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Brazilian cuisine is a vibrant and diverse reflection of the country’s rich culture and history. With influences from Portuguese, African, and Indigenous cuisines, Brazilian lunch recipes offer a feast of flavors, textures, and unique ingredients. Whether you’re looking for savory stews, grilled meats, or refreshing salads, Brazilian lunches can bring warmth and joy to your table. In this article, we present 23+ mouthwatering Brazilian lunch recipes that will help you explore the full range of Brazil’s culinary traditions. From hearty feijoada to crispy coxinha, these dishes are perfect for any occasion, so let’s dive in and experience the flavors of Brazil!
23+ Delicious Brazilian Lunch Recipes You Need to Try

Incorporating Brazilian flavors into your lunch routine is a fantastic way to enjoy hearty, vibrant, and diverse meals that reflect the essence of Brazil. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting stew like feijoada, a crispy snack like coxinha, or a light, refreshing salad like salpicão, there is a Brazilian recipe for every palate. These 23+ Brazilian lunch recipes will give you a taste of the country’s culinary heritage, and the best part is that many of them are easy to prepare at home. So, grab your apron and get ready to experience a truly unforgettable lunch, Brazilian style!
Feijoada
Feijoada is a rich, savory, and hearty Brazilian stew that is perfect for a fulfilling lunch. This traditional dish features black beans simmered with pork, sausages, and beef, creating a flavor-packed meal that captures the essence of Brazilian home cooking. The combination of smoky meats and tender beans is served with rice, sautéed collard greens, and orange slices, which help balance the richness of the stew. The recipe can be adjusted depending on what meats you have on hand, but the key is to allow the stew to cook slowly, so the flavors meld together beautifully. It’s a perfect dish to prepare for a family meal, and it gets even better the next day.
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Moqueca (Brazilian Fish Stew)
Moqueca is a delightful Brazilian fish stew that comes from the coastal regions. This dish combines fresh fish, like cod or tilapia, with a mix of bell peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, all simmered in coconut milk and a touch of palm oil, which gives it an unmistakable flavor. The stew is wonderfully aromatic, thanks to cilantro and lime that are added toward the end of cooking, infusing the dish with a burst of freshness. The combination of coconut milk and palm oil creates a creamy and slightly sweet sauce that complements the delicate fish perfectly. It’s typically served with white rice, and you can even add a side of farofa (toasted cassava flour) for extra texture and flavor.
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Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)
Pão de Queijo is an irresistible Brazilian cheese bread that is often enjoyed as a snack or part of a lunch. These gluten-free cheesy bread rolls are made from tapioca flour, which gives them a chewy and light texture. The dough is mixed with cheese—typically a blend of Parmesan and Minas cheese—creating a rich, cheesy flavor that’s utterly addictive. These small, bite-sized treats puff up beautifully as they bake, creating a golden, crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy interior. They’re perfect on their own or served alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer to a larger Brazilian meal. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as leftovers; they still taste amazing when reheated.
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Coxinha
Coxinha is one of Brazil’s most beloved snacks, and it also makes a perfect lunch option for those craving something savory and satisfying. These chicken croquettes are made with shredded chicken that’s flavored with onions, garlic, and spices, then wrapped in a dough made from flour and chicken broth, shaped into a teardrop, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The combination of the tender chicken filling and the crispy exterior creates a delightful contrast of textures. Often enjoyed with a dipping sauce, these crispy treats are a great way to introduce Brazilian flavors to your lunch routine. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or enjoy them as part of a mixed platter of Brazilian appetizers.
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Bacalhau à Brás (Salted Cod with Potatoes and Eggs)
Bacalhau à Brás is a traditional Brazilian dish made with salted cod, shredded potatoes, onions, and eggs, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. The cod is first soaked to remove excess salt, then combined with sautéed onions and matchstick potatoes that are crisped to perfection. The eggs are added last, turning the dish into a creamy, savory scramble that binds everything together. Often garnished with black olives and fresh parsley, Bacalhau à Brás is a wonderful dish that is hearty yet light enough for lunch. This dish highlights the Portuguese influence on Brazilian cuisine, offering a taste of the country’s rich coastal history.
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Arroz de Carreteiro (Brazilian Rice with Beef)
Arroz de Carreteiro is a classic Brazilian dish that originated from the southern region and is perfect for a filling lunch. This comforting rice dish combines tender pieces of beef, often leftover from a roast, with rice, onions, garlic, and a hint of cumin and paprika for depth. The dish is cooked in one pot, allowing the rice to soak up all the flavors from the beef and spices. Traditionally served with a side of fresh tomatoes or a crisp salad, Arroz de Carreteiro is a satisfying and flavorful meal that will keep you full and energized. It’s easy to make, yet full of rich flavors that are ideal for any day of the week.
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Brazilian Pork with Pineapple
Brazilian Pork with Pineapple, also known as “Carne de Porco com Abacaxi,” is a sweet and savory dish that brings a tropical twist to your lunch. The tender pork is braised in a flavorful sauce made from onions, garlic, and a touch of vinegar, then simmered with juicy pineapple chunks, allowing the sweet and tangy flavors to meld perfectly with the savory meat. This dish is often served with rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce, and a side of sautéed vegetables or a crisp salad. The combination of pineapple and pork is a classic pairing in Brazilian cuisine and offers a refreshing yet hearty meal that’s both comforting and exciting.
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Escondidinho de Carne Seca (Brazilian Shepherd’s Pie)
Escondidinho de Carne Seca is a Brazilian take on the classic shepherd’s pie, but with a flavorful twist using dried beef (carne seca) as the filling. The dried beef is shredded and sautéed with onions, garlic, and bell peppers, creating a savory, aromatic base. This filling is then covered with a rich layer of mashed yuca (cassava), which gives the dish a creamy, slightly sweet texture, instead of the usual mashed potatoes. The dish is baked until golden and bubbly, with a crispy top that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling. Escondidinho de Carne Seca is a comforting and filling lunch option, perfect for those who enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.
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Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Codfish Fritters)
Bolinhos de Bacalhau, or Brazilian codfish fritters, are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with the flavor of salted cod. The cod is rehydrated, flaked, and combined with mashed potatoes, onions, garlic, parsley, and eggs to create a rich, flavorful dough. This mixture is then shaped into small fritters and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The outside has a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains fluffy and soft. Bolinhos de Bacalhau are often served as an appetizer or light lunch, paired with a dipping sauce or a fresh salad. They’re ideal for anyone who loves a crispy, seafood-filled treat!
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Frango à Passarinho (Brazilian Fried Chicken)
Frango à Passarinho is a Brazilian-style fried chicken that’s crispy, juicy, and bursting with bold flavors. The chicken is cut into small, bite-sized pieces and marinated in a mixture of garlic, lemon, and herbs, which infuses the meat with delicious flavors. After marinating, the chicken is deep-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while staying tender and juicy on the inside. Often served with a side of farofa (toasted cassava flour) or rice, this dish is perfect for a relaxed yet flavorful lunch. Frango à Passarinho is popular at Brazilian barbecues and family gatherings and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Picanha (Brazilian Grilled Beef)
Picanha is a Brazilian steak cut that’s known for its tenderness and rich flavor. The cut comes from the top of the rump and is typically cooked on skewers over an open flame, giving it a smoky, charred exterior and juicy, pink interior. To prepare Picanha, the beef is seasoned simply with coarse salt and sometimes garlic, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine. The fat cap on the steak melts as it cooks, adding moisture and flavor. It’s often served with rice, beans, and farofa, creating a well-balanced, filling meal that embodies the spirit of Brazilian churrasco (barbecue). Picanha is perfect for grilling season or any day when you’re craving a hearty, flavorful lunch.
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Virado à Paulista (São Paulo-Style Pork and Beans)
Virado à Paulista is a traditional dish from the São Paulo region of Brazil, combining hearty ingredients like pork, beans, rice, and collard greens for a complete and satisfying meal. The dish features pork, typically in the form of ribs or sausages, cooked with onions, garlic, and a rich bean broth, creating a flavorful base. It’s served with white rice, sautéed collard greens, and sometimes a fried egg on top, adding extra richness to the meal. The flavors are deeply savory and comforting, making it a beloved dish for a traditional Brazilian lunch. The combination of protein, fiber, and fresh greens creates a well-rounded meal that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
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Baião de Dois
Baião de Dois is a classic Brazilian dish from the Northeast that combines rice and beans with the rich flavors of smoked meat, such as pork or sausage. The dish gets its name from the fact that it’s made with two main ingredients—rice and beans—cooked together in a flavorful, savory broth. The beans are often cooked with aromatic ingredients like garlic, onions, and peppers, while the rice soaks up the delicious flavors of the beans and meat. The smoked pork adds a rich, salty flavor that makes the dish even more comforting. Often served with a side of fresh cheese or fried plantains, Baião de Dois is a perfect hearty lunch that’s both filling and flavorful.
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Farofa (Brazilian Toasted Cassava Flour)
Farofa is a traditional Brazilian side dish made with cassava flour that is toasted in butter, often with ingredients like bacon, onions, garlic, and sometimes vegetables like carrots or olives. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that complements many Brazilian main courses, including rice, beans, and grilled meats. The cassava flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the other components of a Brazilian meal. Farofa is typically served alongside dishes like Feijoada or grilled meats, adding both texture and flavor to your lunch spread. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and is a must-try for anyone looking to dive deeper into Brazilian cuisine.
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Tutu de Feijão (Brazilian Bean Paste)
Tutu de Feijão is a classic Brazilian comfort food made from mashed beans, typically black beans or kidney beans, and cooked with a variety of savory ingredients like garlic, onions, bacon, and sausage. The beans are blended into a smooth, thick paste, then simmered with these ingredients to infuse the mixture with rich, smoky flavors. It’s often served with rice, sautéed greens, and sometimes a fried egg, making it a complete, satisfying meal. Tutu de Feijão is beloved in Brazilian homes for its heartiness and the way it perfectly combines the humble ingredients of beans, rice, and pork into something irresistible and comforting.
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Churrasco (Brazilian Barbecue)
Churrasco is the ultimate Brazilian barbecue experience, featuring a variety of meats grilled on skewers over an open flame. From beef steaks and sausages to chicken hearts and pork, the meats are seasoned simply with salt and sometimes garlic, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. The key to a perfect Churrasco is in the slow grilling process, where the meat is cooked to juicy perfection and infused with a smoky flavor. It’s often served with traditional Brazilian sides like rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), vinaigrette salsa, and pão de queijo (cheese bread). Churrasco is perfect for a weekend lunch with family or friends, offering a fun, interactive dining experience and a feast of flavors.
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Vaca Atolada (Brazilian Beef Stew)
Vaca Atolada is a comforting Brazilian beef stew made with tender beef ribs that simmer slowly in a rich and savory broth with root vegetables like yuca (cassava) and carrots. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it cooks, while the cassava adds a starchy, creamy texture that thickens the broth. This hearty stew is full of deep flavors, thanks to the use of garlic, onions, tomatoes, and spices. Vaca Atolada is perfect for a family-style lunch, served with rice and a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad. The dish is ideal for cooler weather or when you’re craving something warm and nourishing.
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Acarajé (Brazilian Fried Bean Cake)
Acarajé is a popular street food from Bahia, Brazil, made from black-eyed peas that are formed into dough, deep-fried until crispy, and served with a flavorful filling of shrimp, vatapá (a creamy paste made from peanuts, coconut milk, and palm oil), and a spicy sauce. The outside of the Acarajé is golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and light. This dish combines savory, sweet, and spicy elements, creating a mouthwatering contrast of textures and flavors. While Acarajé is often eaten as a snack or appetizer, it can also serve as a hearty lunch when paired with rice or salad. The dish reflects the Afro-Brazilian influence in Brazilian cuisine, offering a truly authentic taste of the Bahia region.
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Mocotó (Brazilian Cow’s Foot Stew)
Mocotó is a traditional Brazilian stew made from cow’s feet, slow-cooked to tender perfection in a flavorful broth. The rich gelatinous texture of the cow’s feet combines beautifully with the savory broth, which is infused with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and bay leaves. The stew is often made heartier with vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and cassava (yuca). Served with rice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, Mocotó is a comforting, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for a hearty lunch. It’s a beloved dish in many parts of Brazil, especially in the Northeast, where it’s considered a true delicacy.
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Caldo Verde (Brazilian Green Soup)
Caldo Verde is a traditional Brazilian green soup that’s simple yet deeply comforting. It’s made with collard greens, potatoes, and sausage, simmered in a flavorful broth with garlic, onions, and olive oil. The potatoes are mashed to create a creamy base for the soup, while the collard greens add a fresh, slightly bitter flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the sausage. Chunks of chorizo or linguiça (Brazilian smoked sausage) provide a smoky depth of flavor. Caldo Verde is often enjoyed with a side of cornbread or toasted bread, making it a satisfying, hearty lunch option that will keep you warm and full.
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Quibe (Brazilian Kibe)
Quibe is a Brazilian version of the Middle Eastern dish kibbeh, made from bulgur wheat and ground meat, typically beef or lamb. The bulgur is combined with spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cumin, along with finely chopped onions and parsley. The mixture is then shaped into oval patties or served as a large meatloaf and deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and flavorful on the inside. Quibe is often served with a side of yogurt sauce or a tangy salad, making it a delicious, protein-packed lunch. This dish offers a unique blend of Brazilian and Middle Eastern influences, and it’s perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Strogonoff de Carne (Brazilian Beef Stroganoff)
Strogonoff de Carne is the Brazilian version of the classic Russian beef stroganoff, featuring tender pieces of beef cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made with sour cream, mustard, onions, and garlic. The sauce is velvety and tangy, perfectly complementing the savory beef. Brazilian Strogonoff is often served with white rice and crispy potato sticks or fries on the side, adding texture and extra flavor to the dish. This comforting and indulgent meal is perfect for a hearty lunch and can be easily customized by adding mushrooms or other vegetables to the sauce. It’s a quick yet luxurious dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any lunch table.
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Bife à Parmegiana (Brazilian Chicken or Beef Parmesan)
Bife à Parmegiana is a popular Brazilian dish inspired by Italian cuisine, featuring a breaded and fried cut of beef or chicken, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. The meat is first tenderized, dipped in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden and crispy. Then, it’s smothered with rich tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese before being baked to perfection. The result is a satisfying combination of crunchy, cheesy, and saucy layers. This dish is often served with rice and French fries, making it a complete and comforting meal. Whether made with beef or chicken, Bife à Parmegiana is a beloved lunch favorite in Brazil.
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Conclusion
Brazilian cuisine offers a delicious variety of lunch options, making it a perfect choice for those seeking bold, satisfying meals. With 23+ recipes to explore, you can take a culinary journey through Brazil’s regional flavors, from the grilled meats of the South to the tropical influences of the North. Each dish is a celebration of Brazil’s diverse cultural heritage, and preparing them in your own kitchen will bring a bit of Brazilian sunshine to your table. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these Brazilian lunch recipes are sure to impress and satisfy!