Pictured above we have a delicious and savory bowl of açaí.
And I know that many of you may think that you’ve had açaí before, but let me assure you that this wonderful and mysterious product of the Amazon is done no justice by the “flavored” products found in the US (juices, teas, vodkas, Jamba Juices).
When I first encountered açaí on my first day in Brazil, my impression of this giant cup of melting purple ice cream-esque substance told me that I would never want to test its waters (and I could not even imagine how it was possible to eat such a massive amount of this stuff).
Time and experience would prove me a fool (as usual).
Açaí has since become an integral part of my diet (so much so that I will likely experience withdrawal should I have to leave Brazil for too long), and I can be found eating it almost daily (even multiple times a day if I am lucky).
As for “eat[ing] such a massive amount of this stuff”? Turns out I am constantly searching for ever-larger portions (770 ml is the current champion).
You can have your açaí served up in a cup or a bowl; you can have it with a wide assortment of toppings (granola is my boy at the moment); you can have it blended with any fruit imaginable (banana and strawberry are popular); you can even have it on a boat, in a moat, with a goat, which is dope, I would hope.
Prices range from R$2 up to R$8 depending on where you buy, what size you buy and your toppings of choice.
This may just be the single greatest thing about Brazil.