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What Food To Try in Belo Horizonte and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Belo Horizonte for 2024.

National currency: Brazilian Real, symbol — R$ (international currency code BRL).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Belo Horizonte cafes and restaurants
$5.4 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $3.95
$31.2 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $20.8
$6.2 
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.82

What to Try in Belo Horizonte

Must-try Dishes
Pão de Queijo - Cheese Bread - These small, cheesy rolls are made with cassava flour and cheese, creating a chewy and crispy texture. Perfect for breakfast, locals usually enjoy them fresh, often paired with coffee.

Kibe - Kibbeh - Ground beef mixed with bulgur, spices, and onion, shaped into a bulging oval and fried until golden. Street vendors sell these alongside cold drinks, enjoying them as an afternoon snack or quick lunch.

Feijão Tropeiro - Tropeiro Beans - A hearty mix of beans, sausage, bacon, and manioc flour, all sautéed together to create a savory dish with rich flavors. It's often a lunch staple at family gatherings and feasts, bringing everyone together.

Frango com Quiabo - Chicken with Okra - Tender chicken stewed with okra and seasoned with garlic and onions, served with rice and farofa. This dish is a beloved specialty at Sunday family meals, often shared among relatives.

Torresmo - Pork Cracklings - Crispy fried pieces of pork belly, seasoned and usually served with a splash of lime. It's often a surprise addition to rice and beans, enjoyed as a savory side or snack during barbecues.

Arroz com Pequi - Rice with Pequi - A rich, fragrant rice dish cooked with the unique pequi fruit, known for its bold flavor. This traditional dish hails from the cerrado and is especially popular in the rainy season when pequi is in bloom.

Moqueca - Fish Stew - A fragrant stew made of fish, coconut milk, and a blend of spices, simmered until the flavors meld. Typically reserved for festive occasions, it’s a dish best shared at dinner gatherings, as it brings friends and family closer.

Feijoada - Black Bean Stew - This thick stew features black beans and a variety of meats, often served with rice, kale, and orange slices on the side. Local restaurants serve this hearty meal on Wednesdays and Saturdays, making it a special tradition worth exploring.

Desserts & Drinks
Guaraná - Guaraná (natural soda) - A sweet, carbonated drink made from the guaraná fruit, known for its refreshing taste and slight energy boost. You'll find locals enjoying it during hot afternoons, often paired with a slice of bolo de cenoura (carrot cake).

Cafe com Leite - Café com Leite (coffee with milk) - A half-and-half concoction of rich Brazilian coffee and creamy milk, served hot and typically enjoyed at breakfast or during afternoon breaks. It's customary to have it with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.

Caipirinha - Caipirinha (lime cocktail) - The classic Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, muddled lime, and sugar, served over ice. Locals love to sip it while hanging out with friends at any outdoor bar, especially during weekend gatherings.

Rocambole - Rocambole (cream-filled roll) - A soft, sponge cake rolled around a rich filling, often chocolate or guava. Commonly served at birthday parties and celebrations, it's usually enjoyed slightly chilled, making it a delightful treat after a meal.

Pudim - Pudim (flan-like dessert) - A smooth, creamy custard topped with a sweet caramel sauce, often enjoyed at family gatherings. It’s typically served cold, and locals love to eat it with a fork, despite its spoon-friendly texture.

Food and Groceries in Belo Horizonte

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $1.56
Bananas $1.13
Oranges $0.88
Potatoes $1
Apples $1.73
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.66
0.5L Local Beer $1.36
Imported Beer $2.35
Wine Rating >4.0 $8.32
Milk 1L $1.08

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $8.88
Chicken $3.97
Cigarettes $2.08
Rice $1.54
Local Cheese $9.47

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

If you're used to the rushed meals of São Paulo, the dining rhythm here in Belo Horizonte flips the usual script. While many big cities push you through lunch in a quick 30 minutes, locals in BH embrace their meals. Lunch often stretches from noon until around 2 PM, with tables bustling as friends and families gather to enjoy traditional dishes like feijão tropeiro or pão de queijo. I once found myself at a local restaurant around 1 PM and was pleasantly surprised by the lively atmosphere; you could easily spot groups savoring their meals well into the afternoon.

Now, let’s talk prices because what R$20 gets you in Belo Horizonte might surprise you. I paid R$25 for a hearty lunch the other day that included a generous portion of rice, beans, and grilled chicken—enough to fill you for a good half of the day. Compare this to other neighborhoods like Savassi, where similar meals can easily push R$40, and you’ll see why many locals flock to areas like Cidade Nova or Santa Tereza, where dining remains delicious yet affordable. That said, expect higher prices during the Festas Juninas when local food stalls pop up everywhere.

Now, about payment customs—don't let Belo Horizonte's methods surprise you like they did me at first. Many places will have a card machine at the table, which is convenient, but don’t be alarmed if it’s cash only in some street food stalls (a common mistake for newcomers). And when it comes to tipping, locals often round up, leaving loose change behind. Tipping is not obligatory, but it’s certainly appreciated for good service.

Oh, and before I forget, if you decide to hit a popular spot in Pampulha on a weekend, securing a reservation is a smart move. Those places fill up quickly, like popular beach spots on a hot day. Dinner generally kicks off late—around 8 PM—so if you're making plans, factor in that sociable late-night rhythm.

One local eating habit that stands out is the tradition of sharing small plates, or "petiscos." It’s such a communal experience and fosters a friendly atmosphere. Just remember to resist the urge to dive into your food before everyone’s gathered (trust me, that can lead to some amused looks).

As you explore, keep an eye on how the city is evolving. There’s a growing trend of food trucks gathering in various plazas, reflecting younger locals' tastes and a desire for convenience without giving up quality. It’s exciting to see Belo Horizonte’s food scene embracing fresh ideas while holding onto its cherished culinary roots.