Let your drive for snacks, sweet treats steer you to this Brazilian bakery in Matthews
As you’re driving through Matthews, you may notice a variety of Brazilian markets tucked here and there among the neighborhood restaurants and shops. And right next to one of them, Supermercado Brasileiro, is another Brazilian gem: Tropical Brazilian Bakery.
The bakery’s been open under various names for 15 years, but pastry chef Rui Oliveira has owned it for the past 10 years. When you stop in for a morning snack or to grab lunch, you’ll see him transporting fresh trays behind the counter, where he’s been since 3 a.m., stocking the shop with savory and sweet baked goods.
You’ll find French bread and sweet breads with guava, caramel and coconut, along with bacon or ham, egg and cheese options at breakfast. Freshly squeezed juices come in options such as passion fruit, papaya and mango.
Also on the menu is X-Tudo — a stacked Brazilian burger — and a variety of empanadas and similar stuffed pastels, which are Brazilian snacks that come in savory and sweet options.
But I must insist you try Olveira’s esfirra de frango c/catupiri, a Brazilian pastry stuffed with chicken and catupiri, a soft, mild-tasting cheese that’s similar to cream cheese. The fresh-out-of-the oven, flaky and warm esfirra I tried was unequivocally the best thing I’ve eaten in months.
Another don’t-miss item is the pão de queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread. The bite-sized bun is popular snack and breakfast food in Brazil that’s made with cassava flour, eggs and milk, along with mozzarella. (Pro tip: Brazilian cheese bread is gluten-free, too.)
The full case of cakes, cheesecakes, custards and other treats is there to soothe your sweet tooth — if you can make room.
Tropical Brazilian Bakery
Location: 11100 Monroe Rd E, Matthews, NC 28105
Instagram: @bakerytropical_nc
