Brazil Inspiration

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Brazil through its finest exports. From captivating films and enchanting books to mouth-watering cuisine and essential key phrases, our guide will prepare you for an unforgettable holiday in this awe-inspiring country. Discover the heart and soul of Brazil before you even set foot on its soil. Let the journey begin!

Watch 📺

The acclaimed film "City of God" offers a raw portrayal of 1980s Rio gangland, filmed in and inspired by the favelas. Meanwhile, James Bond's 1979 adventure "Moonraker," starring Roger Moore, features breathtaking scenes of Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro—recall the thrilling cable car chase with Jaws?

For a more lighthearted view of Rio de Janeiro, consider the animated family movie "Rio," which follows a domesticated blue macaw's journey back to his native Brazil.

Read 📖

"Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon" by Jorge Amado: Renowned as one of Brazil's most celebrated authors, Jorge Amado delivers a captivating portrayal of life in the fictional town of Ilhéus, Bahia. This novel vividly depicts the vibrancy of Brazilian culture, exploring themes of love, passion, and social change.

Taste 😋

Just as Sunday roasts are a tradition in many households in the UK, Brazilian families often indulge in Feijoada on Saturdays. This iconic dish is a staple across Brazil—a sumptuous, slow-cooked stew crafted from black beans, various cuts of pork, tomatoes, cabbage, and carrots. Enjoy this national favourite with a side of fried kale or rice.

Pão de queijo, a delightful baked cheese roll, hails from Minas Gerais in southern Brazil. Made from cassava flour and queijo Minas (a Brazilian soft cheese), these fluffy treats are typically enjoyed at breakfast.

No visit to Brazil would be complete without tasting a Caipirinha. This quintessential Brazilian cocktail is incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day. Made with cachaça (Brazil’s national spirit), sugar, lime juice, and plenty of ice, it's also common to find variations with other fruits such as strawberry, passionfruit, or pineapple.

Listen 🎶

Enter the enchanting world of Brazilian music, which flows like a universal language, resonating through the streets, the jungles, and the hearts of its people. From the sultry rhythms of Sergio Mendes to the poetic tunes of Antonio Carlos Jobim, the ethereal melodies of Gal Costa, and the passionate performances of Elis Regina, there are so many captivating sounds to enjoy from Brazil.

Say 🗣️

‘Beleza’ - Sound like a true Brazilian by using this phrase when you want to express 'how great or amazing' something is.

‘Valeu cara’ - When visiting Brazil, you may already know that 'thank you' in Portuguese is obrigado, but to impress the locals, try using valeu instead. You can even throw in cara, which is Brazilian slang for 'mate'.

‘Legal’ - This word is ubiquitous in Brazil, meaning 'cool'. Brazilians use it in almost every other sentence, so incorporate it to blend in with the local cariocas (people from Rio). It's pronounced 'ley-gow'.