Where does Cuscuz paulista come from?

Cuscuz paulista — country of origin: Brazil.

What is Cuscuz paulista made of?

Cornmeal, tomato, egg, pea, sardine, olive oil, onion.

Which allergens does Cuscuz paulista contain?

Contains eggs and egg products. Contains fish and fish products.

Cuscuz paulista

A savoury steamed cake from São Paulo state, made from moistened corn flour layered with tomato, egg, peas, and sardines or tuna.

Also known as: Cuscuz paulista com ovo · Paulista-style couscous · Cuscuz de milho paulista

Allergens & declarations

Contains

Egg

Contains eggs and egg products

Fish

Contains fish and fish products

This describes the classic recipe, so you know what to ask about. It is not a declaration for any particular kitchen — recipes and suppliers vary, and only the restaurant can tell you what is in the dish it serves.

In detail

Cuscuz paulista is a savoury steamed dish from the state of São Paulo in Brazil, built on moistened corn flour and set in a mould with tomato, egg, peas and fish.

What it really is

Cuscuz paulista is made from corn flour (fubá or cornmeal) moistened with water and salt, then steamed in a pan or mould. The classic version is assembled in layers or topped with a sauce of tomato, onion, garlic, olive oil and green peas, with hard-boiled eggs and tinned sardines or tuna added. The dish is often unmoulded onto a plate and served warm or at room temperature.

It is a close relative of the cuscuz nordestino and of the couscous of North Africa, but it is made with corn, not with semolina or granulated wheat. Unlike the sweet corn cuscuz eaten for breakfast in the Northeast, the paulista form is savoury, and it is distinguished from the plain steamed corn cake by its tomato-based topping and fish or egg filling.

How it's served

Served warm or at room temperature as a main course at lunch or supper
Unmoulded onto a plate and cut into wedges or slices
Eaten with a fork, often with extra sliced hard-boiled egg or sauce on the side
Commonly part of a simple family meal or a picnic in São Paulo

Name it as Cuscuz paulista and list corn flour, tomato, egg, green peas and sardines or tuna
Flag FISH and EGGS allergens on the menu
State whether the dish is made with sardines or tuna, since the choice changes the flavour and allergen line
Mention whether it is served warm or chilled, as both are common

Typical ingredients

Put it on your menu with Menuella

Frequently asked questions

What is Cuscuz paulista?: A savoury steamed cake from São Paulo state, made from moistened corn flour layered with tomato, egg, peas, and sardines or tuna.
Where does Cuscuz paulista come from?: Cuscuz paulista — country of origin: Brazil.
What is Cuscuz paulista made of?: Cornmeal, tomato, egg, pea, sardine, olive oil, onion.
Which allergens does Cuscuz paulista contain?: Contains eggs and egg products. Contains fish and fish products.
What is Cuscuz paulista also known as?: Cuscuz paulista com ovo, Paulista-style couscous, Cuscuz de milho paulista.