Brazilian insect cuisine D.O.M. Restaurantđ
đ D.O.M. Restaurante: Brazilâs Insect-Friendly Fine Dining (Where Ants Are on the Menu) For 25 years, this SĂŁo Paulo legend has reigned as South Americaâs top restaurant (courtesy of The Acqua Panna) and a regular on the World 50 Best list. But letâs be real: itâs "pretty food" with a side of Amazonian adventureâthink ant snacks and palm heart salads thatâll test your culinary bravery. đ The Menu: A Walk on the Wild (Insect) Side Amazonian Ingredients 101 Priprioca Root: Earthy tuber served in creamy soups, tastes like a nutty potato. đ± Palm Heart Salad: Tender core of palm trees, crisp like celery but with a tropical twist. đ„ Ants, Yes Ants: Giant black ants (formigas culonas) fried till crispyâtaste like⊠well, imagine nutty bacon with a sour aftertaste. đ My friend loved âem; I needed a shot of cachaça to wash âem down. Vegan Set Menu Fully plant-based, with creative dishes like açai berry ceviche and jambu leaf sorbet. đš Warning: Carb lovers bewareâyouâll leave full of veggies, not rice. â The Honest Take: Style Over Substance? Pretty Plates, Mixed Flavors Every dish looks like art (hello, edible flowers and foam!), but some flavors missed the mark. đš The tucupi (yellow pepper sauce) was too tangy, and the ant dish? Letâs just say I prefer my protein without legs. Atmosphere > Fullness Sleek, jungle-inspired decor makes you feel like youâre dining in a fancy rainforest. đż Perfect for pics, but if youâre here to stuff your face, hit up a churrascaria instead. đĄ Who Should Brave This Place? Go If Youâre: A food adventurer who wants to say "I ate ants in Brazil" đž Vegan and tired of basic salads Celebrating a milestone (birthday, divorce, etc.) Skip If Youâre: A picky eater (obviously) Craving comfort food (no burgers here) Hungry-hungry hippo levels of famished đ Deets & Donâts Address: R. BarĂŁo de Capanema, 549, SĂŁo Paulo Price: R$600â1,200/person (set menus), ouch but expected for fine dining Pro Tip: Ask the waiter to explain each ingredientâtheyâll geek out over Amazonian flora and fauna. #BrazilianCuisine #InsectCulinary #FineDiningAdventures