Cultural discovery through Acarajé
Acarajé opened a door into a cuisine I'd previously known almost nothing about. The sweet from tropical fruits flavours are unlike anything in my usual rotation and I mean that positively. feijoada black bean stew is a national dish with African and Portuguese roots. Understanding that context made the dish taste different — richer with meaning.
I learned that black beans is central to this cuisine's character, not just a seasoning. The a Rio de Janeiro boteco bar setting was authentic and helpful for understanding what I was eating. guaraná Antarctica completed the picture. A genuinely educational meal.
Acarajé