The Taste Atlas website created a list of the best dishes in the world in 2023, and the Brazilian picanha, a cut of beef widely popular in Brazil, has gained international recognition and was highlighted by the Taste Atlas website as the world’s best dish! See the full article here. This acknowledgment not only emphasizes the quality of this beef cut but also showcases the mastery of Brazilian cuisine in preparing it exceptionally.
Picanha is a cut taken from the rear part of the cow, known as the top sirloin cap. It is recognized for its juiciness, distinctive flavor, and marbling, which involves small amounts of fat distributed between the muscle fibers, imparting tenderness and a unique taste to the meat.
The secret to the popularity and excellence of Brazilian picanha lies not only in the quality of the meat itself, but also in the way it is prepared. In Brazil, the way to season picanha is very simple, just with coarse salt to enhance its natural flavor. It is very important to cut the picanha piece correctly to maintain the tenderness of the meat. With the fat layer facing up, cut in the opposite direction to the muscle fibers. Picanha can be prepared in a frying pan or roasted in the oven, however, the barbecue technique, with grills and charcoal, is an art that Brazilians have mastered, providing perfect cooking, a delicious smoked flavor and an irresistible smell.
The picanha’s side dishes can be as varied as possible, such as rice and beans, salad, polenta, potatoes, bread, among other options. There is no rule, everyone can choose what they like most.
Picanha is often enjoyed at barbecues, whether at specialized establishments, renowned steakhouses, or even during family meals. Its popularity transcends borders, being appreciated by people from various cultures around the world.
The recognition of Brazilian picanha as the world’s best dish by Taste Atlas highlights not only the quality of the meat itself but also Brazilians’ expertise in its preparation and appreciation for a dish that has become an icon of national gastronomy. This distinction further reinforces Brazil’s position as a country that offers not only beautiful landscapes but also diverse and high-quality cuisine.
WHERE TO EAT PICANHA IN SÃO PAULO
The Taste Atlas website also indicates the best places to enjoy picanha, but none of them are in São Paulo. But don’t worry, we’ll show you the best places to find it below:
- At steakhouses, you can taste picanha and other good cuts of meat accompanied by a rich salad buffet.
- Fogo de Chão, is one of the most traditional, it has been present in the city since the 80s and has branches in the United States and Mexico. Find nearby branch
- Barbacoa, one of the best in town, has 3 branches in Sao Paulo and also branches in Italy and Japan. Find a nearby branch
- We only mentioned 2 places above, but there are others in the city that are very good too and with even more affordable prices. See the Trip Advisor list.
- Kilo restaurants with barbecue. Kilo restaurants, in case you didn’t know, work in such a way that the price the customer pays is determined by the weight of the food on the plate. But not all of them serve barbecue. Below are suggestions for places that serve barbecue per kilo:
- Jabuticaba Gastronomia (just lunch time), see address
- Roda Grill (just lunch time), see address
- Highlight for Picanha chafing dish from:
- Bar do Juarez, in addition to picanha in chafing dishes, it serves appetizers, snacks and some dishes. Find a nearby branch