Brazilian bar takes Minas boteco culture to Macau

Bar Pirex brings Belo Horizonte’s beloved boteco food to the International Cities of Gastronomy Fest 2026 in Macau, China, March 20–30.

A taste of Minas Gerais lands on the world stage

From March 20 to 30, 2026, the flavors of Belo Horizonte travel to Macau, China, as Bar Pirex joins the city’s delegation at the International Cities of Gastronomy Fest 2026. The festival gathers members of the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Network to celebrate culinary diversity through fairs, tastings, and exchanges between chefs from around the world.

Belo Horizonte’s participation is coordinated by Belotur, the city’s tourism authority. Under the theme “Creative Fusion,” the event serves as a platform for cultural exchange, spotlighting the food traditions and local identity of each member city. Joining Bar Pirex in the delegation are two other beloved BH institutions: Café Palhares and Feijão.

Classic boteco dishes, reimagined for an international palate

The menu crafted for Macau stays true to the spirit of Minas Gerais street-bar cuisine while incorporating subtle Asian-inspired touches to bridge cultures. The goal is to introduce international visitors to authentic Brazilian ingredients and techniques in a way that feels approachable and memorable.

Highlights include pão de queijo (cheese bread), torresmo (pork crackling), moela (stewed gizzards), bolovo, farofa, pickles, iced maté with lime, and doce de leite — a lineup that captures the warmth and informality of a classic BH bar.

For co-owner Vitor Velloso, the invitation is more than a business trip — it is a chance to show the world that boteco culture is a legitimate and proud expression of Brazilian identity deserving a place on the international culinary map.

Photo: Victor Schwaner