Churrascaria

Churrascaria is a type of restaurant or dining establishment that specializes in churrasco, a traditional Brazilian method of barbecue cooking. The term 'Churrascaria' originates from the Portuguese word 'churrasco', which refers to the cooking method involving the grilling of meats over an open fire.

History

The tradition of Churrascaria began in the early 19th century in the Pampas region of Brazil, where gauchos (South American cowboys) would cook large pieces of meat over an open fire. This method of cooking, known as churrasco, quickly became popular throughout Brazil and other parts of South America.

Dining Experience

In a Churrascaria, diners typically pay a fixed price (preço fixo), and servers circulate the room with large skewers of various types of grilled meats, from which they slice portions upon request. This serving style is known as rodízio, and it is a defining characteristic of Churrascaria dining.

In addition to the meats, a Churrascaria will often offer a wide variety of side dishes and salads, served buffet-style. Common side dishes include feijoada (a black bean stew with pork), farofa (toasted cassava flour), and vinagrete (Brazilian vinaigrette).

Variations

While the traditional Churrascaria focuses on beef, modern variations may offer a wider range of meats, including pork, chicken, lamb, and seafood. Some Churrascarias also offer other Brazilian dishes or incorporate elements of other cuisines.

See Also

• Brazilian cuisine
• Barbecue
• Rodízio
• Feijoada
• Farofa
• Vinagrete