MuQueCa (Boston)

MuQueCa is a tribute to the scrumptious northeastern Brazilian cuisine, a fusion the cuisines of West Africa, Portuguese African, Europe, and Native Brazilian. It is located near Inman Square in Cambridge (yes, I know, Cambridge and Boston are different cities).

The main dish at MuQueCa is of course, moqueca which is a fish or seafood stew. In the more famous baiana version, the stew includes coconut milk and palm oil. Most moquecas here are served capixaba style (from the state of Espirito Santo) where the latter two ingredients are not present. Diners can chose to have fish only, or mix and match with a variety of seafood. The perfect side is pirão, which is much like a less solid polenta, except you use mandioc flour and fish or seafood broth. You may also want to try the Bobó de Camarão, a creamy shrimp dish that could remind you of South East Asian curries as it often served with white rice. The menu also offers whole fried fish, coconut shrimp and a variety of meat and poultry if you're not feeling like seafood. Meals at MuQueCa are richly seasoned, not too spicy/hot, and very flavorful.

Moquecas are generous meals, so come hungry or come ready to share!