If you are visiting Rio de Janeiro in April and May, you will probably hear the following suggestion from a local at some point during your stay: Enjoy the “Comida di Buteco” festival!
But what exactly is “Comida di Buteco”? And why is this food festival so valued in Rio de Janeiro?
In this article, we will answer these questions so you can add this traditional gastronomic festival to your itinerary and enjoy it to the fullest!
What is “boteco”?
The “botecos” in Brazil are small commercial establishments, small bars, often managed by a family, specialized in the sale of drinks and snacks (sometimes also meals).
Botecos in our country can also be called bars and “botequins”. Actually, the word “boteco” is originally an abbreviation of the word “botequim” that comes from the Greek “apothéke”, still used in some languages to define “pharmacy”, as in the case of the German language.
In turn, “boticas” and “bodegas” are the Portuguese and Spanish words that define small grocery stores for the sale of food and drinks, famous for becoming a meeting point for customers. And it is more or less in this context that the first “botecos” appear in Brazil, with the opening of the Portuguese warehouses in Rio de Janeiro during the nineteenth century.
Initially, these warehouses didn’t have much structure and were located in the port region, frequented by residents and workers of the area. At that time, the reputation of these establishments was somewhat dubious. Over the years, however, these then “botecos” were spreading through the city. Traditionally, they have become a meeting point for bohemians that was looking for a good drink, cheap snacks, and uncompromising conversation. Later, excellent service and fair prices, coupled with improvements in infrastructure, have led these bars to expand their clientele further. Today, many also have a very familiar environment.
From Rio de Janeiro to all Brazil, the botecos and botequins have become a national craze that expresses very well the Brazilian gastronomy.
What is Boteco’s traditional food?
As a traditionally familiar establishment, the food served in the botecos is usually very homemade, always looking for simplicity and reasonable price. Some delicacies of Brazilian cuisine are still present on the menu. It is the case of the torresmo (crackling), the bean stew, the fried cassava, the fried gilo, and the liver with onions. Variations, however, exist and are growing larger. Additionally, depending on the family origins of the owners of the establishments, “boteco food” gains an air of Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, and German cuisine.
Just order an icy beer to drink, a caipirinha or the famous cachaça and be happy!
Carioca Tip:
If during the night the snacks take over the menu, it is common during the day these establishments sell a “daily special” with Brazilian food well home cooked and for a very fair price. The menu usually varies daily but keeps the double rice and beans as the main accompaniments. On Fridays and Saturdays, it can be feijoada’s day! Botecos can really be an excellent option for you to try a delicious and cheap feijoada, accompanied by a caipirinha → one of the 10 must-see attractions in Rio de Janeiro.
What is the "Comida di Buteco" festival?
“Comida di Buteco” – written with “di” and “bu” in the way most Brazilians speak – is a national gastronomy contest, when many botecos of 25 cities in Brazil compete with each other for the best and most traditional bar food of the year!
Created in 1999 by the gastronomer Eduardo Maya in the city of Belo Horizonte, the contest aims to promote and rescue the botecos authentic, with good food and democratic ambiance, as well as enhancing the country’s culinary roots. Participating establishments have their owners always at the forefront of the business. Therefore, the botecos do not belong to networks or franchises and have the identity of its owner and of other people of the owner’s family who work there as well.
How does it work?
Every year, the selected bar present tidbits specially created for the competition. Public and jurors attend the participating bars and evaluate the snack, service, hygiene, and temperature of the drink. First, the best “buteco” in the city is chosen. Then the best of Brazil.
Usually, the creation of snacks must comply with a criterion previously established by the organization. In most years, one or two ingredients typical of Brazilian cuisine are selected to be part of the snack prepared for the contest. We have had years in which the component was sausage, cassava, different kinds of fruit, etc. In Comida di Buteco 2023, the theme is seasonings and spices.
At first glance, the contest seems just a brilliant marketing move. But the owners of botecos and their clients would never let that happen. Today, the competition has become a long-awaited tradition in the country, a grand national celebration for an appreciation of the culture of boteco and the traditional cuisine.
Why participate in the "Comida di Buteco"?
The botecos became an icon of Brazil and Brazilian sociability. As the contest staff likes to define:
“The buteco is a place with no surname, but with a lot of history. Where there is no color because it is colored by nature. Where there is no nationality, but all speak the same language. Where there is no prejudice, religion or profession. Where everyone talks about everything and everyone. Buteco is a place where you make friends and flirt. Buteco is culture and cooperation. ” (Author unknown)
It is in a bar that you can experience an essential facet of the culture and lifestyle of Rio. The bars are the extension of our house and our beach. A must stop for anyone curious to know the carioca way of being.
→ Do you know what “Carioca” mean? Learn more here.
Carioca Tip:
During your visit to Rio de Janeiro, it is clear that you can (and should) go to a bar every time of the year, but during the contest “Comida di Buteco” your experience may be even better. After all, the competition makes the whole team of the establishment add a new quality to their picks and their service.
How to participate?
To participate is very simple. Consult the official website for the participating botecos. Choose your favorites and go to them. On-site, ask for your favorite drink and for the appetizer. Do not forget to leave your vote at the end.
The culture of boteco in Brazil is different from the culture of tapas in Spain. Most of the time, we choose our favorite bar and stay there for as long as we want. During the contest “Comida di Buteco”, however, that changes. The fun is exactly in jumping from bar to bar experiencing as many snacks as possible.
The choice is obviously yours. If you want to choose only one and stay there, we will list here our five favorite bars in Rio de Janeiro, traditionally contest participants.
If, however, you prefer to enter the wave of experiencing various snacks, Porto Maravilha, Lapa and the residential districts of Tijuca and Grajaú concentrate a higher number of participants, and it is by them that we would begin. On the official contest website, you will find all participating bars marked on the map.
If you are looking for company, know that Rio de Janeiro by Cariocas has put together a special tour for the event. Contact us and we will tailor a circuit specially for your taste and preferences!
Carioca Tip:
Combine the experience of Comida di Buteco with a trip to one of the city’s samba shows. Access the post Where to enjoy Samba in Rio from Monday to Sunday or book the Private Tour Local Samba and Botequim Experience.
We hope you have realized that to go to a boteco can enrich your visit to Rio! We also hope you have understood why the “Comida di Buteco” contest is more than a gastronomic competition.
And if you need help to make your own itinerary, please contact us. We can create a custom itinerary for you with everything that Rio de Janeiro has to offer!
