Santos Food: Top 5 Must-Try Eats & Drinks (Updated!)

Santos, that port town, is way more than just a stop on the way to somewhere else. You know, that’s kinda why it’s one of my favorite places. What’s great is that it offers such a variety of things; the food and drinks are absolutely amazing! You can almost feel the ocean air in all the dishes here, and that makes the whole dining experience just absolutely delightful.

1. Pastel de Camarão: A Shrimp Lover’s Dream

Pastel de camarão is very much a signature snack. The thing is, in Santos, they truly shine! It’s almost a big, crispy, fried pastry bursting with shrimp. Honestly, usually you’ll see that the best ones are filled with a creamy mix and are very, very flavorful. Apparently, what people like about this dish so much is when you get that little bit of crispiness with the richness of the shrimp filling. Honestly, if you are in the city, then do not skip the Pastel. You should know that some of the best can often be discovered at unassuming kiosks around the beach! This might be exactly what you would look for on your trip.

2. Escondidinho de Frutos do Mar: Seafood Comfort Food

Escondidinho de Frutos do Mar is pretty much “hidden seafood,” a dish that offers you a cozy and savory experience. This, to me, usually features layers of mixed seafood covered with creamy mashed potatoes and, so then, baked until it’s that kind of golden and bubbling, the type you just want to dive into! It’s almost like the Brazilian version of shepherd’s pie but honestly, so, so much better! Typically the dish uses shrimp, squid, and fish; so, it’s a mix that gives you a taste of the ocean. What this will do is that it can bring that nice feeling you just need after a day at the beach.

3. Suco de Acerola: A Tropical Vitamin Boost

Suco de Acerola is often so refreshing! The drink is made from acerola cherries, which grow like your wildest dreams. Actually, they are naturally very tart and come with such a large amount of vitamin C. This kinda offers more than just a tasty drink; instead, it also provides a very helpful boost to your immunity. When you go to a spot that specializes in juices, or maybe the juice section of a larger place, just know you will definitely get that cool, tangy refreshment. I usually prefer mine without any sugar! In this way, you get that natural bite of the fruit.

4. Moqueca Santista: Seafood Stew with a Twist

Moqueca Santista offers such an amazing version of this classic Brazilian seafood stew, which makes use of a mild touch and brings the real flavor of the ingredients! As a matter of fact, it’s prepared in a way that you can taste the fish, shrimp, and all the different kinds of vegetables so well because it is simmered in a very tasty broth, which usually tastes delicious because of the tomatoes and the bell peppers, and I almost forgot that they also make use of coriander, giving you a refreshing aroma! Usually, locals eat it with rice and pirão, and I am telling you, that makes it amazing, giving a satisfying kind of meal, mostly when you are just enjoying your day along the coast.

5. Brigadeiro: The Ultimate Chocolate Treat

Brigadeiro is very much known as the Brazilian answer to chocolate fudge. It offers tiny, sweet balls of cocoa that is so luscious, mostly what you do is that you cover it with chocolate sprinkles. In some ways, it makes it much better because there is more to enjoy! The dish has a rich kind of history that everyone should know because it actually stems back to the 1940s and still represents a celebration. The Brigadeiro offers an absolute must for any lover of chocolates because it shows the simplicity and richness of Brazilian cuisine.