Hey there, my fellow foodies! 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ It’s that time of year again - Carnival season! 🎉🎭🎉 And you know what that means…delicious food and drinks galore! 🍴🍹🍩

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of Carnival or a newbie looking to dive into the festivities, you can’t miss out on all the culinary delights that go along with it. In this blog, I’ll take you through some of the most popular and mouth-watering treats from Carnival celebrations around the world. Get ready to fill up your belly and tantalize your taste buds! 😋

Brazil 🇧🇷

When it comes to Carnival food, Brazil is a powerhouse. From savory to sweet, Brazilian cuisine offers a wide range of traditional dishes and street food that you simply have to try. Some of the most iconic Brazilian Carnival foods include:

Coxinha

This deep-fried, teardrop-shaped snack is filled with shredded chicken and spices, and is then coated with crispy breadcrumbs. It’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside - a perfect balance of flavors and textures. 🍗🍴

Feijoada

This hearty stew is made with black beans and various cuts of pork and beef, such as bacon, sausage, and ribs. Feijoada is often served with rice, farofa (toasted manioc flour), and orange slices to balance out the richness of the meats. It’s a must-try for any meat lover! 🥓🍲

Brigadeiro

This sweet and chocolaty treat is Brazil’s answer to truffles. Made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, brigadeiros are rolled into bite-sized balls and covered in chocolate sprinkles. They’re gooey, rich, and addictive - you won’t be able to stop at just one! 🍫🍬

Picture of a plate with coxinhas

Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹

Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of African, Indian, and European flavors, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival food is no exception. Expect bold spices, tropical fruits, and plenty of seafood in the following dishes:

Doubles

This beloved street food consists of two soft, fluffy flatbreads filled with curried chickpeas (channa) and topped with tamarind chutney, mango chutney, and spicy pepper sauce. Doubles are a messy but delicious way to start your day during Carnival season! 🌶️🥪

Callaloo

This leafy green vegetable is similar to spinach, but with a slightly bitter taste. It’s often used to make a thick soup with crab, meat, or seafood, and is served with rice or dumplings. Callaloo is a must-try for anyone looking to try something new and flavorful! 🍲🦀

Rum Punch

What’s a Caribbean Carnival without a little rum? This refreshing and potent drink is made with rum, fresh lime juice, sugar, and a splash of fruit juice, such as orange, pineapple, or mango. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day and get yourself into the Carnival spirit! 🍹🌴

Picture of doubles on a plate

Italy 🇮🇹

Italy may not be the first country you think of when it comes to Carnival food, but trust me - they’ve got some delicious treats up their sleeves for this festive time of year! Here are a few Italian Carnival specialties to try:

Chiacchiere

Also known as crostoli or frappe, chiacchiere are thin strips of fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar. They’re essentially Italian beignets, and are often served with a sweet wine or coffee. They’re light, crispy, and addictive - the perfect snack to munch on during a parade! 🍩☕

Lasagne

This classic Italian dish needs no introduction. Layers of rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta make lasagne a crowd-pleaser no matter where you are in the world. During Carnival season in Italy, it’s often served with a hearty meat sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. 🍅🧀

Prosecco

What better way to celebrate Carnival than with a glass (or two) of bubbly? Prosecco is Italy’s most famous sparkling wine, and pairs perfectly with chiacchiere or any other sweet treat you might encounter during the festivities. 🍾🎉

Picture of a plate with lasagne

Conclusion

There you have it, folks - a tour of some of the tastiest and most iconic Carnival foods from around the world! Whether you’re in Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Italy, or anywhere in between, these dishes and drinks are sure to get you in the spirit of the season. So indulge, savor, and enjoy - after all, Carnival only comes around once a year! 🥂🍴🎊

Picture of people dancing at a Carnival parade