Ep 4. Rio De Janeiro

In Bizarre Foods season 7 episode 4, host Andrew Zimmern travels to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to sample the city's unique and diverse culinary offerings. Rio de Janeiro is famous for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and festive atmosphere, but its food scene is just as exciting.

Zimmern starts his journey by exploring the city's street food culture. He visits a popular food market in the heart of the city where vendors sell a wide variety of delicious snacks, including tapioca pancakes, fried codfish balls, and grilled cheese on a stick. Zimmern also tries some traditional Brazilian sweets, such as brigadeiros and beijinhos, which are small bite-sized treats made from condensed milk, chocolate, and coconut.

Next, Zimmern ventures into the favelas, which are Rio de Janeiro's densely populated and often impoverished neighborhoods. Despite their reputation, the favelas are also home to some of the city's most beloved food traditions. Zimmern meets with a local chef who teaches him how to cook feijoada, a hearty stew made with black beans, pork, beef, and sausages. Feijoada is a cornerstone of Brazilian cuisine and is often served on special occasions or as a weekend treat.

In addition to feijoada, Rio de Janeiro is known for its seafood. Zimmern ventures to the city's bustling fishing port where he learns about the different types of fish and shellfish that are available in the area. He also visits a nearby seafood restaurant where he tries some unique dishes, including shark meat, raw oysters, and deep-fried sardines.

Zimmern also explores the city's high-end restaurants, which are known for their fusion of Brazilian and international flavors. He visits a popular restaurant that serves a unique take on sushi, using Brazilian ingredients such as coconut milk and palm hearts. He also tries a dish called bobo de camarão, which is a savory shrimp stew made with yucca, coconut milk, and spices.

Throughout his journey in Rio de Janeiro, Zimmern also learns about the city's history and culture. He visits a museum dedicated to Carmen Miranda, a famous Brazilian singer and actress who was known for her flamboyant costumes and fruit headpieces. He also attends a samba school, where he learns to dance and gets a glimpse into the vibrant samba culture that is so important to the city.

Overall, Bizarre Foods season 7 episode 4 is a fascinating look at Rio de Janeiro's food and culture. From street food to high-end cuisine to traditional Brazilian dishes, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and flavorful city.