This dish is from the Northern and Northeastern regions of Brazil. Like many other traditional Brazilian dishes, the Vatapá has an African origin. It was created by the slaves brought to Brazil in the 16th century, who had to get creative with the strange ingredients from this new country, and ended up with “Brazilian” versions of their traditional dishes. The Vatapá is a creamy paste made with bread, coconut milk, cashew nuts, palm oil, peanuts, and shrimp.