Beach Bummin'

Welcome to Porto!

This past Sunday, I visited Porto de Galinhas, a hotspot for tourists and locals alike who are looking for a beachside getaway. While soaking up the sun in a beach chair, toes in the sand, a wide variety of vendors would pass by, exhibiting their food or knick-knacks. Everything from entire crabs served hot from a cart to fresh oysters and coconut candy and fresh pineapple served on a stick is available at a fairly reasonable price (which, of course, is always negotiable).

Eduardo and I snacked on Oysters (ostras) served with olive oil, salt and lemon, crab, and shrimp, which we washed down caipirinhas (the tasty national drink of cachaca, lime and sugar) and agua de coco. Later, at a local restaurant, we ordered a very typical meal of fish with all the accompaniments (rice, salad, and farofa), fried manioc, and the regional favorite beer, Skol, all for around $15USD (see photo below for a sample!). Because Recife is a port city, sea food is readily available for a reasonable price, and usually very tasty. The other beach snacks reflect local ingredients, and are typically fruits (either candied or served as-is) and nuts, quail eggs, broiled fresh cheese with honey, and feijao (a black bean and pork stew). Porto de Galinhas is a reflection of both the beauty found in Brazil's wildlife and how locals incorporate it into their cuisine. The food is simple, natural, and most importantly, tasty! A visit to the beach in Brazil provides a shot of culture, and whether you're just passing through or staying a while, Porto and Brazil's beaches should be on your menu.