Episode 12: Culturally Rich Cuisine: Brazilian Heritage & Diversity

Written By Arlene Stein

(c) Helena Peixoto 

Brazil, the world's fifth-largest country with 215 million people and the seventh most populous is a land of rich diversity. Its landscape is a tapestry of rivers, wetlands, mountains, and the world's largest rainforest, the Amazon. But what truly sets Brazil apart is its unique blend of cultures, a result of its history of colonization, African slavery, and immigration from around the globe. It's a melting pot like no other, with a significant Indigenous population and 45% of Brazilians identifying as 'multiracial.' The majority of the population has European roots, including Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and German ancestry, while others are a blend of Indigenous, African, and Asian backgrounds.

We had the pleasure of speaking with the renowned Brazilian chef Manoella Buffara, the proud owner of the award-winning restaurant Manu in Curitiba. Among her many accolades, she has been honored with the Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award, served as a judge on the sixth season of the reality show The Taste Brasil, and has been a judge at the Basque Culinary World Prize since 2019. In 2022, she was recognized as the Best Female Chef in Latin America by the 50 Best Academy. Chef Buffara's journey, from her Italian-Lebanese roots and upbringing on a farm, to her commitment to local farmers and producers, is a testament to her dedication to transforming Brazilian cuisine and giving back to her community. We'll delve into the unique blend of cultures that defines Brazil's diverse food scene, a fascinating mix of Indigenous, African, Asian, and European influences, and discover how Chef Buffara draws inspiration from this rich heritage, her sustainability practices, and her love for the land.

To learn more about chef Manoella Buffara, her restaurant, and some of the foundations she is working with, follow her on Instagram @manubuffara and @restaurantemanu. Check out her website for her full story, gorgeous food photos, and how to make a reservation for your next visit to Curitiba, Brazil.

 
Arlene Stein
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Episode 11: The Great Migration North: American BBQ