Acarajé as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Acarajé is absolutely in that category. The rich and earthy quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. dende palm oil does work that no substitute can replicate.

Brazilian cuisine reflects indigenous, Portuguese, and African culinary heritages in equal measure. There's something about the a Bahian seafood restaurant context that reinforces the comfort effect. açaí bowl alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.