Brazilian Vocabulary: Ordering Food in Portuguese Restaurants

Embarking on a culinary adventure in Brazil involves not just savoring delectable dishes but also navigating the charming nuances of ordering food in local restaurants. This article will equip you with essential Portuguese phrases, an expanded vocabulary, and cultural insights specific to Brazil.

Brazilian Dining Etiquette

Greeting and Seating

• Greet Politely: Begin your dining experience with a warm “Bom dia” (Good morning) or “Boa tarde” (Good afternoon).
• Wait to Be Seated: In establishments with formal seating, patiently await the staff to guide you.

Understanding the Menu

• Language Tips: Familiarize yourself with basic Portuguese terms for a seamless menu navigation.
  • “Carne” (Meat), “Peixe” (Fish), “Marisco” or “frutos do mar” (Seafood), “Pratos do Dia” (Daily specials).
• Daily Specials: Inquire about “pratos do dia” for a taste of seasonal delights.

Ordering Drinks

• Water Choices: Specify your preference for water— “água com gás” (sparkling water) or “água sem gás” (still water).
  • Example: “Eu gostaria de uma garrafa de água com gás, por favor” (I would like a bottle of sparkling water, please).
• Caipirinha Culture: Embrace Brazil’s iconic cocktail. Try the “caipirinha” made with cachaça, lime, sugar, and ice.

Appetizers and Starters

• “Entradas” Exploration: Embark on a culinary journey with traditional appetizers.
  • Example: “Por favor, traga-nos coxinhas e pastéis” (Please bring us coxinha and pastries).
  • Example: “Queremos experimentar a moqueca de camarão” (We want to try shrimp moqueca).

Main Course Ordering

• Meat and Fish Selection: Delve into the diverse main course options.
  • Example: “Eu gostaria de experimentar a feijoada” (I would like to try the feijoada).
  • Example: “Quero o churrasco misto, por favor” (I want the mixed barbecue, please).
• Cooking Preferences: Specify your preferred meat doneness— “mal passado” (rare), “ao ponto” (medium), or “bem passado” (well-done).

Side Dishes and Accompaniments

• “Acompanhamentos”: Select your preferred side dishes.
  • Example: “Vou querer arroz e feijão como acompanhamento” (I’ll have rice and beans as a side).
  • Example: “Posso ter batatas fritas, por favor?” (Can I have french fries, please?).
• Pão de Queijo: Don’t miss the opportunity to try “pão de queijo” (cheese bread).

Desserts and Coffee

• “Sobremesas”: Indulge in Brazilian desserts.
  • Example: “Por favor, uma porção de brigadeiro” (Please, a portion of brigadeiro).
• Cafézinho Tradition: Conclude your meal with a cup of “café” (coffee).
  • Example: “Um cafezinho, por favor” (A little coffee, please).

Paying the Bill

• “A Conta, Por Favor”: Politely request the bill.
  • Example: “Quando puder, a conta, por favor” (Whenever you can, the bill, please).
• Tipping Tradition: While not obligatory, leaving a 5-10% tip for excellent service is customary.

Essential Phrases and Vocabulary

Greetings:

• “Bom dia” (Good morning)
• “Boa tarde” (Good afternoon)
• “Boa noite” (Good evening)

Ordering:

• “Eu gostaria de…” (I would like…)
• “Para beber” (To drink)
• “Para comer” (To eat)

Special Requests:

• “Sem sal” (Without salt)
• “Sem açúcar” (Without sugar)
• “Muito bem passado” (Very well-done)

Expressing Satisfaction:

• “Está ótimo” (It’s great)
• “Delicioso” (Delicious)
• “Obrigado/a” (Thank you)

Numbers:

• “Um” (One), “Dois” (Two), “Três” (Three), …

Food Vocabulary:

• “Prato” (Dish), “Sopa” (Soup), “Peixe” (Fish), “Carne” (Meat), “Sobremesa” (Dessert), …

Drinks Vocabulary:

• “Água” (Water), “Vinho” (Wine), “Cerveja” (Beer), “Refrigerante” (Soft drink), …

Common Phrases:

• “Por favor” (Please), “Obrigado/a” (Thank you), “Desculpe” (Excuse me), …

Popular Brazilian Dishes

• Feijoada: A hearty black bean stew with pork, sausages, and beef.
• Churrasco: Brazilian barbecue with a variety of grilled meats.
• Moqueca de Peixe: Fish stew with coconut milk, palm oil, and spices.
• Coxinha: Deep-fried dough filled with shredded chicken.
• Brigadeiro: A sweet treat made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and chocolate sprinkles.

Of course, these are just a few of the dishes and vocabulary words that you will eventually use in Brazilian Portuguese, but it is a good place to start!

To further support your language-learning journey, check out my comprehensive Portuguese Resources Page for a curated list of tools and programs that will accelerate your progress.

-Galilee Berman