By Eli Siegel

Philadelphia boasts a diversity in cuisine, particularly from Latin America.

For those eager to sample Brazilian fare, noted for its meat dishes, they’d do well to try Philadelphia’s churrascaria at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in Center City.

Churrascaria means a place where meat is cooked in the barbeque style. It originated in Southern Brazil, where gauchos (cowboys in Portuguese) lived on a diet of meat. This meat would be seasoned, placed on skewers, then cooked slowly in the rotisserie style. This gaucho eating style  became a staple of Brazil’s gastronomic culture.

The original Chima restaurant was opened by the Silva family in Uberlandia, Brazil. In 2004, they opened another in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and in 2008, the current one in Philadelphia.

The restaurant’s name derives from chimarrao, a traditional drink of Rio Grande do Sul, that symbolizes hospitality.

Chima attraction is an all-you-can-eat buffet, consisting of several parts. First, the gooey delicious pao de queijo (cheese bread) is served with a smoked turkey spread. The salad bar offer a variety of salads, cold cuts, cheeses and soups, complemented by traditional Brazilian hot dishes.

“Our salad bar is different from other Brazilian churrascarias because we offer full-blown salads,” explained Angie Gruver, Chima’s sales and event manager.

Another novel element: The main course is served by waiters bringing around different vegetables and meats on skewers in the rodizio (rotation in Portuguese) style. Choices include Black Angus picanha, the restaurant’s signature cut, and Black Angus picanha with chimichurri and grilled jalapenos, as well as New Zealand leg of lamb.

To signal a waiter, flip up your token and specify how well done you would like your meat. “It’s as much as you can eat,” said Gruver.

Highlights of the 14 skewers also include filet mignon, rib eye, flank steak, lamb, beef ribs, boneless chicken, salmon and vegetables.

An extensive wine list and cocktail menu is available to complete the meal. Chima offers a wide variety of caipirinhas, Brazil’s national drink made with cachaça, sugar and lime. Don’t miss desserts: chocolate-coconut lava cake, key lime pie and banoffee, among other options. My personal favorite was the soft coconut bar will caramel sauce, grilled pineapple covered in cinnamon and topped with Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream.

If You Go

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, 1901 John F Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia.

Other locations:

139 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, N.C.
8010 Towers Crescent Dr. Tysons Corner, VA
2400 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL