Pastel

One of the most common fast food items in Brazil is known as pastel, a deep-fried, stuffed pastry. This half-circle or rectangle-shaped miniature pie is stuffed with a variety of ingredients, most commonly shredded chicken, ground beef, mozzarella, or small shrimps. Sweet varieties also exist, and they are usually made with chocolate, bananas, or guava jam, but they are not as common as their savory counterparts. The exact origin of the dish is not familiar, but it is believed that pastel evolved from the Chinese spring roll, which was brought to Brazil by Japanese immigrants. The shape and the ingredients changed, but pastel retained its thin and crispy outer layer. They are usually served hot and are most commonly accompanied by beer or a glass of sugarcane juice. It is a snack that is usually sold in snack bars, and it is almost always meant to be eaten by hand.