Pinto Martins International Airport

Don't let the modest size of Pinto Martins fool you — Fortaleza's airport punches well above its weight when it comes to food. The main terminal, past security in the departures hall, hosts a solid cluster of options ranging from quick grab-and-go kiosks to sit-down spots where you can actually linger over a proper meal. Bob's, a beloved Brazilian fast-food staple, is a reliable fallback, but the real draw is seeking out anything that nods to Ceará's coastal pantry.

For a genuine taste of the Northeast before you board, look for stalls and counters serving tapioca — those soft, lacy crepes made from cassava starch are a Fortaleza breakfast institution, and a freshly filled one with coalho cheese or shredded carne de sol beats any packaged snack hands down. Açaí bowls show up throughout the terminal, though true connoisseurs will note these are the thicker, less sweetened Amazonian style rather than the smoothie-bowl version you'd find further south. Coffee counters pour strong, dark café com leite that pairs beautifully with a slice of bolo de rolo.

The food court area near the departure gates can feel rushed during peak morning and evening waves, so if your flight allows it, arrive with enough time to sit. Cashew juice — made from the golden caju fruit that Ceará grows in abundance — is the one thing worth hunting down specifically; it's tart, tropical, and absolutely local in a way that nothing else at the airport is. Grab a cold cup and consider it your edible farewell from one of Brazil's most underrated culinary regions.