A piece of Australia in Porto Alegre

When you're living in a new country, you generally want to try and immerse yourself in the local culture as much as possible. You want to speak to locals, eat local food, partake in local festivals and get a chance to experience all of the new and different things that you can't at home.

Sydney Ribs at Hooroo House

Sometimes though, when you're away from home for a long time you might get homesick and nothing cures that more than a taste of something familiar.

With Australia Day being celebrated (or, understandably mourned by some) back home this week, I was keen to check out a few of the “Australian” restaurants that were around Porto Alegre. Wherever you go in the world these days, you can always find Australians - I'll leave it to others to debate whether that's a good or a bad thing. More and more there are Australian themed restaurants, cafes and bars popping up, catering not only to ex-pat Australians, but also to locals interested in Australian food, coffee and drinks. While we're still a long way from the number of Irish bars spread throughout the world, we're certainly making an impact.

First off, I cant write about Australian themed restaurants in Porto Alegre without mentioning the one that everyone here seems to know – Outback Steakhouse. Everyone seems keen to know what I think about this place, and the truth is it isn't bad, it just isn't Australian. It's an American steak house dressed up in an Australian theme. Like I said, not bad, jut not Australian.

Kangaroo Australian Wraps

While Outback Steakhouse may not be a good Australian option, that isn't to say Porto Alegre doesn't have anything to satisfy the craving. Kangaroo Australian Wraps serves wraps, juices and banana bread and could easily pass for an Aussie sandwich shop. Filled with toppings like hummus, avocado, beetroot and sweet chilli sauce along with your choice of meats, it serves up something quite unique for the city.

A couple of giant wraps from Kangaroo

Valkiria Café while not strictly an Australian themed place, offers a cafe that would easily be found on the streets of Melbourne or Sydney. Valkiria, led by an owner who spent time studying in Australia, serves up good strong espresso coffee available for take away (a rarity in Porto Alegre) along with sandwiches, salads and sweets, including banana bread. It is certainly the closest thing to an Australian cafe I've found.

Coffee & banana bread from Valkiria Cafe

Finally, but certainly not the least, is the place that I decided to spend my Australia Day evening, Hooroo House. Owned an run with passion by a Gaúcho who spent several years in Australia, Hooroo delivers the most authentic Australian restaurant in Porto Alegre. Serving up favourites like fish & chips, ribs, potato wedges, Aussie burger and an Aussie style BBQ platter, Hooroo is a little piece of home away from home. They also deliver an amazing take on the Aussie classic desert, the pavlova and a home made banana bread which certainly satisfy the cravings. 

BBQ Platter & Fish & Chips from Hooroo House

With great food and a genuine desire to offer the most authentic Australian experience in Porto Alegre, I'd definitely recommend any Gaúchos (or homesick Aussies) to make a visit. 

Hooroo House - Av Nova York 835, Auxiliadora, Porto Alegre, RS

hooroohouse.com.br

Valkiria Cafe - Av Carlos Gomes, 604, Auxilidora, Porto Alegre, RS

facebook.com/valkiriacafe

Kangaroo Australian Wraps - Av Icarai 780, loja 105, Cristal, Porto Alegre RS

Second location - Otto 2500 Shopping, Av Otto Neimemeyer, 2500, Triseteza, Porto Alegre, RS

Facebook.com/kangaroowraps & facebook.com/kangarooo2500

Porto Alegre for Beginners

When you ask someone from Australia, England or the US which cities they know in Brazil, they'll all know Rio de Janeiro. It's one of the most well known cities in the world, overflowing with historical landmarks, amazing scenery and beautiful beaches. Beyond Rio? Most will also know the huge city of São Paulo and some will know the capital of Brasília.

Nobody knows Porto Alegre. Nobody.

I certainly didn't. The first I ever heard of Brazil's southernmost state capital was when the Australian national team (the Socceroos) was drawn to play it's second match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup there against the Netherlands.

My first time in Porto Alegre watching football

While I did some research before arriving in Porto Alegre for the match, I really didn't know what to expect from the city. Other Brazilians had less than glowing reviews about the city and it's people.

When I did finally come to the city, I had an incredible time. It helped that Australia's match against the Dutch was one of the games of the tournament, but it was more than that. Contrary to their reputation throughout the rest of their country, the people of Porto Alegre were exceptionally friendly and welcoming.

My host for the four days I was in town (through Couch Surfing) was one of the best hosts I've ever had. He loved his city and really wanted me to enjoy it too. While I was only in town for a few days, I some great people (one in particular, but we'll talk about that another time) and felt that Porto Alegre was one of the few cities that I'd seen in the previous six months of travel through Latin America that I could actually live in for some time.

One of the most beautiful streets in Porto Alegre

Now, less than 18 months later, I'm back and starting to learn more and more about the city and state of Rio Grande do Sul. The people here are known as Gaúchos – basically South American cowboys – and they're very proud of their culture which is distinct from other parts of the country.

The state of Rio Grande do Sul could easily have become it's own country. It was at times part of Spanish and Portuguese territory and has been the centre of numerous battles for independence from the the rest of Brazil. As a result it shares as many cultural traditions with surrounding countries like Uruguay and Argentina as it does with the people of Rio.

Traditional Churrasco

Chimarrão and Churrasco are two things that are virtually a way of life in Rio Grande do Sul and yet are far less noticeable in the rest of the country. Chimarrão, known is Spanish speaking countries as maté, is a green tea like hot drink consumed almost religiously by Gaúchos. Meanwhile, churrasco – Brazilian barbecue – has its roots in Rio Grande do Sul and the locals here are know throughout the country for the quality of their churrascos.

Chimarrão

Porto Alegre has some great neighbourhoods, from the Historical Centre, to Cidade Baixa which wouldn't look out of place in Melbourne's hipster northern suburbs, or Moinhos de Vento which wouldn't look out of place in Melbourne's yuppie southern suburbs. It also has beautiful parks like Gasômetro, alongside of the great lake (which they call a river) and Redenção (also known as Parque Farroupilha) which the locals are very proud of.

Churrasco in the park

Gaúchos love nothing more than spending a Sunday afternoon wandering around one of the many parks and green spaces in Porto Alegre sharing their Chimarrão, or sitting around and cooking some meat to perfection.

This is clearly a place I can get used to.