Municipal Market of São Paulo

Welcome to the Mercado Municipal de São Paulo, known affectionately to locals as the 'Mercadão' (Mair-kah-dow)—the Big Market. We are standing before a temple of taste and a landmark of industrial-era architecture. …

Before we dive into the food, let us appreciate the 'cathedral' we are standing in. The Mercadão is a marvel of light and scale. …

Now, let us move toward the center of the market, where the fruit stalls are located. This is perhaps the most colorful part of the Mercadão. …

You cannot leave the Mercadão without facing its most famous culinary challenge: the 'Lanche de Mortadela.' Head toward the famous Bar do Mané or Hocca Bar. This sandwich is a monument to excess—nearly half a pound of thinly…

Another pillar of the Mercadão’s gastronomy is the 'Pastel de Bacalhau' (Pas-tel jay Ba-ka-lyow). This is a large, crispy, deep-fried pastry filled with a savory mixture of salt cod, olives, and herbs. …

As we move away from the prepared food stalls, we enter the domain of the 'empórios.' These stalls are lined with massive wheels of cheese—from the traditional Brazilian 'Queijo Minas' to imported Parmigiano-Reggiano. You will…

For a change of perspective, let us head up to the mezzanine level. This area was added during a renovation in 2004 and is now home to several sit-down restaurants. …

As we conclude our tour of the Municipal Market of São Paulo, I hope your appetite for both food and history has been satisfied. You have seen the neoclassical grandeur of the building, the artistry of its stained glass, and the…