Pastel
Pastel is a typical Brazilian fast food, a fried turnover with varied fillings. Pastelaria da Sogra offers a wide variety of flavors, both savory and sweet.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Pastelaria da Sogra
Pastel's origins are linked to Japanese immigrants in Brazil who adapted Chinese spring rolls and other fried pastries to local tastes. It's believed they began selling these pastries in street markets to avoid prejudice and blend in, eventually becoming a staple of Brazilian street food culture.
Pastel is deeply ingrained in Brazilian culture as a popular and affordable street food. It is commonly found in street fairs, markets (feiras), and specialized shops called 'pastelarias'. Eating pastel is often a social activity, shared with friends and family.
Street Fairs and Markets
Pastel is a ubiquitous presence at Brazilian street fairs and markets (feiras livres). These bustling environments offer a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, with pastelarias being a central attraction.
Pastelarias
Specialized shops called 'pastelarias' are dedicated to serving pastel. These establishments often offer a vast selection of flavors and are popular spots for a quick and satisfying meal.
Family and Social Gatherings
Sharing pastel is a common social activity in Brazil. It's often enjoyed with friends and family, especially during informal gatherings and outings.
Affordable and Accessible
Pastel is a relatively inexpensive and readily available food option, making it accessible to a wide range of people. Its affordability has contributed to its widespread popularity.
Pastel offers a wide range of flavors, both savory and sweet. Savory fillings typically include cheese, meat, and vegetables, while sweet variations feature chocolate, fruits, and dulce de leche.
Common savory fillings are ground beef (carne), cheese (queijo, usually mozzarella), chicken (frango), heart of palm (palmito), pizza (a combination of cheese, tomato sauce, and oregano), and shrimp (camarão). Sweet fillings include chocolate (chocolate), banana with cinnamon (banana com canela), guava paste with cheese (goiabada com queijo), and doce de leite.
Pairing with Caldo de Cana
Pastel is traditionally paired with 'caldo de cana' (sugar cane juice), a sweet and refreshing drink that complements the savory flavors of the pastel.
Customizing Your Filling
Many pastelarias allow you to customize your filling by combining different ingredients. Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own unique flavor combination.
Freshness is Key
The best pastel is freshly fried and served hot. Look for pastelarias with high turnover to ensure the pastel is made to order.
Beware the Pimenta
Many vendors offer a spicy chili sauce (pimenta) to add to your pastel. Exercise caution when using it, as some variations can be extremely hot.
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