National Dish Brazil: Romeu e Julieta (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Romeu e Julieta, one of Brazil’s most charming sweet-and-savoury pairings! This effortless little dish brings together rich guava paste and mild, salty cheese for a contrast that is utterly moreish. Named after Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, it makes a delightful end to a meal or a quick afternoon treat — and it comes together in just a few minutes. Bring a taste of South America straight to your own table.
About Romeu e Julieta
Romeu e Julieta is a traditional Brazilian dish built around a harmonious pairing of guava paste and cheese. The combination strikes a perfect balance between sweet and salty flavours, which is exactly what makes it such a beloved snack or dessert. It is often served at parties and celebrations, where it delights guests with its simple yet memorable taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a little piece of South America at home.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g guava paste
- 100 g mild, salty cheese (such as Minas cheese or another mild variety)
- A few fresh mint leaves (optional, to garnish)
Shopping for the ingredients
To gather the ingredients for Romeu e Julieta, start with a well-stocked supermarket or a Latin American or South American grocery. Guava paste is usually found among the fruit preserves and jams. For the cheese, look for a mild, salty variety that pairs pleasantly with the guava paste — much like the soft, fresh cheese used in Bolo de Fubá. If in doubt, ask a member of staff to help you make the right choice.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Romeu e Julieta could hardly be simpler and takes only a few minutes. Begin by cutting the guava paste into even pieces. Slice the cheese thinly so it sits well against the paste, or shape it into small cubes for a neat, attractive presentation. Bringing creamy and fruity flavours together is the key to this delicious little dish.
Step-by-step instructions
- Cut the guava paste into even pieces.
- Slice the cheese thinly, or cut it into small cubes.
- Arrange the pieces of guava paste and cheese alternately on a plate.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves to taste and serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Romeu e Julieta is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no gluten-based ingredients at all. For a lactose-free version, you will find plenty of plant-based cheeses that can stand in for traditional cheese. Check the ingredient list when shopping and choose products that suit your diet. That way everyone can enjoy this dish without a second thought.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans, this dish is easily adapted by swapping in a plant-based cheese. There are many tasty vegan options that offer a texture similar to traditional cheese. If you are vegetarian, the dish already suits you perfectly — just take care over your choice of cheese. Consider adding a few nuts or seeds to vary the flavour and bring in a little extra texture.
More tips and tricks
To get the most out of Romeu e Julieta, experiment with different cheeses. A raw-milk cheese or a mild sheep’s cheese can introduce a fresh new flavour note. A drizzle of spiced honey alongside also makes for a delicious surprise. Let your creativity run free and find the combination that best suits your palate.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for Romeu e Julieta is easy to tailor to different tastes. If you prefer things sweeter, add more guava paste or even a little sugar to the cheese. For those who lean towards a more savoury note, a sharper, well-seasoned cheese can bring interesting flavours into play. The result is a personal taste experience every time.
Ingredient substitutions
If guava paste is hard to find, you can reach for similar fruit pastes such as fig or date paste. These alternatives offer the same sweet element and pair just as well with cheese. The cheese can be varied too: instead of Minas cheese, use any mild variety you like — the same easygoing approach that works well in a sweet Mousse de Chocolate. Be creative and discover new flavour combinations.
Drink pairing ideas
A few refreshing drinks round out Romeu e Julieta beautifully. A well-chilled white wine or a lightly sparkling rosé pairs perfectly with this dish. For non-alcoholic options, serve a fruity iced tea or a soda with lime. These drinks underline the flavours of the dish and make the whole experience that bit more enjoyable.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation can heighten the pleasure of Romeu e Julieta still further. Serve the pieces on a rustic wooden board to bring out their natural charm. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, which not only look good but add a refreshing aroma too. Offer the dish in small portions to give your guests an inviting visual impression — a tip that works just as well for sweet treats like Maria-Mole.
A bit of history
Romeu e Julieta takes its name from William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy of timeless love. In Brazil, the dish symbolises the ideal union of sweet and salty, much like the bittersweet love story itself. The tradition of pairing guava paste with cheese reflects the creativity of Brazilian cuisine. More than a simple treat, it is a culturally significant part of Brazilian identity.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Romeu e Julieta
All in all, Romeu e Julieta is a wonderful dish that captures the flavours of Brazilian cooking. With just a handful of ingredients you can conjure up a delicious snack or dessert that is easily adapted for both vegans and vegetarians. Whether for a celebration or a cosy evening at home, it is a great way to enjoy a taste of Brazil’s food culture. Be inspired and surprise your guests with this delightful recipe.
