If you find yourself in Rio de Janeiro on a Monday night, you have to head to Pedra do Sal for Samba night. Between the live music, the eclectic variety of food stands, and the incredible atmosphere, it’s one of the best vibes in the city. And if you go, you absolutely have to stop by O Pasteleiro.
I arrived via Uber around 8:00 PM. Even with some of the vendors still setting up, the area was already crowded and lively. I spent some time just walking around to get a feel for the scene, exploring the different paths and checking out every food stand to scout out the perfect late-night snack.
Eventually, I spotted O Pasteleiro. The stand’s bright red and yellow colors caught my eye, but what really grabbed me was watching the lady at the stand hand-crafting each pastel fresh to order—a rarity compared to the premade, reheated snacks you find elsewhere. After doing my rounds, I trusted my gut and joined the line at O Pasteleiro. It moved surprisingly quickly.
The ordering process is great: you get to choose up to three ingredients for your pastel from a huge variety of options, including sweet fillings like Nutella and churros. I went with the minced meat, pepperoni, and cheese. (Also, for what it’s worth, the woman making the pastel was lovely—she could easily have been an actress!) You place your order, pay at the register, and wait for your food to be fried to perfection.
When I finally got my pastel, it was massive. My first bite gave me that perfect, satisfying cheese pull, and I had to take a few more bites to get down to the meat. It was delicious—honestly, that combination is hard to beat.
The combination of the music, the drinks, the crowd, and the food makes this experience truly memorable. If you’re ever in Pedra do Sal, make sure you swing by O Pasteleiro and create your own custom pastel!
Restroom info
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Gender-Neutral
Pro Tips
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Make sure you get a Caipirinha or two