I went to meet the Marakuthai, restaurant by chef Renata Vanzettoem São Paulo.
I confess that I was very curious, since it won awards such as Best New Restaurant (2010), according to Época magazine, and Best Contemporary Restaurant (2011), according to Go Where magazine and in addition, the chef Renata Vanzetto He completed an internship at the number 1 restaurant in the world, the Danish Noma and won the award for best new chef in Brazil by Guia Quatro Rodas, from Editora Abril.
Based in Ilhabela, the contemporary restaurant with a Thai accent was opened in Jardins in 2008 and became a success!
With two floors and a “people’s home” atmosphere, the Marakuthai There are objects found in thrift stores, all very colorful and cheerful. Upholstered armchairs and sofas and various paintings hanging on the walls give the place a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.
The menu features a mix of dishes with oriental and Brazilian seasonings. I went at lunch time and loved the executive menu, which costs a fair price of R$38.
I started with the famous Lotus salad, made from rice noodles, with strips of sweet and sour chicken, sesame seeds and lemon. My table companion ordered the caprese salad – eggplant, egg, roasted tomato and buffalo mozzarella – which had a delicious mustard sauce.
Then, I went for the squid with coconut milk sauce, with a touch of palm oil and lemon, jasmine rice and farofinha, which was wonderful, with the perfect seasoning.
He ordered the cassava taglitatelle, with ragu sauce, which was light and tasty.
For dessert, we tried grandma’s traditional brigadeiro, in a pan, with crunchy chestnuts and cream ice cream with nutella syrup.
Renata Vanzetto
is a Brazilian chef known for her innovative culinary creations and unique approach to food. She has gained acclaim for her inventive use of ingredients and bold flavor combinations, earning her a reputation as one of Brazil’s top culinary talents.
Vanzetto is the founder and head chef of several popular restaurants in São Paulo, including Marakuthai and Ema. Marakuthai specializes in Thai cuisine with a Brazilian twist, offering dishes that showcase Vanzetto’s creativity and flair. Ema, on the other hand, focuses on contemporary Brazilian cuisine, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and inventive dishes that highlight Brazil’s diverse culinary heritage.
In addition to her restaurants, Vanzetto is also a television personality, appearing as a judge on cooking competitions and hosting her own cooking shows. She has garnered a loyal following for her dynamic personality and passion for food, inspiring aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts alike.
Renata Vanzetto’s culinary talents and innovative approach to cooking have made her a prominent figure in Brazil’s culinary scene, and she continues to push the boundaries of traditional cuisine with her imaginative dishes and unique culinary creations.
End: The Alameda, 1618 – Jardins
Tel: 11 3062-7556 / 3061-1015
Text and Photos by Renata Araujo
Read more:
Star Alliance Lounge in Guarulhos
Peninsula hotels return to the city
Hotel Costa Verde Tabatinga on the coast of SP
Le Repas – charming French restaurant in SP
