EAT | BEIJU TAPIOCARIA

Because looks don't last forever, all celebrities try to find other projects where they can get some revenue from. We see this a lot in the USA, celebrities branching out to clothing lines, perfumes, cosmetics, whatever. But here in Portugal the trend seams to revolve more around food --  Portuguese celebrities are opening restaurants. Some go for a more traditional, homey vibe, others for a more sophisticated type of food. And one in particular decided to open an unconventional fast food joint --  The Portuguese actress Rita Pereira felt in love with the Brazilian tapioca crepe Beiju and eventually ventured into opening her own chain of restaurants called Beiju Tapiocaria. Beijo is made from tapioca flower that when spread onto a heated surface melts together creating a dry thin crepe that can be stuffed with whatever you feel like. 

It took me a long time to go try one of her restaurantes. I don't really follow celebrities, so the fact that she is a celebrity and she opened a restaurant wasn't that thrilling at all. In fact, it was a turn down for me -- what does she know about food or running a restaurant?? Besides, I'd already tried tapiocas when I was on holiday in Brazil 10 years ago, so I wasn't that curious. But everybody was so hyped about this that I finally cave in.

Beiju offers both savory and sweet options, but I opted for the one with smoked salmon and cream cheese, a combination that I know it works and that I know I like. The crepe it self taste like nothing. Completely bland. So when you take a bit of the whole thing, you only taste the filling. It's good, but you know, it didn't blew my mind. This is was so average that I can't even find the words to describe it.  The menu costs 8€ and it includes a drink, chips or soup, and coffee. It's the right price for what you are getting and the best part were definitely the sweet-potato chips -- crispy and yummy! 

The best thing about tapioca is that it is extremely low in saturated fat, protein and sodium. So it makes it supper healthy. But also makes it taste like nothing. It's cooked with no fat at all, so all the fat and taste really comes from what you choose to put inside. Perhaps if I'd chosen a sweet one -- with Nutella or something like that -- I would be less disappointed. 

I'll admit that this is a good alternative to the regular fast food places you can usually find at the mall -- it's healthier and lighter. It's a good option as snack, but as a meal I felt like it was not satisfying enough.