7 Ways to Keep Kosher in Brazil During the Olympics
Cake from Deleite Pizza & Pasta Image by Courtesy of Facebook
As someone who lacks all athletic talent, I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I have little to no interest in watching the Olympics. I always feel badly about myself when watching these super-fit gymnasts jump 10 feet into the air while I give myself a pat on the back just for getting up and walking to the fridge.
This year, the Olympics are taking place in beautiful Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which motivated me to watch the Olympics. I learned recently that Rio has a pretty big Jewish population (however, not as big as San Paolo, which has the largest one in Brazil), which means there are actually some kosher-food options in Brazil. Who would’ve thought?
You can bet my interest was piqued after learning this.
Here’s where to grab a kosher nosh if you happen to be in Rio for the Olympics:
Kosher Planet
Rua Constante Ramos 93A, Copacabana, Río de Janeiro
Visit this dairy restaurant located near some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil to sample a variety of healthy vegetarian pasta plates and other dishes.
Bar-Ilan Restaurant
R. Pompeu Loureiro, 48
Don’t feel like leaving your hotel? That’s okay. Bar-Ilan will deliver kosher food to you at your hotel!
Deleite Pizza & Pasta
Rua Anita Garibaldi, 83
Because carbs are the only way to make sports better. Check out their Facebook page here.
Mehadrin
Rua Paulo Freitas, 31
Mehadrin is dedicated to serving healthy food to the kosher-keeping community of Rio. We appreciate you!
Shop Kosher
Rua Conde de Bernadote, 26
Outside of Shop Kosher Grocery. Image by Courtesy of Facebook
A grocery store, in case you feel like cooking your own meal. That’s one way of being athletic, right??
Roger’s Kosher Catering
Maracanaú 11
Call Roger’s Kosher Catering for any meal you need catered. They promise the best Brazilian kosher food Rio has to offer…
Roger That!
Shelanu
Barata Ribeiro St. 489
Healthy and Kosher meal from Shelanu Image by Courtesy of Kolel Rio
Recommended for lunch and take-away for Shabbat. Check it out here.
Side note: Products in Brazil that are kosher do not have kosher symbols, but a list of kosher products can be found here.
Isabel Goldstein is the summer food fellow at the Forward. Follow her on Instagram @IsabelHenia.
