When I fancy a taste of Brazil, the first place I head to is Giraffas, a global Brazilian grill and restaurant chain that has set up shop in several corners of the world, including multiple locales in the United States. Their culinary specials have a way of teleporting you straight to the heart of Brazil without leaving your locale!
Giraffas sprouted from the vision of two friends, Mario Lacerda and Muniz Neto, back in 1981. Both were Brazilian natives who dreamed of sharing the delicacies, pleasant climate, and the infectious amiability of their people with America.
With this dream, they launched a quaint restaurant that offered traditional Brazilian gourmet in the federal district of Lago Sui. Overwhelmed by the soaring popularity of their eatery, they embarked on a mission to proliferate their culinary culture across Brazil and eventually made their mark in America.
Delivery, Anyone?
You bet, Giraffas certainly does offer delivery. They have teamed up with Door Dash and Grubhub for deliveries from their Miami branch! If you happen to live in Brazil, check out apps like Rappi and iFood for a quick and efficient home delivery.
Specially for Kids!
Giraffas serves up a thrilling menu suitable for all ages! If you have little ones or if you're simply looking for a light bite, the Giraprato Chicken Breast Cubes are a fantastic option.
And if you've got kids who crave more than just chicken, the GiraLanche Franguinho has it all - finger-licking french fries, wholesome yogurt, naturally sweet apple sauce, and cheesy GiraLanche cheese. The Combo Giraprato Chicken Breast Cubes dish serves up both the Giraprato Chicken Breast Cubes and GiraLanche Franguinho in a single entree.
What's for Veggie Lovers?
While I am not a vegetarian, Giraffas has a robust menu that has won the hearts of my vegetarian friends. Some of their delightful options include an array of salads and dishes like the Milanese, Parmigiana, and Croc that are exclusively vegetarian and cooked to perfection.
What Sets Giraffas Apart?
Eating at Giraffas is more than just a meal - it's an experience. Their tagline "Brazilian Flavor, Brazilian Speed" is a testament to their unique blending of fast and flavorsome food.
But what truly distinguishes Giraffas is the vibrant ambiance and the distinct way they serve food. It's not a sterile fast food joint; the friendly waitstaff bring the food directly to your table in a relaxed setting. Another specialty that caught my attention is their open-flame grilling technique, a characteristic feature of Brazilian cuisine.
The copious options of meats, delightful salad bar with myriad toppings such as mango, corn, black beans, and cheese balls, and the wide range of palatable ice cream flavors for dessert ensured that my meal at Giraffas was nothing short of a culinary adventure!
What About The Burgers?
Now, what truly makes a burger tantalizing is the meat. Most regular visitors at Giraffas, me included, swear by their X-Egg Triple Bacon Burger. This monster of a burger comes with not one, not two, but three succulent hamburger patties, crispy bacon, slices of gooey cheese, and a perfectly fried egg. It's certainly an explosion of flavors and the perfect way to savor Brazil in every bite!
Global Presence
Giraffas, a company rooted in Brazil, has spread its taste to three countries so far. In addition to its home turf, Giraffas restaurants are successfully operating in Paraguay and the United States. The first outpost in the US sprouted in Miami in 1991.
Fast Food or Gourmet?
While primarily a fast food joint, Giraffas also dishes out some gourmet appetizers like the Onion Pepperoni Skillets. The food, whether it’s chicken or beef or anything from their menu, always scores high on the taste scale. As for drinks, you can choose from an assortment of sodas, energy drinks, and juices.
Chicken Offerings
Chicken lovers will be spoiled for choice at Giraffas. Their Chicken Parmigiana is an absolute delight with its crispy fried chicken breast smothered in mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Or opt for the Chicken Stroganoff served in a mouth-watering brown sauce filled with mushrooms and onions.
Prefer your chicken crispy? Their crispy chicken thighs slathered in tangy barbecue sauce will hit the spot! And for those looking to cut back on the calories, the chicken bowl comes packed with an assortment of fresh vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and corn.
The Fishy Affair
The tilapia dishes along with their other meat options like chicken, beef, and pork are grilled or roasted over skewers, offering a healthier and equally delicious alternative. To complement the proteins, they also offer a host of salads, veggies, and other traditional accompaniments like French fries and onion rings.
Yummylicious Giraffas Mayonnaise?
Looks like Giraffas' special mayonnaise left a lasting impression on you! You can purchase them in 350g bottles, priced at $4.99. If you'd like to stock up, the tub version priced at $24.99 should suffice. If you're at the restaurant, be sure to add the Giraffas mayonnaise to your salad for an extra kick of flavor!
Sweet Endings
If you're one with a sweet tooth, be sure to try their ice cream cones or unleash the inner child in you with an Ice Cream Sundae. If you prefer a dessert-like beverage, their Milkshake won't disappoint you. For something more substantial, do try their Brownie With Ice Cream or one of their delectable little cakes.
One Bowl, Enough or Not?
A Giraffas' bowl can easily satiate one (gently kidding, they could probably fill up two people - they're that generous!). Last time I visited Giraffas with my dad, it was a meal to remember! The Bowl Calabrese. Chicken Bowl. The variety, the portion sizes, the flavors - just brilliant! And of course, dessert was the cherry on top!
And, The Steak?
For all those meat lovers out there, you're in for a treat at Giraffas. The Sirloin Steak, Beef Steak, Chicken Steak, and Rib Eye Steak are some of the crowd-pleasing dishes. The Rib Eye steak teetered between a beef steak, chicken steak, and lamb chop, but in the best possible way!
The Authentic Brazilian Barbecue Experience?
The Brazilian barbecue reminded me of the American barbecue festivals - the variety, the open flame cooking, and the shared joy among friends. But as I dug deeper, I noticed some intriguing differences.
Unlike American BBQs that cook meat over open flame, Brazilian BBQs employ a grill that resembles a gigantic panini press. This method locks in the juices instead of letting it dry out from the heat of an open flame. Just like at American BBQs, you can expect a wide variety of grilled vegetables to go with the meats.
Pros:
- Packed full of authentic Brazilian flavor
- Serves up gourmet dishes along with fast food
- Adequate serving sizes
- Staff is friendly and courteous
- Dishes are well-cooked and flavorful
- Offers healthier options with their grill and salad bar
Cons:
- The restaurant can get crowded during peak hours
- Long wait times for delivery may occur sometimes
- Limited seafood and vegetarian options
- Mayonnaise is sold separately and may be seen as expensive by some