Florianópolis, known as Floripa to locals, is a stunning island paradise in southern Brazil. Famous for its amazing beaches, vibrant culture, and fresh seafood. During our visit, we were lucky enough to indulge in some of the freshest, most delicious local cuisine. If you’re wondering what the must-try local foods are in Floripa, we hope this guide will help you find some new favorite dishes!
Oysters
Being huge fans of oysters, we always get excited when visiting coastal areas. In Floripa, we were introduced to a new twist on our oysters. Steamed with garlic and served with lime wedges, basil, and hot sauce, these oysters were amazing. We thought we knew the best way to enjoy oysters, but Floripa’s version made us reconsider.
Sequência de Camarão
One dish you’ll find on almost every menu is sequência de camarão (shrimp sequence). This local favorite was highly recommended by every server and local we met. The dish is a generous platter featuring shrimp prepared in various ways—fried, steamed with garlic and oil, and more. Typically, it’s served with a side of fries, rice, and salad, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Fried Seafood
Aside from the Sequência de camarão, we also loved the fried seafood, which included an assortment of shrimp, fish, oysters, and calamari, all fried to perfection. Like many meals in Floripa, it came with a side of salad, fries, and white rice. This dish was a great way to sample a variety of the island’s fresh seafood and pairs well with a cold beer or a refreshing caipirinha.
Steak
A trip to Brazil wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a juicy, flavorful steak. While seafood was our primary focus, the quality and selection of meat in Floripa were too good to pass up.
Brigadeiros
We tried brigadeiros, a traditional Brazilian dessert, for the first time in Floripa, and they instantly became a favorite. These sweet treats are similar to chocolate truffles but have an incredibly rich flavor, thanks to the combination of condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Although we weren’t initially drawn to their chocolate sprinkle coating, we quickly became obsessed and couldn’t wait to make them ourselves. If you’re feeling inspired, check out the simple recipe below to try them at home.
Brigadeiros Recipe
Ingredients:
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chocolate sprinkles
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter.
Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and leaves a clear streak in the bottom of the pan when you scrape it with a rubber spatula, about 5-10 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a greased bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, roll the mixture into 1-tablespoon-sized balls.
Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles until evenly coated.
Bonus: Caipirinhas
Before our trip to Floripa, we had never heard of this classic Brazilian cocktail. Caipirinhas are similar to mojitos but are made with local cachaça instead of rum, giving them a stronger kick. We couldn’t get enough of them! While the classic lime version is a must-try, we also enjoyed trying different flavors like strawberry and pineapple. These refreshing cocktails are perfect for sipping on the beach or just cooling off on a hot day.
Must-Try Local Foods in Floripa, Brazil Takeaways
Whether you're savoring a perfectly cooked steak, sampling a variety of fresh seafood, or sipping a refreshing caipirinha on the beach, the food in Floripa is sure to leave a lasting impression. If you're planning a visit to this island paradise, make sure to come hungry!
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