Mj Butequim — Restaurant in Reading

Pros: *The staff is very, very nice and friendly. *Coxinha, risole and the some of the most popular desserts are good. *The space is cozy and very Brazilian popular bar-restaurant-like. *There are good options of snacks and drinks in the grocery part too. *You can seat outside. Cons: *It's a bit expensive. Any pastry or dessert will cost you 4 pounds. *The bread-like pastry isn't very tasty and usually is a bit dry or too thick. They need to improve the dough. *Ironically, you can't find the popular cheese-bread of Minas Gerais so easily. I couldn't try theirs. *They use their tiny space for a bunch of these (not so good) pastry and common cakes that aren't so popular instead of placing the most popular ones, like coxinha, risole, kibe, cheese-bread, pudim, brigadeiro, maracujá mousse, carrot cake, etc. I really don't get it. *Never tried their meals like feijoada, but a friend, regarding taste and quality, said it's "regular". To be fair, finding and buying some ingredients here is a bit complicated. *The table's sauce need to be replaced or refilled more frequently.

Overall, it's a good place to have some idea of how Brazilian food...

A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering – Minas Café

During a leisurely weekend stroll, we stumbled upon a charming little spot, Minas Café. Tucked away from the main road but conveniently close to Morrisons supermarket, this café is a delightful find for anyone seeking a cozy place with character.

From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with warm smiles from the staff, instantly making us feel welcome. The décor is vibrant and inviting, with colorful artwork and thoughtful words adorning the walls, adding a personal and artistic touch to the space.

Although we only stopped in for a morning coffee, it was just 9 a.m but the experience left a lasting impression. The coffee was smooth and well-balanced, a perfect start to our day. I’m already looking forward to returning soon to try their breakfast menu, which looked quite promising.

Minas Café may be off the beaten path, but it’s well worth the detour. If you're in the area, don’t miss out on this cozy and...

Wow, what a find courtesy of Edible Reading. Walked into buzzing bakery, obviously a community hub from the comings and goings of Portuguese voices. A counter stacked with Brazilian pastries, pies and savoury pão de queijo for sandwiches. I opted for a cheesy chicken coxinha with lashings of sauces followed by the special plate; perfectly-roasted chicken, rice, beans, potato, salad, rice, spaghetti & meatball (!) and farofa (toasted cassava flour with olives here). Deliciously flaky housemade pastel de nata for dessert. All 100% delicious and served with friendly faces and smiles. Definitely great atmosphere of regulars and it’s...