Pão de Queijo as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Pão de Queijo is absolutely in that category. The smoky and umami-deep quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. fresh malagueta chilli 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 Rio de Janeiro boteco bar context that reinforces the comfort effect. Brahma lager alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.