A Home Meal

An everyday breakfast in Brazil consists of fruit and cheese with bread, generally eaten between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. In the north, a more elaborate meal includes juice, specially prepared roots, roasted meat, couscous, and milk with coffee. In the south, one eats cheese, ham, and bread, served with coffee, milk and juice.

Lunch is the most substantial meal, served from 11:30 until 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. in restaurants, and at noon in private homes. The meal consists of rice, beans, salad and some form of meat. Although vegetarian dishes are more common in the south, vegetarians may have difficulty finding appropriate dishes when eating out. Supper is a lighter meal which can consist of soup with crackers or bread, bits of sausage or other meat, or leftovers from lunch. Beverages include freshly squeezed juice, beer (for those 21 and over), carbonated water, soda, milk and coffee. Coconut water is a popular drink of the north. One should take care only to drink tap water if it has been filtered.

Eating does not begin until everyone is seated at the table. Table manners are similar to those in the United States (i.e., no elbows on the table). In formal situations, it is generally considered rude for the host to finish before the last guest has finished eating. In coastal cities, diners may find different kinds of forks and knives designed specifically for eating fish.