a good sandwich - brazilian chicken salad at casa do petisco
casa do petisco, the cheerful brazilian street-food counter and cafe located inside the berkeley organic market, offers light bites ('petisco') served in a homey, come-as-you-are atmosphere.
helmed by married owners barbara nogueira and christene diehr, the cafe welcomes a gamut of customers, from fancier elmwood visitors and solo diners to groups of students, native brazilians and local families.
the simple menu includes brazilian-style snacks, salads and bowls, flavorful empanadas, croquettes, rotating specials such as feijoada, and our target, fresh sandwiches.
details at casa do petisco in berkeley's elmwood neighborhood. photo credit berkeley eats.
the savory carne louca, or 'crazy beef' sandwich – slow-braised beef stewed down with carrots, onions and bell pepper into a soft, tender filling – deserves mention for being deeply warming on a chilly day.
our favorite, however, is the cafe's brazilian-style chicken salad, melding shredded chicken with bright apple, grated carrot, corn and the subtle crunch of batata palha, crispy little potato sticks, in a just-right dressing.
imported batata palma (crispy potatoes) add crunch to casa do petisco sandwiches, and are available for purchase at the market. photo credit berkeley eats.
we hope to return to eventually try all four sandwiches on the menu, including the vegetarian option with hearts of palm.
no matter the filling, the recommended sandwich vehicle is their specialty pao de queijo – a bun made of supple, gluten-free cheese bread, warmed to a touch of exterior crisp. it's especially good with the chicken salad.
the cafe also offers a brazilian beverage menu and homestyle desserts – passion fruit cake, lime cake, carrot cake with chocolate glaze, brigadeiro – and hosts regular events such as futebol watch parties, live music and samba circles.
casa do petisco is located inside the berkeley organic market at 2642 ashby avenue in berkeley.
december 8, 2025