Over 12 million people live in Sao Paulo, Brazil, making it the fourth biggest city in the world. We were excited to explore its extensive culinary scene while here.
Best Thing I Ate This Week
Sushi Executivo at Sushi Kenzo
Sao Paulo, Brazil has the largest population of people of Japanese origin outside of Japan itself. Many of them live in the neighborhood of Liberdade. Specialty shops and street vendors that sell products imported from Japan fill the streets.
Sushi Kenzo is located in Liberdade near the main street amongst a row of other restaurants. It is a compact restaurant with seats along the sushi bar and a few tables in the dining room. We were lucky to grab seats at the bar and could watch the sushi chefs preparing the food right in front of us. The “sushi executivo” meal came with an assortment of nigiri and maki pieces which were so fresh and flavorful.
An Interesting Fact I Learned
Edificio Copan - Largest apartment complex in Latin America
Republica is a neighborhood located in the center of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The neighborhood is known for its many prominent buildings. One of the most famous in the city is Edificio Copan, the largest apartment complex in Latin America.
While construction began on Copan in 1952, after many delays, it was completed in 1966. The building was designed by famous architect Oscar Niemeyer and built to be a diverse community for all types of Brazilians. Today, there are over one thousand apartments ranging from studios to 3 bedroom units.
At the base of the building, there are nearly 100 different businesses that are popular with the people of Sao Paulo, Brazil. We visited Orfeu for dinner and drinks, which allowed us to experience the vibrant nightlife surrounding this impressive building.
My Travel Tip of the Week
Using Payment Cards at Sao Paulo, Brazil Restaurants
In Sao Paulo, Brazil, it is common that bakeries will have a turnstile to enter, requiring you to hit a button to receive a payment card. You present this card to the attendants when you order from the various parts of the bakery. The workers will scan the barcode to add items to your check. At the end of the meal, you go up to the cash register and give them your payment card. Then, they will scan it to let you know how much you owe. After payment, you re-insert the payment card into the machine to exit the turnstile. Note: even those not buying anything need to take a payment card at the start and re-insert it at the end to exit.
These payment cards can also be found at full service restaurants. An employee will give you one when you are seated. Whenever you place an order with the server, they will scan the card to add to your bill. At the end of the meal, they will scan it and let you know how much you owe. They will keep the payment card after completing your payment.
My Additional Anecdote This Week
Vibrant Art Can Be Found Throughout Sao Paulo, Brazil
Sao Paulo, Brazil is the definition of a concrete jungle, with high rises stretching in every direction as far as you can see. When walking around town, it doesn’t feel overly cold or lacking character because of the beautiful art on the streets and buildings.
On the weekend, the city shuts down Minhocao (a large street in the city center), and pedestrians can use it for recreation. All along the road, there are incredible mosaics on the buildings that line it with various colorful images and messages.
Another popular spot to see street art is near the Pinheiros residential neighborhood in Beco de Batman. This alley is home to many artists and craftspeople that sell their products. All along the walls of the shops are vivid art displays, many of which feature Batman!
Although these two specific areas had a high concentration of art, walking around other areas near the city center or residential neighborhoods and turning any corner might unveil a beautiful display on a building or along a wall. It helped to encapsulate the vibrant nature of the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, which was much more than office towers and high rises.
