Decode menus, order with confidence, and navigate Portuguese-speaking food culture. From fine dining to street food.
When and what people eat differs significantly between Brazil and Portugal.
BR literally "morning coffee" – PT literally "small lunch."
Main meal of the day in both countries, typically 12-2pm.
Evening meal.
Afternoon snack, often at a lanchonete (snack bar).
Very common in Brazil – pay by weight (por quilo).
Less common in Portugal than Brazil.
Very popular lunch option in Brazil – fill your plate, weigh it, pay.
Rare in Portugal.
Servers bring food continuously. Famous for churrascarias (steakhouses).
Protein options on menus – Brazil is famous for beef, Portugal for seafood.
General term for meat, but often means beef specifically.
Explicitly beef (vs. other meats).
Brazil's most prized cut – grilled on skewers at churrascarias.
Portuguese specialty, especially "Leitão da Bairrada."
Portugal's iconic fish – hundreds of recipes exist.
Popular in both countries, especially grilled.
Accompaniments and vegetable dishes.
Essential side dish in both countries.
Central to Brazilian cuisine – "arroz e feijão" is the daily staple.
Brazilian staple – fried, mashed, or as flour (farinha).
Brazilian side dish – sprinkled on top of food.
How food is prepared – essential for understanding menu descriptions.
"Cozido à Portuguesa" is a famous meat and vegetable stew.
Milanese style – coated in breadcrumbs.
Coffee culture is central to both countries – but with different traditions.
In Brazil, "cafezinho" is the small, strong, often sweet coffee.
In Portugal, "um café" gets you a small espresso (bica in Lisbon).
Half coffee, half milk – breakfast staple.
Literally "half of milk" – espresso with steamed milk.
Portuguese specialty – served in a tall glass.
Fresh juice is everywhere in Brazil – tropical fruits galore.
Very popular in Brazil – served ice cold.
In Lisbon say "imperial" – in Porto say "fino"!
Portuguese specialty – refreshing, low alcohol.
Made with cachaça, lime, and sugar.
Portuguese specialty, especially in Lisbon and Óbidos.
Pastries, bread, and desserts – Portugal especially is a pastry paradise.
Brazilian padarias are neighborhood hubs – bakery + café + mini-market.
Portuguese pastelarias serve coffee and pastries all day.
Brazilian breakfast staple – crispy outside, soft inside.
Iconic Brazilian snack – chewy, cheesy balls from Minas Gerais.
Portugal's most famous pastry – crispy shell, creamy filling.
Brazilian pastel: thin, crispy fried pastry with various fillings.
In Portugal, "pastel" refers to pastries in general.
Brazil's most beloved sweet – made with condensed milk and chocolate.
Caramel custard – standard dessert in both countries.
Brazilian superfood – frozen purple berry served in a bowl with toppings.
Essential vocabulary for allergies and dietary restrictions.
"Tenho alergia a..." = I'm allergic to...
Look for "Contém: glúten, leite, soja" on packaging.
Portuguese food is generally not very spicy. Brazilian varies by region.
Signs you'll see at restaurants, cafés, and food establishments.
In Portugal, "garçom" sounds Brazilian. Use "empregado" or simply "faz favor."
"Aguarde ser chamado" = Wait to be called.
Ask for the "senha do wifi" (WiFi password).
Get a printable reference card for food vocabulary.