Meal times in Brazil

Here are the typical meal times in Brazil and when food is served in the majority of the country’s restaurants.

In Brazil, meals follow a relatively standard structure throughout the day, though timings can vary slightly depending on the region and lifestyle.

1. Breakfast ("Café da Manhã")

• Time: Usually between 6am and 10am.

• Description: Breakfast in Brazil tends to be a light meal. In restaurants and hotels, it's common to find a variety of breads (such as French bread), butter, cheese, ham, fresh fruit, juices, cakes, coffee, and milk.

• Where it’s served: Bakeries, cafés, hotels, and snack bars.

2. Lunch ("Almoço")

• Time: Traditionally between 12pm and 2pm.

• Description: Lunch is the most important meal of the day for many Brazilians and is usually quite substantial. It typically includes rice, beans, a protein (such as beef, chicken, or fish), salad, and some type of side dish, like chips, farofa, or vegetables. In restaurants, it’s common to find self-service, pay-by-weight options, or pre-made dishes known as "PF" (prato feito).

• Where it’s served: Self-service restaurants, all-you-can-eat restaurants, steakhouses, à la carte restaurants, and snack bars that serve meals.

3. Afternoon Snack ("Café da Tarde" or "Lanche da Tarde")

• Time: Usually between 4pm and 6pm.

• Description: Similar to breakfast, this is a lighter meal that may include coffee, tea, juices, bread, biscuits, cakes, and savoury snacks. In some regions, there is a tradition of serving a "café colonial", offering a wide variety of items.

• Where it’s served: Bakeries, cafés, and snack bars.

4. Dinner ("Jantar")

• Time: Normally between 7pm and 10pm.

• Description: Dinner can be lighter than lunch, but many people still opt for a full meal. Depending on lifestyle, dinner can range from a meal of rice, beans, and meat to something simpler, like soup or salad.

• Where it’s served: Restaurants, snack bars, and often in pizzerias and steakhouses.

5. Supper ("Ceia")

• Time: After 10pm.

• Description: Supper is not a common meal in daily life but may occur during special occasions, such as parties or events. It’s a light meal, similar to an afternoon snack, consisting of tea, coffee, cakes, or something light to end the day.

Notes on meal times:

• In large cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, restaurants tend to operate with extended hours to accommodate various lifestyles, with some places staying open later.

• Fast food restaurants or snack bars may be open throughout the day, serving meals and quick bites at any time.

• In tourist areas or during weekends, some restaurants, especially those offering brunch or colonial-style breakfasts, may serve breakfast or lunch at later hours.

This meal structure reflects Brazilian eating habits, with lunch being the main meal, while dinner can vary depending on each person’s or region’s pace of life.

Don't forget to read this article in Portuguese clicking on the Brazilian flag at the top of the page.

---

Want to learn more about Brazil and prepare for an adventure filled with delicious food? Come take our Brazilian Portuguese survival course. It will get you ready to order your own food, ask for directions, and much more. Click here to schedule.

If you’re a teacher, find more resources for your lessons here.