Cariocas adore their pastries, sweets and snacks, which can be found in almost every bar, restaurant and home in the city. They are eaten at the tables of just about everyone, from small shops at the top of favelas, to sophisticated champagne dinners in posh district Leblon. One of the most beloved of the Brazilian savoury pastries is the 'coxinha', a tear-drop shaped, chicken-filled, soft pastry, coated in bread-crumbs, said to have originated from São Paulo in the late 19th Century. Side by side with the coxinha, one can always find a wide assortment of 'Pasteis', or pastries. These are filled with both traditional and contemporary fillings, including most commonly cheese, ham, minced meat and prawn.

'Brigadeiro' is the archetypal Brazilian sweet - the decadent guest at every party and the popular treat in Cariocas' cupboards. It is a soft and indulgent truffle formed of condensed milk, chocolate and butter, coated in sprinkles. The name means, 'brigadier', as a tribute to Brigadier Eduardo Gomes who ran for President of the Republic in 1946. Sweet and savoury snacks are in many ways the staple of the Brazilian diet, and something that Cariocas feel great pride about.