Michelle N.
Yelp
WOW. Hidden gem alert! I love the cute international mini marts scattered around Culver City, and El Camaguey's hidden Brazilian restaurant: Cantinho Brazileiro is incredible. Wasn't starving, so I decided on one Kibbe (Arab influence in Brazil!?!?) and one Coxinha (teardrop chicken croquette), for a very affordable $5.48 w/ tax.
Quick Tips:
-Very limited parking outside El Camaguey's market. Neighborhood parking recommended.
-I noticed only one 2top inside. THIS RESTAURANT IS ESSENTIALLY JUST TAKE-OUT.
-Coxinha (co-sheen-ya) can either be made with chicken and catupiry (Brazilian cream cheese) or with ONLY chicken.
-El Camaguey is a (mostly Brazilian) Latin produce and meat market. Tight inside like many international markets. Prices listed everywhere.
Taste:
Coxinha 5/5
I got my adorable teardrop street snack only with chicken and it was suprisingly very creamy inside. The garlicky shredded chicken was probably encased in yam (slightly sweet), and had the perfect texture.
Kibbe 5/5
Brazilian kibbe (bulgar meat pie) is much more spice forward than the coxinha. Lots of onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Although deep-fried, the beef inside is very lean. I suppose my only gripe is that there isn't a sauce to dip it in, but it honestly doesn't need it.
Price 5/5
Both are only $2.50 each, and main entrees are all below $10. SO AFFORDABLE.
Service 5/5
There is a slight, slight language barrier (I have no idea how to speak Portuguese), but otherwise, the food came out very promptly (about 5-10 min). FRESH. I was very pleased.
I'll come back with an empty stomach.