From pastel and coxinha to feijoada snacks, Sao Paulo’s street food scene is famous the world over – and can be discovered on a number of guided tours.
(Photo: Francisco Anzola via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
The vast Brazilian city pulsates with energy, colour, and, above all, flavour. Almost every corner you turn, street vendors are offering mouth-watering foodie treats, while neighbourhood markets brim with exotic fruits and regional delicacies. Whether wandering the lantern-lit streets of Liberdade, hearing local stories on a private food and history tour, or combining bites with street art in the historic Pinheiros district, the city’s culinary heartbeat is never far away. Here are three of the best street food tours that Sao Paulo has to offer.
Liberdade Street Food Tour
Explore São Paulo’s vibrant Liberdade neighbourhood on this 2-hour small-group street food tour with a professional guide. Once a military district, Liberdade became home to Japanese immigrants over a century ago and today welcomes communities from China, Korea, Haiti, Congo and beyond. The result is a colourful, multicultural area rich in history, Afro-Brazilian heritage, and culinary traditions.
During the tour, you’ll get to sample signature snacks including Japanese pastel with tropical sugarcane juice, Brazilian-style Takoyaki, Choux Au Craquelin Korean and more. Along the way, your guide will share stories of the neighbourhood’s cultural influences, while you stroll past architectural landmarks and take in the sights, sounds and flavours that make Liberdade unique. From $58 per person.
Food, Culture & History Private Tour
For a more intimate and exclusive experience with personalised attention, this 5-hour private tour is ideal for a select group of family or friends. During the tour, you’ll be chaperoned through São Paulo’s streets by your guide as you explore the city’s rich culinary, cultural and historical tapestry, sampling typical dishes invented by a mix of the country’s indigenous people, Afro-Brazilian communities and waves of global immigrants.
You’ll visit renowned dining establishments, hidden foodie outlets and the bustling Municipal Market, tasting pão de queijo, coxinha, brigadeiro, cachaça and plenty more besides. Highlights include looking around Vila Madalena with its bohemian vibe, meeting local sellers and hearing the stories behind São Paulo’s favourited dishes. From $223 per person.
Pinheiros – Food & Graffiti Tour
(Photo: Concrete Jungles Walking Tours)
This small-group tour, featuring up to 10 guests, invites you to discover the buzzing heart of São Paulo’s Pinheiros neighbourhood. Lasting for around 2.5-hours, with 2 km of walking, it combines the area’s eye-catching street art with its rich culinary scene. During the tour, you’ll walk along streets adorned with over ten murals and graffiti, while your guide regales you with the fascinating back-story behind the artworks.
Between stops, you’ll get to sample Pinheiros’ finest local dishes and delicacies, including a traditional Brazilian snack, a neighbourhood-favourite sandwich, craft beer and ice cream. Beginning at the Pinheiros Municipal Market and ending at an ice cream salon, the tour blends food, culture and the city’s creative energy into one memorable experience. From $47 per person.