Virado à Paulista Dish Is Deemed Cultural Heritage in the State of São Paulo

02/06/2018 - 10h49

According to the history books, on August 17th, 1822, when Dom Pedro I was on his way to the banks of Ipiranga, he stopped to eat Virado à paulista - a Brazilian dish - to replenish himself before unleashing his freedom cry.

The dish that is cherished by many Paulistas - and that is traditionally eaten on Mondays - has just been deemed "cultural heritage" in the state of São Paulo.

The decision to deem the dish as such was made by Condephaat, a state heritage council which recognized its historical and cultural significance.

The recipe that was granted such prominent cultural status consists of beans, cornmeal, dried meat, rice, pork chops, slices of bacon, kale, a fried egg, fried bananas and sausage.

The dish can be traced back to the 16th century and was eaten by the Bandeirante settlers.

It originally consisted of flour and bacon. Other ingredients were added over the years, thus arriving at a dish with touches of Portuguese, Indigenous and Italian cuisine.

The dish can also be said to have African elements, as in the case of rice ("the cooking of which was inherited from Africa") and bananas, which are typically included in salty dishes in the continent, explained Condephaat advisor Wagner de Melo Romão in his assessment.

The signature of José Penna, the state's Culture Secretary, will be necessary in order to make the decision official.

The requirement, however, is a purely bureaucratic matter given that Mr. Penna has openly stated that he is in favor of extending the tribute to the dish.

Translated by THOMAS MATHEWSON

Read the article in the original language

	Maria do Carmo - 16.jan.12/Folhapress
	Virado à paulista: the dish is cherished by many Paulistas and is traditionally eaten on Mondays