With the arrival of the UPP in many of Rio's favela communities in 2008, the neighborhoods began to reach a state of order that allowed establishments to be safely accessed by a steady flow of desirable clientele - highlighting the successful revitalization and social restructuring of communities once controlled by violent criminals.

restaurants such as Bar do David in the Chapéu Mangueira favela in Leme are featured in the guide, for its traditional and seafood feijoadas.

The Guia Gastronômico das Favelas do Rio was preceded by Sergio Bloch's other work, the Guia Carioca da Gastronomia de Rua, a guide focusing on street food in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

similarly to the Guia Carioca da Gastronomia de Rua, the favela guide presents more than just professional quality photos and locations of the foods and establishments - it also tells the history of the restaurants and the unique stories of their founders.