Food and Shopping in Brazil
Food in Brazil reflects daily life and long-held regional traditions. On a Finest Journeys tour, you’ll encounter different styles of cooking as you move through cities, coastal villages, and the rainforest. In Rio de Janeiro and the hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa, you’ll find restaurants that serve simple classics alongside updated versions of traditional dishes. In Salvador, recipes often trace back to Afro-Brazilian kitchens, where local ingredients like dendê oil, okra, and dried shrimp are used with care and purpose.
On the coast in Taiba, Trairi, and Jericoacoara, the food is lighter and centered on fresh seafood. Grilled fish, shrimp moqueca, and tapioca pancakes are common. Portions are generous, and meals are often shared. In the Amazon and Manaus, travelers often try dishes made with river fish, cassava flour, and seasonal fruit grown nearby.
Markets are woven into everyday routines. In Recife and Salvador, you’ll see fruit, cheese, sweets, herbs, and cooked snacks sold by vendors who often prepare everything themselves. Each market has its own pace, shaped by the people who live nearby. In Rio and Manaus, there are also galleries and boutiques that showcase work by contemporary artisans alongside handmade goods.
Shopping is practical and personal. In small coastal towns and regional cities, crafts are often sold by the people who made them. These include woodwork, ceramics, textiles, and baskets made with local fibers. While larger shops may take cards, cash is usually preferred in markets.
Your guide will help you find reliable places to eat and shop throughout your journey. Each stop is a chance to engage with real people doing real work, and that’s part of what makes the experience so rewarding.
Recommended Tours in Brazil
Opening Hours in Brazil
Shops in Brazil usually open around 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. and close between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Large malls may stay open later. In smaller towns, hours are more limited, especially on Sundays or public holidays. Markets often open early and close by mid-afternoon. Your guide can confirm opening times in each region during your trip.
Dining Hours in Brazil
Lunch is typically served between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. and is often the largest meal of the day. Dinner is eaten later, usually between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. In major cities and tourist areas, restaurants may adjust hours for visitors. Outside of those areas, local meal times tend to follow traditional patterns.
Making Payment in Brazil
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas. In markets or rural towns, cash is often preferred. ATMs are common in cities but may be limited elsewhere. It’s a good idea to carry some small notes, especially if you’re visiting markets or shopping with local artisans.
Tax free shopping in Brazil
Non-residents can request a refund on VAT (ICMS) paid on eligible purchases. Participating stores issue the necessary forms and receipts. Refunds are processed at the airport before departure, with original documents required. Not all shops take part in the program, so ask before buying. Your guide can assist with details and documentation if needed.
What to buy in Brazil
What you’ll find in markets and shops across Brazil depends on where you are and who you meet. Many crafts are made in small quantities using materials available nearby. In Salvador and Recife, you’ll come across lacework, beaded jewelry, and religious art influenced by Afro-Brazilian heritage. These pieces are often handmade and sold by the people who created them.
Santa Teresa is known for its studios and small galleries. You’ll find hand-thrown pottery, prints, leather goods, and accessories made by independent artists. Some shops carry contemporary designs that use traditional methods, while others focus on local souvenirs and small-batch crafts.
On the northern coast, particularly around Trairi and Jericoacoara, hammocks and textiles are made using cotton dyed with natural pigments. In Taiba, you may also find hand-carved wooden figures and ceramics shaped and fired in small backyard kilns.
In Manaus and across parts of the Amazon, crafts made with natural seeds, bark, and woven fibers are sold in markets and cooperatives. Items like baskets, bowls, and jewelry carry a clear connection to the environment and the people who live there.
Your guide will help you understand what’s made locally and how to buy with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is street food safe to eat in Brazil?
Street food is part of everyday life in Brazil and often prepared fresh. Look for stands that are clean and busy, where food is cooked in front of you. Your guide will recommend reliable places where locals regularly eat.
What types of food will I find during the trip?
Meals vary by region. Expect rice, beans, grilled meats, tropical fruit, and seafood in coastal areas. In Salvador and the Amazon, dishes may include cassava, fish, coconut milk, and local spices. Street snacks like cheese bread and pastéis are common.
Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, but choices may be limited in smaller towns or traditional restaurants. Larger cities usually offer more variety. Your guide will help find meals that suit your preferences and can speak with restaurants on your behalf.
What are good souvenirs to bring home?
Handmade items such as lace, ceramics, wood carvings, hammocks, jewelry, and woven baskets are all popular. Many are made locally using traditional methods. Your guide will point out quality pieces and help with pricing and customs advice.
Can I take food products back home?
Sealed items like chocolate, coffee, dried fruit, and hot sauce usually travel well. Always check customs rules in your home country before packing food or drink to avoid problems at the border.
Our local expert in Brazil
How Finest Journeys Enhances Your Food and Shopping Experience in Brazil
Finest Journeys unlocks the best of Brazil’s food and shopping. We provide personalized recommendations, local connections, and curated itineraries, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Taste authentic regional dishes, meet talented artisans, and find unique traditional goods, all tailored to your preferences.