
COXINHA
What is Brazil's most popular street food?
Coxinhas are Brazil's most popular street food. Coxinha consists of shredded chicken shaped into a teardrop, covered in dough, and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. The name "coxinha" means "little thigh," as the snack is designed to resemble a chicken drumstick. The dough is usually made from wheat flour and chicken broth, which is then wrapped around the chicken filling, breaded, and fried.
In Brazil, coxinhas are a beloved treat often found in bakeries, snack bars, and at parties. They are a common feature at social gatherings, birthday celebrations, and casual get-togethers, where people enjoy them with friends and family. The tradition of eating coxinhas is deeply embedded in Brazilian culture, with the snack being a go-to comfort food that brings people together over its delicious, savory flavor and satisfying crunch.
A fun fact about coxinha is that its origin is tied to a royal legend. According to the story, the coxinha was created in the 19th century to satisfy the appetite of a picky young prince, the son of Princess Isabel and grandson of Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil. The prince loved chicken drumsticks, but when there weren't enough available, the royal chef invented a way to mold shredded chicken into a drumstick shape, covering it with dough and frying it. The prince loved it, and the coxinha became a hit, eventually spreading beyond the palace and becoming a beloved Brazilian street food.
At Brazilian Bowl, we made our Coxinhas from scratch, based of my family's secret recipe. I guarantee you will not find better Coxinhas in the entire country! We make them in both, large size and bite size (Coxinha Cup).