Bankete

The caipirinhas are amazing – refreshing, tangy and sweet. And at less than a fiver each, they’re easy on the wallet as well as the tongue. Be strong-willed as the staff will bring you more even when you say no…

Really good! Not too sure about the specialist dish, but lots of great food all the same.

I've walked by here a number of times but never actually went in till recently when I was desperately searching for a place where I could grab some food. Fortunately for me, Bankete was still open, and I ordered the feijoada brasileira, which turned out to be a) massive and b) incredibly tasty.

Right away, I told my dining companion that I wouldn't be able to finish my dish, and that I'd probably end up taking some of it back home as I wasn't terribly hungry. That turned out to be an utter, bald-faced lie, as twenty minutes later, the plate was licked clean. The beef and pork stew was delicious and the rice! The rice was amazing! It tasted like Hainanese chicken rice, which is the national dish of my home, and very hard to make. Mmm-MMM!

I can't believe I haven't come to this place earlier. I'll definitely be back... and often too, as long as my diet permits that!

Tucked away near Brick Lane and Liverpool Street station you’ll find this restaurant which resembles more of a greasy spoon cafe than a Brazilian restaurant.

There’s a great selection of authentic Brazilian dishes and if you’re the type who likes to go into an international restaurant and find it’s full of nothing but people from that country, then you’ll like it here. Aside from my dining partner, I was the only non-Brazilian here!

The main dishes all come in around the £8-£10 mark and, though not culinary wonders, hit the spot and do a good job of making you feel sated.

As I mentioned, there is quite a cafe feel to this place (bright lighting, plastic chairs, big TV belting out Brazilian pop music), so it might not be the best place for a romantic meal. However, if you’re looking so a decent hearty meal that’s not curry (given the proximity of Brick Lane), give this place a try!