Traditional Goias – Chão Nativo

Brazil is the 5th biggest country in the world. For this reason, it is not a surprise that has plenty of interesting food to offer which differs regarding the region. One of the most diverse is the cuisine of Goias, the state in the central part of the country with its capital – Goiânia. Placed in the heart of Cerrado ecoregion.

Brazilians have a great appreciation for local products and tradition is deeply rooted, therefore you can find a great number of restaurants serving regional food around the city. Most of them are open exclusively for lunch or dinner. Majority serves buffet style food in “all you can eat” concept. The place that we had an opportunity to visit was called Chão Nativo in district Setor Bueno.

We arrived at the restaurant at 12.30 afternoon, that was just before lunch rush started so we had most of the tables to choose from as they don’t provide booking system. The waiter who welcomed us was very attentive and talkative. As soon as we sat down, we ordered drinks and were advised that we can start our meal whenever feel ready.

  

In the main place of the restaurant is a wood-fired stove with many varied dishes on it. Firstly, good choice of rice – plain, with vegetables, with beef ribs. Next to it black and red beans. Rice and beans are essential elements of every lunch in Brazil, it is absolutely a must! Further, we found feijoada – black bean and pork cut stew, one of the most recognizable Brazilian food. Another thing worth of trying is Feijão Tropeiro – beans, farofa ( toasted cassava flour), spring greens and pork crackling – simple but delicious side!

The buffet offers a wide variety of roasted meats, Empadão – pastry top chicken pie, some hot vegetable sides including palm hearts and pequi – very strong in smell and flavour, plum-size vegetable. It grows only in this particular region. Tastes interesting and is worth of trying but might be difficult to enjoy for some. What is very important when eating pequi is to don’t bite it through as it has plenty of horns inside that can injure your mouth very badly.

Next to the stove is salad bar which was placed on a traditional farm cart. You can as well drink water from the original ceramic filter that is used around the world for hundreds of years. The restaurant offers also a good variety of dessert to finish your meal. What was very surprising for us was a chance to taste homemade liqueurs and cachaça – sugarcane vodka. All included in the price.

 

Prices are very good taking under consideration quality and quantity of food – 25 reals for women and 35 for men. Beverages are paid extra.

The restaurant was a great fun for us. It let us try all the typical dishes of Goias in a very relaxed atmosphere It gave an impression of family lunch on the local farm. Great experience and highly recommended.

 

Chão Nativo

Av. T-11, esq. c/ T-4

Setor Bueno – Goiânia-GO

Brazil

www.restaurantechaonativo.com.br/