Holiday Inn Express Curitiba - Batel

Local customs - Cleaning!

by peace_prevails

Look up the definition of 'obsessive compulsive cleaning disorder ' in the DSM-IV and you will most likely see a photo of Curitiba. Lucky for you, these people go nuts on cleaning the city. You see the orange uniformed cleaning people all over the city - one of the cleanest cities in the world - and not that Paris Hilton clean like Hollywood or Dallas - this is a real city living clean. The guys in the picture are actually holding a NET to keep the grass being cut off of the street and cars while they drive by!

Where to find good Asian food

by VdV about Yu's Cozinha Oriental

Coming from Los Angeles, California, I was craving good Asian food during my visit to Curitiba. There is a large Japanese population in Brazil in general, and Chinese, too. There is also a growing Korean population.

In Curitiba, most food choices were Italian, German, Brasilian and Japanese. By the end of the first week there, I was really craving good Korean, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese food.

While I did not find Thai or Vietnamese food, I was given a recommendation to Yu's Cozinha, in the Centro District, off Praca Osorio. (Thanks to Lillian Kim at ICI!) It was very popular with downtown workers. The decor is modern, and there is a ground level and loft level seating areas (because of its popularity!)

When you enter, you will be handed a ticket. Proceed to the buffet line; the menu items are written daily on the chalkboard. If there is an item (or particular type of sushi) that you do not see, just ask the chefs--they are good-natured and may make it for you.

After piling your plate high with delicious food, proceed to the scale; there, the staff will weigh your food (give them your ticket so they can note your number), and ask if you want (complimentary) miso/mushroom soup.

A waiter will approach you after you sit down, and take your beverage order (show him your ticket, too.) After you are finished eating, visit the host at the cash register, pay, and they will give you a receipt and your ticket back. Give your ticket to the door person on your way out. (Sounds complicated, but it isn't--and the staff is very helpful if you have a "lost" expression on your face like I did!)

I also heard that Asian groceries are in abundance at the public market, close to the bus station area. Finally, my friends and I did also find a good Indian restaurant (the only one in Curitiba.) When I recall the name, I will post it here--the food was very good. Yu's Cozinha is a por-kilo, buffet-style restaurant, with primarily Japanese, Chinese and Korean food. Sushi, noodles, vegetables, soup and lots of entrees are found here. My favorites were the Korean pancakes, sushi, vegetables and pickles, and both the Japanese (yakisoba) and Korean (japchae) noodles.

The price is very reasonable, as you only pay for what you get; it is measure by the kilo. I spent an average of $6-$9 USD when I would go, which included a beverage and soup.

Highly recommend! Click on below to check out their website--you'll see that the restaurant is a wonderful setting and the food looks (and tastes) delicious!

p.s. I think it is only open during lunch hours (11:00am - 3:00pm.)

Growing Capital with Many Parks

by marakaki

"Curitiba is Growing Fast"

This is a Growing City, its Almost Ten times Smaller Than São Paulo but Everytime I Go There I See Its Services are Becoming Better and the Leisure Industry has been Expanding.

When in Curitiba I feel like Home Because I have Best Friends There Who Already Has Lived in São Paulo. Speaking About Then, Visit ahoerner´s page, Who Always takes me to a Tour in Curitiba ;-).