What is the Special in Brazil?

Brazilian wine
Not usually associated with wine, Brazil actually produces a few great wines from its wineries in the south, in Minas Gerais and in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Although especially known for its sparkling white, the rosé and the red are not to be sniffed at and go well with local cheeses such as the Canastra cheese from Rio. A trip to the south should definitely include a visit to a vineyard to pick up the local wines

Brazilian swimwear
There is no better place to get the renowned Brazilian bikini than Brazil. Famous for the thong-shaped bottoms, the shape is surprisingly flattering for all body types and in true Brazilian style, they come in bright, tropical colors and patterns.

Swimwear is not just for women though – you can get sungas for men too, which are small, tight swimming trunks similar to speedos.

Havaianas
The national flip-flop that turned into a global phenomenon, Havaianas are a distinctly Brazilian brand and a must-have in any Brazilian’s wardrobe.

They are dressed in a typically Bahian dress – a large, ankle-length dress that puffs out at the hips and is decorated in bright, cheerful colors.

Brazil has a strong sweet-tooth and has led to a range of wonderful sweets that are distinctly Brazilian.

Some great sweets to buy include paçoca, a nut-based sweet that tastes like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, pão de mel, a small sweet cake with honey, brigadeiro, a ball of chocolate condensed milk and canjica, a mix of white corn with condensed milk and cinnamon.

It sounds unhealthy and probably is, but it tastes delicious and makes an interesting souvenir.

The bottles are filled with locally-made butter and left at room temperature in the center of the table next to the salt shaker.

Bottled butter is a thing in the north of Brazil and is used to pour over dishes such as meat, rice and beans to give some extra flavor and a pleasant oily finish.

Chilli-infused oil

Something that many people may not know is that the cuisine in the north of Brazil has quite a fiery edge to it.

Chillis are added to many different recipes and chilli-based oil is often on hand to add to snacks, pastels or dripped over main meals. Many stores in Bahia sell large bottles of chilli-infused oil that are packed with small red, yellow and orange chillis.

It’s not only great for those that like an extra kick with their food, but it also makes a pretty souvenir.

Local souvenirs

Brazil has some of the most iconic monuments in the world – the Christ the Redeemer, the Sugarloaf Mountain and Maracaña Stadium to name a few.

These famous tourist attractions have naturally been replicated as souvenirs and although somewhat tacky, they do make a great and unique memorabilia. Look out for mini Christ statues, glass rocks with a carving of the Maracaña inside and the classic, ‘I love Rio’ t-shirts.

Brazil has plenty of national music that is uniquely Brazilian such as samba, forró and funk. Although the big steel drum associated with samba may be tricky to take back with you, there are other traditional musical instruments such as the banjo, mandolin and the pandeiro which make great gifts for those that love music.

A hand-woven hammock made by a local Brazilian is a great way to remember Brazil. Although the large cities tend not to use hammocks, they are popular in smaller, coastal or rural towns. Locals string them up on the patios or in the garden to rest in on the hot, summer days.

Traditional samba clothes

If there is just one music that defines Brazil, then that’s samba. Samba comes with its own unique culture of dance and fashion and is commonly associated with Brazil’s annual carnival.

The best places to get samba clothes is at the samba schools in Rio, which have many costumes left over post-carnival.

The best places to get samba clothes is at the samba schools in Rio, which have many costumes left over post-carnival.

Brazilian soapstone

Brazilians soapstone is a kind of stone that comes from Brazil. It is commonly used as kitchen worktops due to its dark color against a light, marbled effect. However, as a tourist in Brazil, taking home a kitchen worktop is not very practical. Instead, keep an eye out for the beautiful hand-carved ornaments made from soapstones that come in all sorts of styles, shapes and images.