The story of Rio 40 is all about Alice and her love for cooking. She wasn’t a professional chef at first — just someone passionate about food and tradition. When she met her husband, she began preparing delicious Brazilian meals for him. He loved every bite, and that’s where everything started.

 

Her passion grew, and soon Alice began sharing her food with the broader community. She started by selling traditional Brazilian snacks like coxinhas and feijoada at a school in Perth City. The response was incredible, and with her husband’s support, they launched Rio 40 Degrees, the very first Brazilian restaurant in the heart of Perth's CBD.

​

Although the restaurant eventually closed, their journey was far from over. They tried again in two other locations, but things didn’t go as planned. Still, they never gave up. Instead, they pivoted and found a new path with their famous “survival kit” — Brazilian-style marmitas ready to heat and eat.

 

That success inspired them to build their first food trailer out of an old caravan. For four years, Rio 40 made its mark at Brazilian festivals and events — especially at the Scarborough Sunset Markets. Their trailer was even parked in front of their home in Duncraig, where the adventure truly grew.

 

In November 2021, a new chapter began with the launch of a brand-new custom trailer — beautifully decorated, full of character, and ready to take the Rio 40 experience to another level. Since then, they’ve continued to bring the authentic flavours of Brazil to Perth, with food made from fresh ingredients and a whole lot of heart.

​

For three years, Rio 40 operated from a warehouse in Gnangara, which served as their prep base. But in March 2024, they expanded into a new, fully equipped warehouse in Malaga, now their official headquarters. This location houses their licensed commercial kitchen, registered with the City of Swan, where all food preparation is done — from frozen meals to trailer service.

​

At the front of this kitchen, they opened the Rio 40 Shop where customers can:

• Shop from a wide range of over 30 frozen Brazilian dishes,

• Enjoy a rotating menu of ready-to-eat meals served on weekends,

• Pick up online catering orders of Brazilian savoury and sweet party bites,

• And taste nostalgic weekly specials like acarajé, hot dogs, "Pastelada & Caldo de Cana" (Pastel & Sugar Cane) and much more.

 

Today, Rio 40 is more than a food trailer — it's a true Brazilian food hub in Perth, proudly sharing culture, comfort, and flavour, one dish at a time.