What Food To Try in Brasilia and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Brasilia for 2024.
National currency: Brazilian Real, symbol — R$ (international currency code BRL).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Brasilia cafes and restaurants
$6.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $4.16
$37.4
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $24.96
$7.3
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.24
What to Try in Brasilia
Must-try Dishes
Vibrant Rice - Arroz com Pequi (chicken and fruit dish) - A fragrant rice dish cooked with pequi fruit, chicken, and spices, creating a unique flavor profile. Locals often enjoy it during family gatherings or on weekends, embracing the blend of tastes.Stuffed Corn Cake - Pamonha (street corn dish) - This soft, sweet cake made from fresh corn, often filled with cheese, makes for a delightful street snack. You’ll find it sold from roadside vendors during festivals, where people enjoy it while chatting with friends.
Beef Stew - Feijoada (black bean stew) - A hearty stew made with various cuts of pork and beef, simmered with black beans and served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices. Traditionally enjoyed on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it’s a beloved meal for family get-togethers.
Traditional Brazilian Casserole - Baião de Dois (rice and beans) - A mix of rice, black-eyed peas, and plenty of cheese, often topped with crispy bacon or sausage. This dish is synonymous with comfort food for locals, typically served during larger family meals.
Surprising Salad - Salada de Feijão (bean salad) - A cold salad made of various beans, diced tomatoes, onions, and spices, providing a refreshing combination. Served as a side dish during summer gatherings, locals often enjoy it with grilled meats.
Street Treat - Pastel (fried pastry) - A thin, crispy pastry filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables, quickly fried to perfection. Found at markets and street fairs, it’s best eaten fresh and hot, ideally paired with a local hot sauce.
Breakfast Delight - Pão de Queijo (cheese bread) - These bite-sized cheese puffs are made from tapioca flour and cheese, often served warm. Local cafés offer them as a breakfast staple, and they disappear quickly!
Seasonal Special - Caldo Verde (green soup) - A comforting soup of potatoes, collard greens, and chorizo, perfect during the colder months. It’s a go-to dish for family dinners in the winter, often accompanied by crusty bread.
Desserts & Drinks
Café com Leite - Coffee com Leite (coffee with milk) - A rich blend of strong Brazilian coffee and creamy milk, typically served hot in a small cup. Locals often enjoy this cozy drink during breakfast or mid-afternoon breaks (perfect for those chilly mornings). Caipirinha - Caipirinha (sugarcane cocktail) - A refreshing mix of cachaça, sugar, and lime, served over ice in a small glass, perfect for warm evenings. It's a staple during social gatherings, where friends often share stories over a few rounds—just watch out for the booze; it's easy to lose track!
Açaí na Tigela - Açaí Bowl (frozen fruit smoothie) - A thick and creamy blend of frozen açaí berries topped with banana, granola, and honey. Commonly found at juice bars, this dish is especially popular during the hottest months when locals cool down with a quick snack after a workout or while relaxing on the weekend.
Pão de Mel - Pão de Mel (honey cake) - This delightful treat is a spiced cake filled with caramel, coated in chocolate, and often sprinkled with nuts. It's traditionally served at celebrations like birthdays and weddings, and the honey note makes it perfect for a sweet finish after a hearty meal.
Pudim - Pudim (caramel flan) - A smooth, creamy dessert made with condensed milk, eggs, and sugar, with a luscious caramel top. It’s a beloved staple during family gatherings and other special occasions, often served chilled straight from the fridge. By the way, don’t be surprised when you find it at every family feast; it’s practically a requirement!
Food and Groceries in Brasilia
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.74 |
| Bananas | $1.25 |
| Oranges | $1.01 |
| Potatoes | $1.14 |
| Apples | $1.87 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.85 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.4 |
| Imported Beer | $2.83 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $9.36 |
| Milk 1L | $1.18 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $8.56 |
| Chicken | $4.16 |
| Cigarettes | $2.5 |
| Rice | $1.99 |
| Local Cheese | $9.58 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In the heart of Brasília, the lunch hour usually starts around 12:00 PM and stretches until about 2:00 PM. It's a bustling time, especially in areas like Asa Sul, where restaurants fill with locals escaping their offices. Sharing tables is common—it's not unusual to see strangers bond over a plate of feijoada before heading back to work.
Typically, you'd find meals in Brasília ranging from R$20 to R$50, depending on the district you’re in. For example, a simple but hearty meal at a local self-service restaurant in Ceilândia costs about R$25, while a seat at a high-end restaurant in Lago Sul could set you back R$80 or more. This price variance highlights the city's dynamic culinary scene, catering to all budgets.
Paying for meals is mostly straightforward, with cash and cards accepted almost everywhere. However, I recommend always carrying some cash, particularly for street vendors or smaller eateries, where sometimes only cash is king. If you find yourself in a more upscale setting, be prepared for a service charge of around 10%, which is often automatically added to the bill.
One common mistake for tourists is overlooking the importance of trying local specialties at dinner time, often served from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Many travelers head straight for international cuisine, missing out on potent local flavors like the vibrant churrasqueira or the various moquecas. But remember, if you dine late during weekdays in busy areas, you might face longer waits as locals flock to their favorite spots after work.
You might also spot a local eating habit specific to Brasília: people tend to order several appetizers to share rather than individual meals. This communal dining approach fosters a lively atmosphere, and it’s a great way to taste a variety of dishes without committing to just one. For those venturing out, making a reservation is wise if you're eyeing popular places, especially on weekends when the crowds swell.
As the seasons change, you’ll notice prices in some regions, particularly near tourist attractions, can rise due to increased demand. However, local markets are a fantastic way to snag good deals on fresh ingredients, with peak hours on weekends showcasing lively stalls full of seasonal fruits at reasonable prices—think R$5 for a bag of fresh mangoes or a handful of açai.
In Brasília, food is more than nourishment; it’s a reflection of the city’s culture, blending communal traditions with modern dining experiences. Whether you’re sharing plates or diving into a solo meal, there’s always something delicious waiting.
Typically, you'd find meals in Brasília ranging from R$20 to R$50, depending on the district you’re in. For example, a simple but hearty meal at a local self-service restaurant in Ceilândia costs about R$25, while a seat at a high-end restaurant in Lago Sul could set you back R$80 or more. This price variance highlights the city's dynamic culinary scene, catering to all budgets.
Paying for meals is mostly straightforward, with cash and cards accepted almost everywhere. However, I recommend always carrying some cash, particularly for street vendors or smaller eateries, where sometimes only cash is king. If you find yourself in a more upscale setting, be prepared for a service charge of around 10%, which is often automatically added to the bill.
One common mistake for tourists is overlooking the importance of trying local specialties at dinner time, often served from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Many travelers head straight for international cuisine, missing out on potent local flavors like the vibrant churrasqueira or the various moquecas. But remember, if you dine late during weekdays in busy areas, you might face longer waits as locals flock to their favorite spots after work.
You might also spot a local eating habit specific to Brasília: people tend to order several appetizers to share rather than individual meals. This communal dining approach fosters a lively atmosphere, and it’s a great way to taste a variety of dishes without committing to just one. For those venturing out, making a reservation is wise if you're eyeing popular places, especially on weekends when the crowds swell.
As the seasons change, you’ll notice prices in some regions, particularly near tourist attractions, can rise due to increased demand. However, local markets are a fantastic way to snag good deals on fresh ingredients, with peak hours on weekends showcasing lively stalls full of seasonal fruits at reasonable prices—think R$5 for a bag of fresh mangoes or a handful of açai.
In Brasília, food is more than nourishment; it’s a reflection of the city’s culture, blending communal traditions with modern dining experiences. Whether you’re sharing plates or diving into a solo meal, there’s always something delicious waiting.