Food is one the best things in Brazil for resuming its diverse cultural background combining the Portuguese cuisine with the indigenous and African dishes, and all the cuisines brought by immigrants from all over the world, from Italians to Japanese. Then, the food culture and the typical dishes in Brazil vary a lot from one region to another.
In southern Brazil, the cuisine is more or less similar to Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, with a strong influence from European cuisine and barbecue culture. In the state of Bahia, where Salvador is located, strong African influences are evident in the food and local culture. Further north, near Amazonia, indigenous influences are evident, and in the northeast, near Natal and Pipa, a blend of ancient Portuguese cuisine with indigenous and African dishes.
What if I am a vegetarian? No need to worry since a large list of vegetables and fruits is part of Brazilian food culture, and local restaurants serve abundant options of salad side by side with meat, including the steakhouses. Remember that rice and beans are among the most popular dishes in the country. So, below we go with a list of dishes to eat in Brazil, organized by the following topics:
Normally, the main courses are eaten during lunch and dinner, while snacks, sandwiches, and desserts are often eaten during break time in the middle of the afternoon or breakfast. At Brazilian houses, breakfast tends to be bread filled with cheese, ham, or jam, accompanied by coffee. In big cities, people stop quickly at bakeries and kiosks to order a beverage with a snack.
If you look for cheap options to eat while traveling in Brazil, go straight to the restaurants that offer “Prato feito“, also described by its acronym ‘PF‘, where the local workers go for lunch. Even in São Paulo, a ‘Prato feito‘ costs from BRL 30,00 to BRL 40,00 at an inexpensive restaurant.
Food Prices in Brazil: How Much Does It Cost to Eat?
Food prices in Brazil, like everywhere, vary depending on where you shop, the quantity and quality, and what you eat. Below this section, there’s a price list to give you an idea of how much things cost in restaurants, supermarkets, and local establishments in the most popular destinations for South American tourists. With inflation, it’s normal for prices in Brazil to increase each year.
Not all restaurants and bars in Brazil charge tips, but it’s more common in tourist areas and state capitals. It’s generally 10% and includes the service charge.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Brazil, but it’s a good idea to bring cash for markets and street food. In Brazilian establishments, payment is only in reais. It’s not common to pay in dollars, euros, or other foreign currencies.
Money-Saving Tips
If you’re looking for affordable dining options while traveling in Brazil, head straight to the restaurants that offer “Prato feito,” also known by its acronym “PF,” where local workers go for lunch. Even in São Paulo and on the most touristy beaches, a “Prato feito” costs between 30.00 and 40.00 reais in a budget restaurant.
Restaurants near beaches and in the most touristy areas are expensive by local standards. Seafood, shrimp, and fish dishes aren’t dishes that local workers eat every day, for example, if the economy allows. Below is a list to give you a general idea of prices in Brazil.
Reference Prices (in Reais)
These prices are an average for tourist destinations like Florianópolis and Balneário Camboriú. Prices tend to be higher in larger cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. (Estimated prices for 2025).
- Cheap Meals:
○ Prato Feito (PF): R$ 30.00 – R$ 40.00
○ Empanadas, sandwiches, or hot dogs: R$ 20.00 – R$ 30.00
○ Combos: From R$ 50.00 – R$ 80.00
- Mid-Priced Restaurants:
○ Meal per person: R$ 80.00 – R$ 100.00 (with all-you-can-eat buffet or churrasco, sometimes less)
- Drinks:
○ Canned beer: R$ 5.00 – R$ 8.00
○ Beer in bars (Heineken, Budweiser, Eisenbahn): From R$10.00 – R$15.00
○ Soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Guaraná): From R$5.00
○ Coffee: R$4.00 – R$10.00
- Supermarket:
- Minimum of R$200 per week: This is the minimum comfortable amount, excluding expensive items and alcoholic beverages. This is enough for a person who eats a lot, including cookies, fruit, pasta, rice, vegetables, and cooking ingredients.
At What Time do Restaurants in Brazil Open?
Many restaurants in Brazil work all day long for lunch and dinner. Some restaurants close after lunchtime, early afternoon, and only reopen early evening to prepare dinner. The ones that are ‘restaurante e lanchonete‘ usually open full-time, serving breakfast, lunch, and even dinner. Most of the restaurants close around 22h-23h, while fast foods go up to 2:00h. Sundays and holidays are the days you find fewer options to eat outside in Brazilian cities.
More Travel Tips for Brazil
For more ideas on places to visit, what to do, and what to eat in Brazil, check the website of Tiplr, where you currently find more than 200 travel tips shared by travelers, including myself, only for this country. And you can ask questions on the Facebook group Brazil Travel Tips.
Originally posted 2019-06-17 20:23:28.
