Maranhão's culinary was highly influenced by the European, African and indigenous cultures. From this mixture emerges eclectic and colorful culinary of exotic and irresistible flavors.

The strong point is fish and seafood that are served in the most varied ways. Stews, fricassees, baked dishes are also part of the Maranhão's menu, yet recipes vary from one corner to the other of the State

Those traveling along the coastline, among many and tasty dishes we can point out the fried stone-fish, the typical fishbowl of Maranhão prepared with coconut milk, the shrimp or crab pie, the traditional cuxá rice prepared with an herb called vinegar plant and the shrimp chowders. Those visiting the back-country a more regional menu includes sun-dried meat, yokel chicken, butter cheese, cured sausages and Maria-Izabel-rice.

You can easily find diners in São Luis or Barreirinhas that offer all these delicious dishes. Ask for a 'tiquira', the traditional brandy of Maranhão, distilled from manioc, or the artisan liqueurs made of typical local fruits like 'genipap' and 'catuaba'. Don't forget to taste as juices or desserts the fruits and sweets of the region like wine-palm fruit, 'cupuaçu', 'sapoti', custard apple, sapodilla, hog-plum, cashew and cabbage-palm fruit that is locally called as 'juçara'.

Bon appetit!