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What Food To Try in Curitiba. and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

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

National currency: Brazilian Real, symbol — R$ (international currency code BRL).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Curitiba. cafes and restaurants
$5.4 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $3.12
$31.2 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $20.8
$6.2 
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.24

What to Try in Curitiba.

Must-try Dishes
Feijoada - Black Bean Stew - A hearty stew made with black beans, various cuts of pork, and beef, simmered for hours. Typically served on Wednesdays or Saturdays, it’s a favorite among locals gathering with family or friends.

Empanada - Stuffed Pastry - Crispy pastry filled with seasoned ground meat or cheese, quickly fried to golden perfection. It’s a beloved street food, often enjoyed on the go during lunch breaks.

Barreado - Stewed Meat - Slow-cooked beef with spices and anise, thickened into a rich stew, often served with rice and banana. Commonly eaten during festive occasions, it’s a dish you’ll find at family gatherings around holidays.

Pinhão - Roasted Pine Nuts - These large, nutty seeds are often boiled or roasted, then enjoyed as a popular snack. Street vendors frequently sell them during the colder months, making for a warm, cozy treat while wandering the city.

Polenta with Chorizo - Polenta com Linguiça - Creamy cornmeal topped with smoky chorizo and served warm, creating a delightful savory experience. This dish is a favorite in bars, where locals enjoy it while sipping on drinks during the evenings.

Baião de Dois - Rice and Beans - A mix of rice, beans, and often some meat, seasoned with local herbs and spices, creating a savory blend. It shines at community lunches, often accompanied by laughter and storytelling.

Carne de Sol - Sun-Dried Meat - Flavored, salted beef that's dried in the sun, usually grilled and served with sides like salad or rice. Locals savor it during the warm months, taking advantage of the vibrant food markets.

Vaca Atolada - Beef Stew with Cassava - A comforting stew made with tender beef and cassava, rich in flavor and thickness. This dish is especially popular during the winter, a warm staple often prepared for family gatherings.

Desserts & Drinks
Café com Leite - Café com Leite (coffee with milk) - A delightful mix of strong Brazilian coffee and steamed milk, resulting in a creamy beverage. Curitibanos often enjoy this in the morning as a comforting start to their day, typically served in a small cup.

Capivara - Capim Santo (lemongrass drink) - This refreshing non-alcoholic beverage combines lemongrass and sugar, sometimes mixed with lime for zing. It’s especially popular during summer months at family gatherings, often served chilled and garnished with mint leaves.

Caipirinha - Caipirinha (cachaça cocktail) - The national cocktail made from cachaça (sugarcane spirit), muddled limes, sugar, and ice creates a clean, zesty drink. Locals typically sip this during social gatherings or festive occasions, and the best home versions come with a good amount of crushed ice.

Pastel de Nata - Pastel de Nata (custard tart) - These flaky pastry shells filled with rich, creamy custard are best served warm, often with a sprinkle of cinnamon. A popular treat during the afternoon or at celebrations, locals tend to stop by bakeries for a couple to enjoy with coffee.

Açaí Bowl - Açaí na Tigela (açaí bowl) - A thick, frozen smoothie made from açaí berries, often topped with granola, bananas, and honey. It’s a summer favorite, consumed especially after workouts at local juice bars. By the way, it’s common to order extra toppings, which locals relish!

Food and Groceries in Curitiba.

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $1.46
Bananas $1.07
Oranges $0.84
Potatoes $1.05
Apples $1.6
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.7
0.5L Local Beer $1.17
Imported Beer $2.79
Wine Rating >4.0 $9.36
Milk 1L $1.15

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $9.19
Chicken $4.74
Cigarettes $2.39
Rice $1.29
Local Cheese $9.66

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

Walking through the bustling market at Largo da Ordem on a Saturday morning, it's common to see families leisurely munching on pastéis, a fried pastry filled with cheese or meats. This scene not only showcases how locals often snack throughout the day but also highlights the importance of social eating here. Unlike in some other cities, meals in Curitiba don’t always adhere to rigid schedules; instead, they blend easily into the rhythm of daily life.

Meal times in Curitiba are typically a bit later than you might expect if you’re from a city like São Paulo. Lunch often starts around 12:30 to 1:30 PM, while dinner can begin as late as 8 PM. A typical family meal at home may consist of rice, beans, and some form of protein, often grilled. Dining out can vary wildly in terms of pricing depending on the area. For instance, in neighborhoods like Batel or Centro, you might pay around R$50 for a casual lunch at a restaurant, while options in more suburban regions might offer similar meals for about R$30.

Payment customs can be an adventure on their own. Most places accept cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash (reais are king here). I’ve encountered some smaller vendors and cafés that only accept cash, especially in more traditional or market settings. Tipping isn’t obligatory but is appreciated; rounding up to the nearest R$1 or leaving around 10% for good service is quite common.

One common habit among locals is enjoying coffee breaks throughout the day. It’s not unusual to see people pause for a cafézinho (a small, strong coffee) in the afternoon, which makes for a pleasant ritual that also allows for socializing. However, tourists sometimes make the mistake of expecting restaurants to have the same appreciation for punctuality as they do back home, which can lead to disappointment. Many restaurants may start filling up later in the evening, especially on weekends, so it’s wise to reserve a spot if you’re eyeing a popular place to eat.

As the seasons change, prices can fluctuate significantly. For example, during winter, the demand for hearty comfort foods and hot drinks can drive prices up slightly. But generally, the variety in districts contributes to a dynamic food scene where meals can be enjoyed at every budget.

Transportation links are steadily improving, connecting dining areas more efficiently. With the introduction of new bus lanes, reaching places like Santa Felicidade—famous for its Italian cuisine—has never been easier. The evolving infrastructure seems to be pushing more locals to explore various dining experiences throughout the city, leading to a richer culinary tapestry as habits shift towards trying new foods.