Homesick-student hunger pains, or so the story goes, were the inspiration for the Bauru sandwich, which takes its name from a city in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. Though the original recipe calls for roast beef, a common variation (and the only style I've found in Newark) features ham as well as mozzarella, tomato, and oregano. This bakery-restaurant does offer a Bauru on the typical sliced French loaf, but the option of pão de queijo, or cheesebread (shown, $4.25) serves better as the salty centerpiece of a savory and sweet breakfast.
Also shown, a trio of cakes ($2.50-$3 each) in approximate order of increasing sweetness: bolo mandioca, made from cassava; bolo sabor vida queijo, which weds corn and cheese; and bolo gelado, a coconut-covered "chilled" cake that may remind you of a less-runny tres leches.
Pão da Vida Bakery
331 Oliver St. (Pulaski St.-Elm Rd.), Newark, New Jersey
973-810-3595
www.Facebook.com/pages/Padaria-Pao-Da-Vida/336634883145930