If you know me, you know I was not going to go all the way to Brazil and not try the Taco Bell while I was in São Paulo.
Of Course I Had To Stop By Taco Bell While In São Paulo, Brazil
Whether in Indonesia or Malaysia or India or South Korea or Thailand or Japan or England (am I missing any?), the running shtick is that if a country has Taco Bell, I’m going to a try it…it has become a feature on Live And Let’s Fly, even if I am to be pitied for such an odd and unhealthy custom.
So when I spent the day in São Paulo, of course I had to try the Brazilian version of Taco Bell. Over the years, even dating back to my first undocumented crossing into Brazil way back in 2010, I’ve sought out Mexican food in Brazil, but never Taco Bell until now.
> Read More: Breakfast in Paraguay, Lunch in Brazil, Dinner in Argentina + Brazilian Side of Cataratas
The closest Taco Bell to where I was staying was at Ibirapuera Shopping, a fancy mall with many upscale stores and a whole lot of restaurants. Taco Bell was located the food court on the lower level.
Like almost everything other casual convenience store or fast food eatery in Brazil, there was no cashier, just a machine to take your order. I didn’t see an English button, but there were pictures and I was able to find the cheese quesadilla, which was the only thing I wanted (having already had lunch earlier).
I was able to pay by tapping my card. The quesadilla cost 27.90 real, which is 5.46 USD at today’s exchange rates. Once again, more expensive than the USA…I don’t know how people do it in Brazil with per-capita income so much lower.
But I must say this was a particularly delicious quesadilla from Taco Bell…absolutely stuffed with melted cheese and creamy jalapeño sauce. Very satisfying!
I do get a kick out of seeking out Taco Bell, but in all seriousness, there are so many good food places in Brazil…you might want to consider somewhere else (and Brazilians love buffets…there were buffets everywhere, even at multiple places at the mall).
But it wasn’t bad…
Not unlike you and Taco Bell, wherever I go, I try and find a McDonalds. I succeeded in Barcelona (multiple locations), Naples, and Palermo this summer. Somehow the familiarity of MD, the better food quality outside the US and the local options always make the trip worthwhile. Not to mention Diet Coke (or Coke Zero) with lots of ice 🙂 And when in need, almost always an available restroom.