The Gastronomic Village brings together cheese-based dishes, gastronomic experiences, and participation from chefs and exhibitors
The ExpoQueijo Brasil 2026 – Araxá International Cheese Awards features the Gastronomic Village as one of the event’s permanent attractions. The space brings together dishes prepared with cheese, flavor experiences, and options for the public to enjoy during the four days of programming.
In total, 12 establishments participated in a public call and a consulting and curation process coordinated by chef Thiago Ávila. The proposal was to make cheese the protagonist of the recipes and expand the gastronomic experience offered to the public in Araxá.
Among the highlights is the Caprese Canastra Cheese Bread, from Queijaria Caputo, inspired by Italian cuisine. Exhibitor Ângelo Maneira Filho says he has been participating in ExpoQueijo for the third year and highlights the opportunity to bring the public closer to the flavors of Canastra. “People who don’t have the chance to go to Canastra to eat cheese bread find this option here. For me, it’s very good to be present at this event,” he states.
The Gastronomic Village also features the Biquinho da Serra Pastel, prepared by Pastelaria Cantim do Pastel. The recipe combines Canastra cheese, basil, and biquinho pepper, valuing regional ingredients in an option created especially for the event. “The pastel has Canastra cheese, basil, and biquinho pepper. It turned out very tasty, and people are praising it a lot,” highlights exhibitor Leandro Fernandes da Silva.
The variety of the Gastronomic Village also caught the public’s attention. Businesswoman Ariadne Silva de Souza praised the structure and available options. “The food court is very good, well diversified, and with many options. The space has improved this year, larger and with more gastronomic alternatives,” she states.