In April, the Northeast invades São Paulo with a lot of flavor and tradition! That’s because, every weekend of the month, the Center for Northeastern Traditions (CTN) hosts the Nordeste in Sampa Festival. The event celebrates Northeastern gastronomy, with a focus on one of the region’s most iconic dishes: baião de dois.
From April 5 to 27, the CTN’s 10 restaurants will offer different versions of the dish, representing the nine states of the Northeast and a special version in honor of São Paulo. Admission is free and the dishes start at R$ 19.90! So, if you’re a fan of Northeastern cuisine or want to try new versions of this much-loved dish, get ready to enjoy it.
An ode to baião de dois at the Nordeste in Sampa Festival
The festival promises to please all palates, with options ranging from the classic combination of rice, beans and dried meat to reinterpretations. For example, options with seafood, curd cheese, kid meat and even a vegetarian version.
Each CTN restaurant has prepared a unique version of baião de dois, using ingredients typical of their region. Check out the options available:
- Alagoas – Baião served in moranga with seafood(Jeri Restaurant).
- Bahia – Smoked loin with plantains(Cordel e Sabor Restaurant).
- Ceará – Crunchy farofa with rapadura shavings(Tábua Nordestina Restaurant).
- Maranhão – Coconut milk, prawns and plantains(Chapéu de Couro Restaurant).
- Paraíba – Carne de sol, coalho cheese and crispy touch(Xique no Úrtimo Restaurant).
- Pernambuco – Kid meat, a Pernambuco tradition(Sabor de Mainha Restaurant).
- Piauí – Palm oil, codfish and leeks(Recanto Nativo Restaurant).
- Rio Grande do Norte – Cashew nuts for a crunchy texture(Cabra Restaurant).
- Sergipe – Rubacão with sour cream(Família Kariri Restaurant).
- São Paulo – Vegetarian version without animal protein(Santo Nordeste Restaurant).
Visitors can choose between two portion sizes: individual (350g) for R$24.90 and family size (2.5kg), which serves up to five people, for R$179.90. But those who use the official CTN app have access to a special discount, paying just R$19.90 for the individual version and R$169.90 for the family option.
Far beyond gastronomy: music and northeastern culture
The festival isn’t just about gastronomy. The public will be able to enjoy a special musical program with forró bands and typical Northeastern rhythms, bringing the festive atmosphere of the region to the São Paulo capital.
In addition, at Vila dos Sabores, visitors will be able to taste other delicacies from the Northeast, such as tapioca, couscous, pastries and special drinks made with cachaça and tropical fruits.
