Porto Velho is a cultural melting pot and it definitely reflects in its local cuisine, in which local fish are the predominant ingredients. When you visit the region, make sure you try the traditional caldeirada (fish stew).

Local cuisine reflects this mixture of identities by combining seasoned flavors from the Northeast of the country, local ingredients and typical recipes from the North, and some traditional items from the South and Southeast. Basically, everyone who tries the local dishes falls in love with them. 

Despite its peculiarities, there is one thing that everyone can be certain of when it comes to the local cuisine in Porto Velho. Fish, which is caught in local rivers, is the most common ingredient for the typical dishes in the region. The favorite types of fish among residents for the traditional fish stew called caldeirada are the tambaqui and the tucunaré (peacock bass). It is a very spicy dish served with a side of pirão (a delicious gruel made by stirring cassava flour into a fish-based broth). It is an excellent choice for visitors who want to try a local dish.  

Visitors who have a sweet tooth will definitely enjoy some cupuaçu pie or a local sweet made with buritis.  Cupuaçu is a typical local fruit found in the Amazon. It has a remarkable flavor, which can be sweet or sour, depending on how it is prepared. And Buriti is the fruit of local moriche palm trees, which are very common in the northern regions of the country.

There is a popular saying In Porto Velho which claims that “whoever drinks from the Madeira River will never leave.” The fact is that the capital of Rondônia State has many charming attractions. It is the ideal destination for visitors who want to discover new places, try new flavors, and have a totally novel experience.