Ouro Preto’s cuisine is a delicious reflection of Minas Gerais’ rich culinary traditions, blending colonial-era flavors with local ingredients. Here are the must-try dishes and where to find them:

1. Tutu à Mineira A hearty dish made of mashed black beans cooked with manioc flour, garlic, and pork, served with rice, sausage, fried pork belly (torresmo), and collard greens. It’s a staple in Minas Gerais cuisine. Where to try: Restaurante Contos de Réis or Chafariz.

2. Frango com Quiabo e Angu This traditional dish features chicken slow-cooked with okra and served with creamy cornmeal porridge (angu). Where to try: Bené da Flauta, a popular restaurant near São Francisco de Assis Church.

3. Feijão Tropeiro A protein-packed dish made of beans, manioc flour, bacon, sausage, eggs, and seasonings, originally eaten by 18th-century miners and traders. Where to try: Casa do Ouvidor or Restaurante Acaso 85.

4. Pão de Queijo Minas Gerais’ iconic cheese bread is a must-try. These crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside bites are perfect for breakfast or a snack. Where to try: Opera Café or Café Geraes.

5. Doce de Leite e Goiabada com Queijo (Romeo and Juliet) A sweet combination of guava paste (goiabada) and fresh Minas cheese, this simple yet delightful dessert is a local favorite. Where to try: Chocolates Ouro Preto or Restaurante O Passo.

6. Tropeiro Coffee A strong black coffee brewed in the traditional way, often served with rapadura (unrefined cane sugar) or cheese. Where to try: Café Cultural or Deguste Cafeteria.

7. Cachaça de Minas Ouro Preto is surrounded by excellent cachaça distilleries. Try locally produced varieties straight or in a caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail. Where to try: Taberna or Barroco Cachaçaria.

Minas Gerais cuisine is known for its generous portions and comforting flavors, making dining in Ouro Preto an unforgettable part of your trip.