Last year’s FIFA World Cup turned the spotlight on Brazil for a month, and with the 2016 Summer Olympics taking place in Rio de Janeiro, it’s time to familiarize yourself with Brazilian culture and start practicing your Portuguese! Brazilians everywhere are rejoicing in the fact that it is their nation’s turn to shine. If there is one thing you should know about Brazilians, it’s that they certainly have the personality for the spotlight.The Brazilian immigration wave to the US hit its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s. During the 17 years between 1990 and 2007 over 275,000 Brazilians migrated to the United States. In total, around 7% of the entire US Brazilian population lives in New York City.So, where exactly do Brazilians hang out? Where can you find feijoada (a stew of beans with beef and pork) and other delicious Brazilian foods? New York International has done the research for you.
Little Brazil
Similar to New York City’s Little Italy, over the years Little Brazil has diminished in size due to Brazilian residents spreading out to other parts of the city. Still, if you look hard enough you will find a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of Manhattan. West 46th Street between Fifth and Seventh Avenues was designated “Little Brazil” by former New York City mayor, Rudolph Giuliani. Although the neighborhood has shrunk to mostly the eastern part of this section in midtown, you will find authentic Brazilian cuisine, Brazilian travel agencies, the Consulate General of Brazil, and great Brazilian accessories and gifts everywhere you turn on 46th Street.Little Brazil is also the home of Brazilian Day in New York City, which takes place every year on Labor Day weekend. Brazilian Day celebrates this fun culture with free music events and a parade. This year Brazilian Day will be on August 31st, 2014. For more information please visit the parade’s website.
Brazilian Food
Brazil has a fantastic range of foods for you to discover, and the Brazilian community in New York City has done a good job of bringing authentic cuisine right to our doorstep. You certainly shouldn’t leave the neighborhood without eating at one of these delicious establishments:- Emporium BrazilOnce a coffee shop, Emporium has a minimalist atmosphere but their dishes are anything but minimal. Dive into their delicious beef dishes with an empty stomach and you will surely leave satisfied. 15 West 46thStreet, near Fifth Avenue.– IpanemaThey claim to be “A Taste of Brazil in the heart of New York City” and their food definitely will make Brazilians homesick. A Little Brazil institution, don’t miss out on their rice and beans. 13 West 46th Street, near Fifth Avenue.– Via BrasilVia Brasil is definitely worth visiting. Be sure not to leave without having the feijoada and caipirinhas. 34 West 46th Street, near Sixth Avenue.But if historic Little Brazil has gotten even littler, where have all the brasileiros gone?
Brazil in Astoria, Queens
While many Brazilians have dispersed throughout the city, Astoria can proudly claim to be the main home of Brazilians in New York City. It might not be as fancy as midtown Manhattan but this fun neighborhood is clearly the pulse of Brazilians in NYC. From an array of Brazilian stores and restaurants, to Portuguese overheard everywhere you go, it’s easy to see why some consider this the “real” Little Brazil. Although there are many Brazilian restaurants and shops scattered throughout Astoria, the heart of the community is around 36th Avenue – accessible by the N and W trains. Unlike Little Brazil’s parade, in Astoria Brazilian Day is every day.Top Brazilian restaurants in Astoria include:- Malagueta RestaurantWhile you can’t go wrong with any dish at this intimate, family-run restaurant,we recommend the coconut-milk-and-palm-oil shrimp stew. 25-35 36th Avenue, Astoria, NY– Favela GrillEasily our favorite, Favela Grill has some of the most delicious empanadas you’ll ever have stuffed with chicken, codfish, and/or potatoes. Live Brazilian music every Friday and Saturday adds to the atmosphere. 33-18 28th Avenue, Astoria, NY
Other Cool Brazilian Hangout Spots in NYC
– Miss FavelaA meat lover’s heaven, Miss Favela has weekly live Brazilian music and a nightly DJ. 57 South Fifth Street, Brooklyn, NY– Churrascaria PlataformaEnjoy the very best of Brazilian grilled meat at this Hell’s Kitchen establishment. 316 West 49th Street, New York, NY– Nevada SmithsWe are big fans of Nevada Smiths and when the Brazilian national team plays this pub is filled with yellow and green. 125 East 11th Street, New York, NY– Churrascaria TribecaIf you want a great all you can eat place in Tribeca then Churrascaria Tribeca is the way to go. Choose your appetizers from a gourmet buffet and then enjoy the main course as waiters come by with various grilled specialties. 221 West Broadway, New York, NY– The Arte Capoeira CenterLocated in Midtown, the ACC offers daily capoeira classes for students of all levels. They also offer weekly salsa classes.