Iaiá Brazil

Authentic Brazilian Street Food

Gorham has a new restaurant, Iaiá Brazil, featuring authentic Brazilian street food. They have opened at 18 Elm Street in Gorham, the site previously occupied by Carter’s Greenmarket (don’t worry, Carter’s just moved next door). Owners Claudia and Bob Katz and their daughter Ingrid are excited to bring menu items based on family recipes handed down to Claudia from her late mother, whose family nickname was “Iaiá”, hence the name of the restaurant. The food being offered represents street snacks served by vendors in her home community of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Over the past few years, Katz was looking to find the right location so she could make her restaurant dream into reality. The Katzes believe their restaurant is the first casual restaurant featuring Brazilian street-style cooking to open in Maine. 

The menu features Minas Gerais-style “pastels”, which are small, savory, turnover-style pastries. I have tried several varieties and all were delicious. They are available with a variety of fillings, including meat, cheese, vegetable, and seafood. My favorite menu item is the “cloud pastels,” which in Brazil are often eaten for breakfast or as a midmorning snack. But, you have to be there early in the morning as these sell out quickly.  Açaí bowls with various fruits are also popular menu items, as well as several types of Brazilian chowders,  Brazilian-style juices, and sodas. For an ice cold treat on a hot summer day, nothing beats their refreshing smoothies. 

There are several tables for indoor dining, and all items are available for take-out. The atmosphere is light and sun filled with ample seating. It is perfect for having a cozy spot for breakfast and tea or meeting up with friends for a more substantial fare. My favorite decor pieces are a table made from a bicycle and the colorful artwork hung on the walls. On display are a number of art prints showcasing colorful Maine coastal scenes created by Portland-based artist Karen Fisher. Iaiá is open from 7:00am to 2:00pm Tuesday through Friday and 8:30am to 1:30pm on Saturday (but be sure to check their website just in case their hours change).