Gastronomy

Gastronomy

LAGES, FAMOUS FOR ITS DELICIOUS DISHES AND VARIED GASTRONOMIC OPTIONS.

The gastronomy of Lages is one of the great attractions for tourists and investors looking to explore the local flavors and culture. It is rich in its culinary tradition, which reflects its indigenous, European and rural heritage. One of the highlights of Lages' cuisine is the pine nut, a typical fruit of the region, which has become a symbol of local culture and is present in several recipes that win over palates.

The gastronomic sector of Lages, by combining tradition, innovation and a strong presence in tourism, positions itself as an attractive opportunity for investors who wish to explore a growing market with a strong cultural appeal.

Pine Nut Culture

The pine nut is the main ingredient in many traditional dishes of Lages. It is harvested during the winter, when the city becomes a major hub for festivities and celebrations. This seed, which grows on the araucaria tree, the symbol of the region, is used in a wide variety of dishes, such as entrevero, pine nut paçoca, pine nut pie, pine nut soup and even chicken with pine nuts, among others.

The pine nut is so important to the local culture that, during the harvest season, it becomes a true gastronomic icon, being served in restaurants and at stalls during popular events.

Paçoca and Entrevero de Pinhão are declared cultural heritage of SC..

The two traditional recipes from the Santa Catarina mountains have official recognition as cultural heritage of the state.
The city has a wide variety of gastronomic establishments. In 2024, the city had 1,335 restaurants, cafes, bars, snack bars and other food establishments, offering everything from typical local home-cooked food to Japanese and Arabic cuisine, steakhouses and pizzerias.

Pine Nut Festival

The National Pine Nut Festival, held annually in Lages, is the city's largest gastronomic event, already considered the second largest festival in the state, bringing together not only the best of local cuisine, but also cultural and musical attractions. During the event, visitors have the opportunity to taste dishes made with pine nuts, learn traditional recipes and enjoy the typical gastronomy of the Serra.

The festival is a showcase for the flavors of the region and has attracted a growing audience, consolidating Lages as a destination for gastronomic tourism. The festival often features a contest for dishes made with pine nuts, hosted by local restaurants, which attracts visitors to the city's main establishments in addition to the festival.

Winter Gastronomy

The cold climate of the mountainous region contributes to a cozy and tasty cuisine. Soups and broths, often accompanied by pine nuts or other regional ingredients, featuring in several places in the city. The city is also known for its barbecue, stewed meat and colonial coffee, a hearty meal with typical breads, cakes and sweets.

The combination of these flavors with the cozy atmosphere of Lages creates a unique experience for those who visit the city and is a very attractive business niche with good prospects for expansion.

Culinary Events

In addition to the Festa do Pinhão, Lages hosts other gastronomic events that highlight local food. The Lages Gastronomic Festival, for example, brings together chefs and restaurants from the city to present special dishes made with regional ingredients. The city has also invested in workshops and culinary fairs, encouraging entrepreneurship in the sector and becoming a meeting point for producers, suppliers and food lovers.

Gastronomy and Tourism

With the growing interest in rural and experiential tourism, Lagesʼ gastronomy has become an additional attraction for tourists. Rural tourism farms offer immersive culinary experiences, with guided tours of pine nut cultivation fields, as well as the chance to participate in the preparation of typical regional dishes. Gastronomy, therefore, is one of the most authentic ways to get to know the local culture and customs.

Colonial Production

Lages is among the municipalities with the largest colonial production of honey and cheese. Honeydew honey is a typical product of the mountains, found mainly in the district of Índios in Lages. Serrano cheese, a product that has been made by hand for over 200 years, is produced by around 2,000 families, generating around R$20 million per year. Besides many other products, such as cold cuts, jams, and sweets, originating from family-based economy. Excellent options for investment in the sector.

Geographical Indication Seal.

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a certification granted to products with unique characteristics that differentiate them from similar products on the market. Having a GI means that the product only has those properties because its production is influenced by environmental or cultural characteristics of a given region. All work to obtain a GI is carried out in partnership between institutions such as Sebrae, universities and producers. Ex.: Cheeses from the Upper Mountains, High Altitude Wines, Honeydew Honey from Bracatinga.

Beveranges

Altitude Wines

Lages is located in one of the areas recognized by the Geographical Indication of Altitude Wines, which covers several cities in the Serra Catarinense. The region has climate and soil characteristics that favor the production of fine wines, with intense color and balanced taste. This distinction has already positioned local wines as premium products in the national and international markets, with growing demand for high-quality wines.

Craft Beers

Santa Catarina has stood out as a hub for craft beer production, benefiting from a strong gastronomic and tourism culture. In Lages, the cold climate and the appreciation of local products create a favorable environment for the development of this sector, leading local brands to receive national and international awards for their quality. The proximity to tourist routes and regional festivals also provides an ideal platform for the promotion and commercialization of these beverages.

Food and Wine Tourism

Lages is part of the tourist route of Serra Catarinense, with events that attract visitors interested in the wine and food experience. Investing in wineries and breweries with experiences for visitors or even partnerships with the hotel sector can be a way to take advantage of the tourist flow and increase the visibility of brands.

Opportunities for Investors. 

The gastronomic market in Lages has expanded with the increase in the number of tourists and the growing appreciation of local cuisine. Investors can explore opportunities in restaurants, bars, farmers' markets and gastronomic events, which attract both tourists and residents.

The city has shown itself to be a favorable environment for the development of new businesses related to gastronomy, whether in the food and beverage sector, or in typical products, such as pine nuts, which have great commercial potential.

Food and Beverage Segment.