When the prestigious Lonely Planet released its latest guide to the world’s most tempting food cities, there was a flavorful surprise from the heart of the Amazon. Belém, the capital of the state of Pará in northern Brazil, earned a coveted spot on the list — and it wasn’t just any mention. It stood shoulder to shoulder with world-renowned gastronomic capitals like Lyon, Bangkok, Lima, and Porto.
This recognition isn’t just a moment of pride; it marks a pivotal affirmation of Belém’s unique culinary identity, which blends biodiversity, tradition, and innovation into every dish. The city was the only Brazilian destination featured in Lonely Planet’s selection of the 15 most exciting food cities in the world.
According to the guide, Belém‘s gastronomy is “an explosion of history, science, and art,” the result of centuries of cultural fusion. Indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences come together in this vibrant kitchen, making it one of the most authentic food scenes on the planet.
A Taste of the Amazon
Belém’s iconic dishes include maniçoba (a rich stew made from manioc leaves and pork, cooked for days), pato no tucupi (duck stewed in a yellow broth extracted from wild manioc and seasoned with jambu), and tacacá, a soup served in a gourd, packed with regional herbs and tapioca pearls.
The city’s gastronomic fame is also fueled by ingredients native to the Amazon rainforest, many of which remain virtually unknown to the global palate. At the heart of it all is the Ver-o-Peso Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Latin America. Facing the Guajará Bay, the market is a sensory playground where locals and visitors find exotic products like jambu, tucupi, Brazil nuts, and dozens of fruits that thrive only in the rainforest.
From Forest to Freezer: Iconic Flavors
Among the must-visit spots highlighted by Lonely Planet is the legendary Sorveteria Cairu, a Belém-based ice cream shop revered for transforming Amazonian fruits into unforgettable flavors. Their açaí sorbet — made from the iconic purple berry native to the region — has gained international recognition, earning a spot in TasteAtlas rankings.
But Cairu’s fame goes far beyond açaí. The shop offers a full spectrum of Amazon flavors like cupuaçu, bacuri, taperebá, muruci, uxi, and Brazil nut, making it a true ambassador of the rainforest in frozen form. Every scoop tells a story of the forest’s biodiversity and Belém’s creativity in turning native ingredients into culinary treasures.
Further upstream, on the Island of Combu, chocolate takes on a mission. The chocolates of Dona Nena are handcrafted with ingredients harvested sustainably by riverside communities. More than a treat, each bar is a testament to Amazon bioeconomy, resistance, and innovation.
New Chefs, New Voices
Belém is also home to chefs shaping the future of Amazonian cuisine. Lonely Planet praised Thiago Castanho, the acclaimed chef behind Puba, where traditional ingredients meet modern techniques in unforgettable, authorial dishes. Castanho’s influence extends far beyond Belém — he has hosted Netflix shows and become a global ambassador for the flavors of the forest.
Another culinary powerhouse is Saulo Jennings, a chef from Santarém whose restaurants now span from Pará to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. His food celebrates the rivers and ingredients of the North while appealing to a national and international crowd.
Culinary Capital Meets Climate Leadership
This honor from Lonely Planet arrives at a key moment for Belém. The city is preparing to host the COP30, the United Nations Climate Conference, in 2025. As global eyes turn to the Amazon for environmental leadership, Belém’s gastronomy emerges as a dynamic showcase of sustainability, culture, and creativity.
More than just a place to eat well, Belém is a city where every bite tells a story — of land, of people, of forest, and of the future we want to build.
So if you’re planning your next food trip and looking to go beyond the obvious, it’s time to go north. Way north. Belém is calling — and it’s delicious.
