Seasonal tasting menus at Tuju in São Paulo Brazil
Nestled in the chic Jardim Paulistano neighborhood of São Paulo, Tuju delivers a culinary journey that mirrors Brazil's rich and diverse flavors with a refined, contemporary touch. Known for its Michelin-starred excellence, Tuju's menu showcases the best of seasonal Brazilian ingredients, carefully curated by Chef Ivan Ralston to provide a dynamic dining experience that shifts with the seasons.
Starters and appetizers
Your meal begins with delicate hors d'oeuvres designed to awaken your palate. Expect inventive bites such as aguachile de tomatilho—a zesty Mexican-inspired tomatillo seafood preparation—and empanada de banana nixtamalizada, blending traditional techniques with Brazilian flair. Fresh oysters, dusted with red pollen, offer an elegant, oceanic start, while vibrant escabeche de cenoura and creamy panacota de milho doce provide contrasting textures and flavors that celebrate local harvests.
Mains: Menus Umidade and Ventania
Tuju offers two exquisite seasonal tasting menus to explore, each reflecting different facets of Brazilian gastronomy. The Menu Umidade features an artful blend of duck, beetroot, sardine, avocado, purple potato, tomato, seaweed, and tucupi, a fermented manioc broth that adds depth and authentic Amazonian essence. This menu perfectly balances earthy and oceanic notes, inviting diners on a sensory voyage through Brazil's lush landscapes.
The Menu Ventania is a grander exploration, weaving together an extensive array of ingredients like wild mushrooms including orelha-de-pau and portobello, Tibetan caviar, succulent carabineros shrimp, and tender octopus. Enhanced with inventive accompaniments such as dashi broth gelée, miso chestnut purée, and pine nut pesto, this menu is a showcase of textured contrasts and complex flavors. Seasonal fruits like fig, guava, persimmon, and raw pumpkin punctuate the courses, providing a fresh sweetness that harmonizes the savory elements. Each dish is a masterclass in innovative Brazilian fine dining.
Desserts and final delights
Desserts at Tuju are thoughtfully crafted to conclude your meal elegantly. Expect surprises like sheep's milk yogurt entremet paired with fresh figs and honey meringue, sorbets of creamy avocado, and horchata infused with lotus seed. These sweet courses perfectly balance tropical flavors with subtle textures, offering a refreshing and nuanced finale.
Drinks and special offerings
The beverage program complements the menu with a curated selection of Brazilian wines, artisanal cocktails, and non-alcoholic infusions. After your tasting, relax on the top floor with a coffee, tea, or a digestif while enjoying the tranquil mirror pool setting. The restaurant also features a local chocolaterie where you can savor exquisite chocolates and national cheeses, perfect for those seeking a refined sweet treat beyond the standard dessert course.
Highlights of dining at Tuju
- Impeccable seasonal tasting menus: Menus Umidade and Ventania celebrate the freshest Brazilian ingredients.
- Sophisticated flavor profiles: Combining Amazonian tucupi, Tibetan caviar, and native fruits for a uniquely Brazilian gourmet experience.
- Expertly curated drinks selection: Including Brazilian wines, cocktails, and bespoke non-alcoholic options.
- Immersive dining experience: Multi-level elegant space with attentive service and a peaceful relaxation area upstairs.
