After “Vaitimbora” became a viral hit, Mari Froes quickly established herself as one of Brazil’s most exciting new musical talents. In our Falstaff-Interview, the 23-year-old shares what never goes missing from her fridge, the dish that instantly takes her back to childhood, and the restaurant experience she still can’t forget.
Mari Froes stands for a new generation of Brazilian singer-songwriters who move naturally between MPB, bossa nova, samba and jazz, developing their own very direct sound language. She first became known via YouTube, where her interpretations reached an international audience, followed by viral successes on TikTok and Instagram and collaborations such as "Vaitimbora" with the French duo Trinix which also brought her widespread attention outside Brazil. She is currently working on her first album and will be touring Europe until the beginning of August.
Falstaff met the 23-year-old on Thursday evening as part of the Lovebird Festival in Düsseldorf, which will attract jazz fans to the Rhine metropolis from June 4 to 7, 2026.
Falstaff: What do you always have in your fridge?
Mari Froes: Strawberries, avocados, salmon – and H2OH!, a Brazilian lemon-flavoured soft drink.
Where do you buy your groceries?
Mostly online. It’s simply the most convenient option.
What do you have for breakfast on a typical day?
If I eat breakfast, it’s usually avocado toast. To be honest, I often skip it because I tend to wake up quite late.
What do you typically drink with your meal?
Usually Coke Zero or sparkling water. For dinner, I also enjoy a glass of wine that pairs well with the food.
What is your culinary guilty pleasure?
Pain au Chocolat!
What would you never eat - not even out of politeness?
Probably cockroaches. But apart from that, I’ll eat pretty much anything.
Which dish reminds you of your childhood?
Baião de Dois, a traditional dish from northeastern Brazil. My grandmother makes an amazing version of it, and it instantly takes me back to my childhood.
Which restaurant experience has stayed with you the most?
My visit to Evvai in São Paulo. The three-Michelin-star restaurant combines Brazilian and Italian influences in a remarkable way. The experience really blew me away.
What was the last restaurant you visited?
Hedvig in Stockholm. They serve traditional Swedish cuisine, which I really enjoyed.
