Get a taste of Brazil at the Tropical Cafe

From the outside, The Tropical Café appears to be like the multitudes of old-school diner cars scattered throughout central Massachusetts, but with a bit more flare. Upon first glance, the interior seems typical diner style with a line of booths hugging one wall and across the isle a long counter and stools providing additional seating.

But then one notices the TVs at opposite ends of the diner play Brazilian shows. And the waitress inquires whether or not you require an English menu. Large cast iron vats containing simmering soups are labeled “Beef with Yucca,” “Corn and Pork,” “Red Beans,” and so on. Delightfully, the first-time customer realizes that no, this is not the traditional American fare, but a Brazilian diner.

Begin your foray into Brazilian dining with a large glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice that is prepared before your eyes by a machine opposite the counter. Or choose a smoothie from the long list of flavors, such as Papaya, mango or guava.

The menu is extensive and could take weeks or months to work one’s way through the unique homemade dishes. At the Tropical Café, the portions are large, flavorful and mostly packed with meat. Although presenting a wonderful array of dishes for the carnivorous person, vegetarians will be hard-pressed to find more than a handful of selections that do not contain meat.

For those with a rumbling belly, challenge yourself to undertaking the Mineiro sandwich -- chicken filet, hamburger, bacon, ham, egg and cheese. The pastry snack (deep fried dough filled with ground meat, cheese and heart of palm) is large enough for a meal, but not as intimidating as the Mineiro.

Don’t be fooled by the word “soup” at the Tropical Café. Each soup is jammed with meat and enough ingredients mixed into the broth to rival any other menu item in its heartiness. But the Tropical Café does also offer more traditional American dishes, such as hamburgers, pasta marinara, and salads.

When desiring a break from your culinary routine, swing by the to discover Brazilian dishes as unique as they are satisfying.

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