ISLAMABAD: Brazilian Ambassador Claudio Lins introduced a well-known chef and a DJ from his home country who will be featured at the Brazilian Soul Food Music Festival starting today (Wednesday).

Describing Kiki Ferrari as a “most talented young chef”, the ambassador said the 36-year-old is already renowned countrywide, having worked at several luxury hotels and at the helm of a regional company.

“Pakistani and Brazilian food are quite similar, which is why food lovers will particularly enjoy Brazilian cuisines. Brazilian food is worth getting off the couch for,” Ambassador Lins said at a press briefing for the two-day festival, held on Tuesday.

Two-day festival begins today

Mr Ferrari said that he loves Pakistani food, which he believes is made with passion, and that he wants people to try the dishes he will prepare with as much love at the food festival.

“I’ve been having Pakistani barbeque for breakfast ever since I got here and it’s amazing,” he remarked, adding: “I would like to surprise you with some Brazilian delicacies like Muqueca, a layered stew featuring seafood and chicken with rice and okra,” he said.

Mr Ferrari said he has brought special spices with him to introduce Pakistanis in the twin cities to a variety of Brazilian cuisines, particularly barbeque.

“I’ll be preparing dishes from across the country that has influences from all over the world. Ingredients and traditions from as far as Africa and the Caribbean intermingle with the native landscape of coastline, mountains and jungles to create a wonderful taste,” he said.

Offering a slice of authentic Brazilian cuisine, the festival will feature everything roasted meats to toasted cassava flour, pickled chillies to smoky stews and tastes of Brazilian cuisine as wide and varied as the country itself, he said.

Ambassador Lins also introduced Tamara Maravilha, a top DJ who plays at some of the best establishments in the capital of Brazil.

Ms Maravilha, who also performed at the press briefing, said: “We are a big country and have influences from across the world. But for the event I will play Brazilian songs that will [make people] want to get up and move to the rhythm.”

Held in collaboration with the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, the festival will also be taken to Lahore and Karachi.

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2019