A Chef’s Guide to Belém, Brazil

It seems everyone wants to go to Brazil. In 2025, the South American nation broke its tourism record, welcoming 7 million international tourists between January and September alone. And the year isn’t over yet. In fact, our friends at Travel + Leisure just named it their 2026 Destination of the Year, which may just be the push you need to start plotting your own trip to Brazil, too. And if you need a little help on where to go, we suggest heading right to the northern city of Belém. 

The 400-year-old city, which also happens to be the capital of the state of Pará, acts as one of the main “gateways to the Amazon,” Visit Brazil explains. And, despite being a thoroughly modern city, it still holds onto plenty of tradition, including its absolutely divine food scene. And luckily for all of us, chef Thiago Castanho is happy to share a few of the must-visit spots you need to dine at across his hometown, from breakfast to the last caipirinha, on your next visit. 

Morning: Breakfast at Nauta Artisanal Bakery

Thiago likes to keep things in the family, heading over to Nauta Artisanal Bakery in the morning, owned by his brother, Felipe Castanho. The buzzy spot is filled with the scent of just-baked sourdough, highlighting local ingredients and regionally sourced grains. Pair it with a cup of Brazilian coffee (made into essentially any espresso-based drink you wish), which is both strong enough to last you all day and also goes well with the bakery’s sweets, including its croissants, carrot cake, or cream-filled doughnuts. 

Midday: Ver-o-Peso Market and Street Food

It just wouldn’t be right to go all the way to Belém and miss out on the Ver-o-Peso Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Latin America with over 2,000 vendors. The market is jam packed with stalls that overflow with local produce like açaí berries, tucupi (a tangy yellow sauce made from wild cassava), and plentiful herbs that are used as both medicine and the perfect seasoning. Thiago recommends stopping at Fafá, a stand where you can try tacacá (a shrimp and tucupi soup) and vatapá (a creamy dish made with bread, peanuts, and coconut milk) for the perfect taste of Belém. 

Lunch: Remanso do Peixe, Alzira Fish Bar, or Celeste

For lunch, Thiago wants you to head right to Remanso do Peixe, his family’s restaurant that further celebrates the region’s best dishes. Signature plates include the local river fish, jambu leaves, and cassava in almost every form. Want something simple? Thiago says the Alzira Fish Bar is ideal for a bit of home-style cooking, or Celeste, for an easy breezy spot where you can get contemporary plates inspired by Brazil’s best coastal ingredients.

Dinner: Puba Bar and a party

When you’re ready to close out the night, Thaigo recommends making your way to Puba Bar, where more cassava takes center stage. Order one of chef Lucas Paralyz’s craft cocktails, made with tiquira (a cassava-based spirit), then end the night at Espaço Cultural Apoena for live Pará music and caipirinhas that keep the rhythm going long into the night. 

Where to Stay

Want to do it all again tomorrow? Thiago recommends spending the night at Cas’Amazônia, a restored historic mansion in the Campina neighborhood that perfectly captures the soul of Belém, with its equal parts history and welcoming hospitality. With its close proximity to the Ver-o-Peso Market and great shops and restaurants, it’s the ideal stay.