Brazilian Hidden Gem – Cha da Lua

When you think of travelling to Brazil you have in your mind Rio de Janeiro,  Salvador maybe Sao Paulo. Not too many people explore other parts of this huuuuuge and beautiful place, definitely not remote countryside in the central region of the country.  Why would you? But in this far places, you have a chance to find hidden gems.

I had recently pleasure to visit a city called Itaguatins in Tocantins state situated by the Tocantins river which is one of the biggest in Brazil, running through 4 states and long for 2450km. It’s very important part of industry, transport and source of food for many people. This town is famous for its annual festival which attracts people from the area between July and August which take place on few beaches spread around. On one of it, we found small restaurant floating on the water called Cha da Lua. Looks very simple, made of wood with plastic chairs and tables inside, set especially for you once you enter.

The menu, fitted on one page,  consists of mix fish and meat dishes. You can choose if you want them as a set with sides or just as a protein.  We tried two different kinds of fish – fried and poached and braised chicken.  As we found out fish was caught in Araguaia river that day in the morning bought in the local market. Is there any fresher product you can get? Expectations were already there. The side orders arrived first. Well cooked rice, farofa – seasoned and toasted cassava flour, an obligatory element of every lunch in Brazil, fish sauce – thick, with a rich flavour of tomato and spicy Brazilian pepper. Shortly after came mains.

Poached fish was cooked to perfection melting in your mouth but still not mushy and overcooked. We could find bones in few pieces but there were big enough to be noticed easily. The sauce was light also with tomatoes with a touch of lime, tasty but not overpowering. Fried fish was coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried served with slices of tomatoes and onions. Cooked really well and perfectly seasoned, crunchy outside yet soft and delicate inside. Braised chicken thighs were very tender and again very well seasoned.  Served in runny, meaty sauce.

All the dishes were very simple but cooked with attention and really well seasoned what in many places is not a standard. Fresh fish spoke by itself. The only thing you have to do with such a product is to don’t destroy it and that was delivered in Cha da Lua. List and variety of ingredients are not great but all of them are sourced locally and are full of flavour. Quality over quantity.

Three main courses with sides and drinks were more than enough to feed three people and the bill came up to 150 reals which are around £35. Not cheap for Brazilian reality but I think the price is reasonable for the very good quality and fresh food in great surround and nice atmosphere. Recommended.

Cha Da Lua

BEIRA RIO Avenue, 170-A

77920-000, Itaguatins

Brazil