In 19th-century Rio de Janeiro, hygiene concerns made the use of human hands a major problem. As early as 1884, the French baker Delmilhac advertised his bakery as an example of technical advancement: mechanical kneader, special oven, and "less human contact with the dough."

Rafa Brito Pereira (@theslowbaker) has always managed to attract consumers seeking quality to unlikely places. His Slow Bakery (@theslowbakery), now in a less unusual location, continues to make the best bread in Rio for 10 years, and still attracts a crowd that arrives with luggage straight...

During the Imperial period, Rio de Janeiro residents had two main habits at their table: The first was to drink coffee and tea. The second was to drink coffee and tea with cookies and biscuits. Bakeries contributed greatly to this habit. We find advertisements for fine...