O pratinho como gastronomia de rua na Avenida Beira-Mar em Fortaleza-CE

Abstract

There are culinary preparations that have the capacity to carry with them a symbolic meaning and a deep cultural imbrication, reflecting the gastronomic identity of a given region. Among these culinary manifestations, the “pratinho” emerges as an emblematic dish of Fortaleza, consisting of elements that denote a historical gastronomic exchange, whose conjuncture resulted in a preparation that not only consolidates a regional identity, but also perpetuates itself in the collective memory of the population, the fruit of a tradition passed down from father to son. This research sought to understand the spheres that confer this symbolic charge to the dish, through the application of a structured questionnaire, whose objective was to investigate the social, cultural, economic and emotional factors that permeate the relationship of diners with the “pratinho”. Furthermore, during the field research stage, variations and particularities were observed in three different points of sale, using a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory methodological approach. This approach allowed the analysis of subjective responses, with the aim of identifying the perceptions and feelings of belonging associated with the eastern region of the city of Fortaleza, through this culinary preparation. The results obtained indicate that the “pratinho” is perceived as an accessible, democratic, culturally significant and representative preparation of local cuisine, standing out for the combinations of flavors that integrate the regional food culture. The study therefore reinforces the social and cultural role of this dish as an aggregating element of gastronomic identity for a given region, highlighting its relevance as an intangible heritage and symbol of cultural resistance.