s Next?
While the world is slowly opening up to the delights of Brazilian cuisine, it still bears an image problem. Unlike many other food-related industries, the restaurant and food truck scene in Brazil is still underdeveloped and considered to be an “emerging market” by many industry experts. This is because, even though there are many well-known restaurants in Brazil, fewer and fewer people are actually trying the unique dishes served by these establishments. This situation will undoubtedly change as more and more people discover the delights of Brazilian cuisine and its variety of dishes. In the meantime, those who want to experience the unique flavors of Brazilian culture may find it difficult to do so without traveling to the country. Fortunately, they now have the perfect digital option at their fingertips, which saves them time, effort, and money, not to mention the pleasure of eating what their favorite restaurants in Brazil serve.