Located inside Paulistano Mercado Municipal since 1933, and serving locals from 4:30am daily, Bar do Mané offers a wide range of Snacks and Sandwiches, though none is so well known as the stuffed Mortadella with Cheese.

Officially São Paulo’s first grocery market, the size and scope making Mercado Municipal a popular attraction amongst tourists as well as locals, it is towards the middle that guests will find Bar do Mané ever-busy, its countertop flanked by tables on this particular morning seating everything from men in business attire to local police officers and a young Asian couple fluent in English.

Known for large portions and superior Ingredients, Ceratti Meats and locally-baked Bread the base upon which a bevy of Sandwiches are built, those interested in salgados will find no lack of options from Sweet to Savory, R$12 yielding a fist-size Bolinho de Bacalhau stuffed with Salt Cod, Mashed Potatoes and Onion beneath crisp and oilless Casava Flour.

Not waiting long for Bar do Mané’s signature item, staff slicing Mortadella in quick strokes while the Bolinho cooled enough to eat, it was the smaller of two sizes that nonetheless featured enough Sandwich to share, each layer griddled to create a lightly browned edge and the residual heat helping to melt creamy yellow Cheese.

Salty but balanced, and an indisputable bargain at just R$23, it was moments before the Sandwich was finished that Dessert arrived, griddled Bananas and Dulce de Leche carefully folded in Pastry that is the deep-fried and coated with Cinnamon-Sugar to create a taste not dissimilar from that of Bananas Foster.

Excellent sandwiches. Fantastic fish pastel. Wash it down with a dark beer. You may have to wait a while before you can grab a seat but is bloody worth it.