Finding the Green in the Grill: A Vegan Guide to Brazilian Barbecue

If you're vegan, walking into a traditional Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue restaurant) can feel like entering a meat-lover's paradise. With skewers of sizzling picanha and spicy sausages parading past your table, plant-based options might seem nonexistent. But hidden among the flames are surprisingly vibrant vegan treasures—you just need to know where to look. Here’s how to savor authentic Brazilian flavors without compromising your values.

The Vegan Challenge at a Churrascaria

Brazilian barbecue revolves around espeto corrido (rotating meat service), where passadores (meat waiters) carve grilled meats tableside. While animal protein dominates, traditional accompaniments hold vegan potential. The catch? Many seemingly innocent sides hide animal products like lard, cheese, or fish sauce. Hearty feijoada stew often contains pork, and even farofa (toasted manioc flour) might include bacon. Without careful vetting, accidental slips are common.

Shining Stars: Vegan-Friendly Classics

Despite the meaty focus, Brazilian cuisine offers naturally plant-based gems. Scan menus for these staples:

• Pão de Alho Vegan: Garlic bread minus butter/cheese (request olive oil instead)
• Salpicão de Palmito: Heart of palm salad with veggies (hold mayo)
• Farofa de Banana: Sweet plantain and manioc flour blend (confirm no bacon)
• Vinagrete: Fresh tomato-onion-pepper relish
• Grilled Pineapple: Caramelized rings—nature’s dessert
• Feijão Tropeiro Sans Meat: Bean stew with kale and manioc (ask about broth)
• Mandioca Frita: Fried cassava sticks (ensure lard-free oil)

How MM Food Unlocks Your Vegan Feast

Don’t leave your meal to chance. With MM Food:

1. Translate Instantly: Snap a menu photo for real-time Portuguese-to-English translation.
2. Custom Filtering: Set "vegan" in dietary preferences; our AI scans dishes and flags non-compliant ingredients (like hidden dairy in sauces or animal fats).
3. Smart Recommendations: Get alerted to vegan-friendly options, including adaptable sides (e.g., "Farofa listed; request bacon-free version").

Indulge confidently. Brazilian barbecue isn’t just about meat—it’s about shared joy and abundance. With MM Food, you’ll uncover delicious vegan possibilities where others see only fire and skewers.