Pastel Da Maria

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"You can find locals buying fruit and meat directly from producers at feiras (farmer’s markets) in pretty much any neighborhood, and you’ll often see them make a crucial stop on the way out at a pastel stand, ubiquitous in feiras. Originally based on Chinese wontons and later adapted by Japanese immigrants, the deep-fried, thin-crust pies are usually filled with ground meat or hearts of palm. Kyoto-born Kuniko Yohana, aka Maria, has been preparing perfectly crunchy pastéis and growing her business for over five decades. While her pastries are available at locations throughout the city, her most popular stand is at the Feira do Pacaembu in the Praça Charles Miller square on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays." - Rafael Tonon