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$26.99 (as of November 9, 2024 14:48 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Have you ever found yourself at a Brazilian steakhouse, overwhelmed by the mouth-watering array of options and wondering what to avoid? The typical Brazilian steakhouse menu includes dozens of succulent meat options, a gourmet salad bar with hot and cold foods, and traditional Brazilian side dishes. It can be hard to imagine turning any of it down, but several foods are worth skipping if you want to maximize your experience.
If you strategize properly, you’ll be able to sample the most meats at a Brazilian steakhouse and avoid filling up on some of the more robust dishes that aren’t unique to the restaurant. Below, we’ll detail the foods you might want to skip, providing you with suggestions on how to get the most out of your dining experience.
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Salad Bar and Side Items to Skip
Navigating the salad bar at a Brazilian steakhouse can take some finesse. While the variety can be enticing, here are some key foods to avoid.
Large Lettuce Salads
Large lettuce salads, though fresh and tasty, are often quite filling due to their high water content. Since you can enjoy a salad at home anytime, it’s best to skip these when you’re paying $50 and up for your Brazilian steakhouse dinner.
Heavy or Oil-Laden Choices
Avoid heavy or oil-laden choices like olives and candied bacon. Foods high in oils or fats can contribute to a feeling of fullness, reducing your capacity for the pricier meats that are the highlight of the experience.
Pre-mixed Salads
Pre-mixed salads, such as chicken salads, often contain fillers and mayonnaise, adding unwanted calories and heaviness. These can take away from enjoying the primary draw: the meats.
Charcuterie
Charcuterie like salami, prosciutto, and other cured meats might be delicious, but they aren’t unique to Brazilian steakhouses. You can find these at many standard salad bars, so it’s worth skipping them here.
Hot Foods and Soups
Brazilian steakhouses also feature an array of self-serve hot foods and soups by the salad bar, but it’s best to hold back here as well. These generally include heavier bites that end up being overly filling.
Served Side Dishes to Avoid
When it comes to served sides, certain items can fill you up fast, leaving you with less room for the signature meats. Here’s a breakdown of sides to consider avoiding:
| Side Dish | Reason to Skip |
|---|---|
| French Fries | High in carbs and available everywhere |
| Mashed Potatoes | Heavy and filling |
| Fried or Caramelized Bananas | Often high in sugar and oil-rich |
| Polenta | Carbohydrate-heavy |
| Arroz Branco (White Rice) | Fills you up quickly with starchy carbs |
Save these high-carb or starchy foods for another occasion to make the most out of your Brazilian steakhouse visit.
Beef Cuts and More to Steer Clear Of
The stars of the show at a Brazilian steakhouse are the delectable meats carved tableside. However, not every meat or protein on the menu is as deserving of your stomach space or wallet.
Ribeye and Filet Mignon
Ribeye and filet mignon are some of the best cuts of steak, but at a Brazilian steakhouse, these aren’t worth your time. Because these are carved and not cooked to order to your preferred doneness, they may not be as tasty as the more traditional Brazilian meats.
Chicken
Chicken is another protein that you can easily forego. Not only is chicken a common protein that doesn’t match the steakhouse price, but it’s not as unique as the other meats on the churrasco menu.
Better Alternatives
Instead of the aforementioned meats, opt for these flavorful and unique choices:
| Cut/Meat | Description |
|---|---|
| Picanha | A very flavorful cut of beef from the cattle’s rump |
| Fraldinha | A thin, marbled beef cut |
| Lamb Chops | Tender and rich meat |
| Lombo (Pork Loin) | Juicy and full of flavor |
| Linguiça (Portuguese Sausage) | Traditional and uniquely seasoned sausage |
These options provide a richer experience that you won’t easily find elsewhere.
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Desserts to Pass On
Once you’ve polished off the succulent meats, you might be inclined to try some dessert. While tempting, it can be wise to skip some of the denser or overly rich desserts.
Rich Desserts
Dense desserts like pie, chocolate lava cake, cheesecake, or crème brûlée can leave you overly full. These are delightful treats but they also pack in a lot of calories and can make you feel uncomfortably stuffed.
Alternative Dessert Choices
Instead, consider some lighter yet still indulgent options:
| Dessert | Description |
|---|---|
| Papaya Cream | A refreshing and light dessert, often served with creme de cassis |
| Brazilian Pudim | A type of flan that won’t leave you overly full |
These choices won’t weigh you down as much and offer a unique Brazilian twist to finish off your meal.
General Tips for Dining at a Brazilian Steakhouse
Having a game plan can make all the difference in your dining experience:
Arrive Hungry but Not Starved
Make sure you arrive with a healthy appetite but not so hungry that you start grabbing the first things you see. This can lead to filling up on less desirable options.
Pace Yourself
Take your time and pace yourself. The meats will keep coming, so there’s no rush. Enjoy each bite and know that you can always request your favorites again.
Stay Hydrated
Drink water to stay hydrated, which helps with digestion and will make the rich foods easier to enjoy.
Use Small Portions as Samplers
Start with small portions to sample the flavors. If you like something, you can always ask for more.
Traditional Brazilian Sides You Should Try
While we’ve covered what to skip, here are a few traditional sides worth tasting:
Feijoada
This traditional Brazilian black bean stew is filled with rich flavors. A small portion won’t overwhelm you and gives you a taste of Brazilian cuisine.
Farofa
Farofa, a side dish made with toasted cassava flour, is a unique and tasty addition to your meal.
These sides complement the meats without overshadowing them, offering a genuine taste of Brazilian culinary traditions.
Conclusion
The experience at a Brazilian steakhouse can indeed be a food lover’s dream if navigated carefully. Skipping certain items allows you to indulge in the foods that make this dining encounter unique and unforgettable. By strategically avoiding foods like heavy salads, filler sides, and certain meats, you make room for the star attractions – the succulent Brazilian cuts of meat and complementary sides. Enjoy your meal to the fullest by choosing the best, most flavorful options that you wouldn’t easily find elsewhere.
So, next time you’re at a Brazilian steakhouse, you’ll know exactly which foods to skip and which ones to savor, maximizing this exceptional culinary adventure.
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