- Introduction
- The Top Five Breads to Try in Rio De Janeiro Brazil
- Ten Best Bakeries in Rio De Janeiro to Try the Best Brazilian Bread
- All Luxury Hotels within walking distance of bakeries in Rio De Janeiro
- Additional Resources
Introduction
Rio De Janeiro is a city that doesn’t know what it wants to be. It has everything from the filthy rich to the dirt poor, the sleek skyscrapers to the crumbling favelas, and the dazzling celebrities to the desperate criminals. It also has some of the finest bread in the world, if you care about such things.
In this blog post, we will tell you about the five breads you should try in Rio De Janeiro and Brazil, if you don’t mind the calories. We will also tell you about the ten best Bakeries in Rio De Janeiro to get ’em, if you don’t mind the crowds. And we’ll tell you about the luxury hotels in Rio De Janeiro with bakeries nearby if you don’t mind the price. Whether you are a glutton or a snob, you will find something to suit your appetite and your ego in this guide.
The Top Five Breads to Try in Rio De Janeiro Brazil
Brazil is a country with a rich and diverse culinary heritage, influenced by its indigenous, African, European, and Asian roots. One of the most prominent aspects of Brazilian cuisine is its bread, which varies from region to region and reflects the history and culture of each place. Here are some of the most popular and delicious breads to try in Rio De Janeiro and Brazil:
Pão de queijo
This is one of the most iconic and beloved breads in Brazil. It is a small, round, chewy cheese bread made with tapioca flour and cheese. It originated in the state of Minas Gerais, but it is now widely consumed throughout the country. You can find it in bakeries, cafes, supermarkets, and even airports. It is usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack, but it can also be served as an appetizer or a side dish. Pão de queijo is best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven, with butter or jam.
Pão francês
This is the most common bread in Brazil. It is a long, thin, crusty white bread that resembles a French baguette. It is also known as pão de sal (salt bread) or pãozinho (little bread). It is typically eaten for breakfast or as a sandwich bread, with butter, cheese, ham, or other fillings. Pão francês is also used to make torradas (toasts), which are sliced and toasted with butter or garlic.
Pão de coco
This is a sweet bread made with coconut milk, sugar, eggs, and shredded coconut. It has a soft and moist texture and a delicate coconut flavor. It originated in the northeastern region of Brazil, where coconut is widely used in cooking. Pão de coco is usually eaten for breakfast or as a dessert, with coffee or tea. It can also be topped with whipped cream or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence.
Brioche
This is a French-inspired bread that has become very popular in Brazil in recent years. It is a rich and buttery bread made with eggs, milk, sugar, and yeast. It has a golden crust and a fluffy crumb. Brioche can be plain or flavored with chocolate, nuts, fruits, or cheese. It can be eaten for breakfast or as a snack, with butter, jam, honey, or Nutella. Brioche can also be used to make French toast or bread pudding.
Broa de milho
This is a rustic cornbread that originated in Portugal and was brought to Brazil by the colonizers. It is made with cornmeal, wheat flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and yeast. It has a dense and crumbly texture and a slightly sweet taste. Broa de milho is usually eaten for breakfast or as an accompaniment to soups and stews. It can also be sliced and toasted with butter or cheese.
Ten Best Bakeries in Rio De Janeiro to Try the Best Brazilian Bread
Rio De Janeiro is home to some of the finest bakeries in Brazil, where you can find a wide variety of breads and pastries to suit every palate. Here are some of the best bakeries in Rio De Janeiro to try the best Brazilian bread:
Confeitaria Colombo
Confeitaria Colombo is one of the oldest and most famous bakeries in Rio De Janeiro. It was founded in 1894 by two Portuguese immigrants who wanted to create a refined and elegant place for their customers.
The bakery has a stunning Art Nouveau interior with stained glass windows, mirrors, and chandeliers. It offers a selection of traditional and contemporary breads and pastries, such as pão de queijo, brioche, croissants, cakes, pies, and tarts. It also serves a lavish afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, and sweets.
Confeitaria Colombo is located in the historic center of Rio De Janeiro, near the Municipal Theater and the National Library.
Closest Hotel: JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro
Casa Cavé
This is another historic bakery that dates back to 1860. It was founded by a French immigrant who wanted to bring the best of Parisian patisserie to Rio De Janeiro.
The bakery has a charming facade with a blue awning and a vintage sign. It specializes in French-inspired breads and pastries, such as baguettes, croissants, eclairs, macarons, and madeleines. It also has a variety of Brazilian delicacies, such as pão de coco, broa de milho, and brigadeiros (chocolate truffles).
Casa Cavé is located in the downtown area of Rio De Janeiro, near the Candelaria Church and the Tiradentes Palace.
Closest Hotel: Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Empório Jardim
Empório Jardim is a modern and cozy bakery that opened in 2014. It has a bright and airy decor with wooden tables, colorful cushions, and plants.
It offers a menu of artisanal breads and pastries made with organic ingredients and natural fermentation. Some of the highlights include pão francês, sourdough bread, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and cookies. It also has a brunch menu with eggs, sandwiches, salads, and juices.
Empório Jardim is located in the trendy neighborhood of Gávea, near the Botanical Garden and the Planetarium.
Closest Hotel: Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
Padaria Ipanema
This is a popular and bustling bakery that has been serving the locals since 1973. It has a simple and casual atmosphere with white walls, tiled floors, and plastic chairs.
It offers a variety of fresh and tasty breads and pastries, such as pão de queijo, cheese breadsticks, cheese croissants, ham and cheese rolls, and apple tarts. It also has a buffet of hot and cold dishes, such as lasagna, chicken pie, salads, and soups.
Padaria Ipanema is located in the lively neighborhood of Ipanema, near the beach and the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.
Closest Hotel: Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
Boulangerie Guerin
Boulangerie Guerin is a chic and sophisticated bakery that opened in 2012. It is owned by a French chef who trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu school in Paris.
The bakery has a sleek and elegant decor with black and white tiles, marble counters, and glass displays. It offers a range of exquisite breads and pastries, such as baguettes, brioche, croissants, pain au chocolat, opera cake, and lemon tart. It also serves coffee, tea, wine, and champagne.
Boulangerie Guerin is located in the upscale neighborhood of Copacabana, near the Copacabana Palace Hotel and the Forte de Copacabana.
Closest Hotel: Belmond Copacabana Palace
Talho Capixaba
Talho Capixaba is a gourmet bakery that opened in 1994. It is known for its high-quality products and impeccable service. The bakery has a cozy and inviting decor with wooden shelves, brick walls, and chalkboard menus.
It offers a variety of artisanal breads and pastries made with organic flour and natural yeast. Some of the specialties include sourdough bread, rye bread, focaccia, croissants, brownies, and cheesecakes. It also has a deli section with cheeses, meats, jams, and wines.
Talho Capixaba is located in the fashionable neighborhood of Leblon, near the Shopping Leblon mall and the Leblon Beach.
Closest Hotel: Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro
Casa Carandaí
Casa Carandaí is a charming and rustic bakery that opened in 2012. It is inspired by the old-fashioned grocery stores that used to exist in Brazil.
The bakery has a warm and nostalgic decor with wooden furniture, antique items, and vintage posters. It offers a selection of traditional and regional breads and pastries, such as pão de queijo, broa de milho, pão de coco, rocambole (rolled cake), and quindim (coconut custard). It also has a cafe section with sandwiches, salads, quiches, and pies.
Casa Carandaí is located in the historic neighborhood of Jardim Botânico, near the Jardim Botânico park and the Parque Lage.
Closest Hotel: Santa Teresa Hotel RJ – MGallery
Fabrique Pão e Café
Fabrique Pão e Café is a trendy and minimalist bakery that opened in 2016. It is run by a young couple who are passionate about bread and coffee. The bakery has a clean and modern decor with white walls, concrete floors, and metal lamps.
It offers a range of artisanal breads and pastries made with organic ingredients and natural fermentation. Some of the highlights include sourdough bread, whole wheat bread, croissants, muffins, and cookies. It also serves specialty coffee from different regions of Brazil.
Fabrique Pão e Café is located in the hip neighborhood of Botafogo, near the Botafogo Praia Shopping mall and the Sugarloaf Mountain.
Closest Hotel: None recommended within walking distance
Pão & Companhia
Pão & Companhia is a family-owned and operated bakery that opened in 1985. It is one of the most popular and respected bakeries in Rio De Janeiro. The bakery has a friendly and cozy decor with red walls, wooden tables, and colorful paintings.
It offers a variety of delicious breads and pastries, such as pão francês, cheese breadsticks, cheese croissants, ham and cheese rolls, apple tarts, carrot cake, and chocolate cake. It also has a breakfast menu with eggs, bacon, cheese, ham, fruits, and juices.
Pão & Companhia is located in the residential neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca, near the Barra Shopping mall and the Barra Beach.
Closest Hotel: Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro
All Luxury Hotels within walking distance of bakeries in Rio De Janeiro
Rio De Janeiro is not only a city of contrasts but also a city of surprises. You might not expect to find luxury hotels with bakeries within walking distance in this bustling metropolis, but they do exist. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Rio De Janeiro with bakeries within walking distance:
Belmond Copacabana Palace
Belmond Copacabana Palace is one of the most iconic and prestigious hotels in Rio De Janeiro. It was built in 1923 and has hosted celebrities, royalty, and presidents over the years.
- Pool, a spa, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars.
- Belmond Copacabana Palace is located on the famous Copacabana Beach,
- 5-minute walk from Boulangerie Guerin
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is one of the most stylish and sophisticated hotels in Rio De Janeiro. It was designed by Philippe Starck and opened in 2007.
- It also has a rooftop pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant and bar.
- Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is located on the trendy Ipanema Beach,
- 10-minute walk from Padaria Ipanema
JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro
JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro is one of the most comfortable and convenient hotels in Rio De Janeiro, renovated in 2015.
- IPool, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant and bar.
- JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro is located on the lively Copacabana Beach,
- 5-minute walk from Confeitaria Colombo
Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro
Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro is one of the most luxurious and relaxing hotels in Rio De Janeiro and opened in 2016.
- It also has a pool, a spa, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars.
- Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro is located on the beautiful Barra da Tijuca Beach,
- 10-minute walk from Pão & Companhia
Santa Teresa Hotel RJ – MGallery
Santa Teresa Hotel RJ – MGallery is one of the most charming and romantic hotels in Rio De Janeiro, housed in a former coffee plantation mansion that dates back to the 19th century.
- It also has a pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant and bar.
- Santa Teresa Hotel RJ – MGallery is located in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa
- 10-minute walk from Casa Carandaí
Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Miramar Hotel by Windsor is one of the most modern and sophisticated hotels in Rio De Janeiro, renovated in 2013
- Rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant and bar.
- Miramar Hotel by Windsor is located on the stunning Copacabana Beach
- 5-minute walk from Casa Cavé
Hotel Emiliano Rio de Janeiro
Hotel Emiliano Rio de Janeiro is one of the most exclusive and innovative hotels in Rio De Janeiro and opened in 2017 with a futuristic and minimalist decor.
- Rooftop pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant and bar.
- Hotel Emiliano Rio de Janeiro is located on the fashionable Ipanema Beach,
- 10-minute walk from Empório Jardim
Ritz Carlton Copacabana
Ritz Carlton Copacabana is a cozy and inviting boutique hotel that is superbly located at the heart of Copacabana that opened in 2016.
- Rooftop pool and bar with a panoramic view of the Copacabana Beach
- Ritz Carlton Copacabana is only 100 meters from the beach and 350 meters from the Cantagalo Metro Station.
- It is also surrounded by some of the best restaurants and bars in the area.
Additional Resources
More about South American breads