Brazilian Breakfast: The 11 Best Foods for Breakfast in Brazil

When it comes to breakfast, Brazil certainly knows how to start the day off right. Brazilian breakfasts are famous for their variety of fruits, breads, cheeses, and of course, strong coffee.

If you’re wondering what Brazilians eat for breakfast, read on to find out everything you need to know about traditional breakfast in Brazil and what the best Brazilian breakfast foods are.

Brazilian Breakfast

In Brazil, lunch is actually considered the most important meal of the day. But this doesn’t mean they forget about breakfast!

Brazilians don’t have tea time, nor do they snack as much as we do in the west. So they really focus on getting all their nutrition from their three main meals. And breakfast is no exception.

What Do Brazilians Eat for Breakfast?

Breakfast in Brazil is typically a light meal, jam packed with energy and nutrition.

The breakfast table is either simple and focused on quick energy, or full of colour. You can find foods like tropical fruits, breads and cakes, ham and cheese, and heartier dishes like tapioca pancakes.

And of course, no Brazilian breakfast would be complete without a strong cup of freshly-brewed coffee!

What Foods Won’t You Find for Breakfast in Brazil?

Typically, you won’t find Americanized foods on the breakfast menu in Brazil, such as cereals. Cereals are actually very expensive in Brazil, so aren’t very common to come across.

And traditionally, eggs aren’t a breakfast food in Brazil. Instead, they are often incorporated into lunch and dinner meals. Although it is now becoming more and more common to find eggs as part of a Brazilian breakfast spread.

Eating Out For Breakfast in Brazil

If you want to eat breakfast out in Brazil, stopping at a café or bakery will be your best bet. In particular, when I was staying in Rio de Janeiro I found there was no shortage of delicious and filling breakfast options in the city!

As bread is a big feature in Brazilian breakfasts, bakeries will often serve sit-down breakfasts all morning. And the breakfast menu will sometimes also be available in the afternoon, similar to brunch.

It’s typical to see a range of breakfast combos on the menu, which usually comprise some form of fresh bread and spreads, fruit and coffee. And there will sometimes also be a protein included, like eggs, ham and cheese, as well as a cake.

If you think that sounds like a lot, you’re right, it is! In my experience, one combo meal to share between two was usually more than enough food to start our day.

Planning a trip to Brazil? Check out my Complete Guide to Iguazu Falls

11 Best Brazilian Breakfast Foods

Now that you know what a typical Brazilian breakfast looks like, here is my list of the 11 best breakfast foods to try when visiting Brazil!

Pão de Queijo

The one breakfast item that Brazilians may be most proud of is a classic cheese bread called pão de queijo.

This delicious breakfast food is unlike any cheese bread you’ve had before. These bite-sized breads are warm and chewy, with a crispy exterior and a fluffy gooey interior. Plus, they are gluten-free!

This Brazilian classic is made of cassava flour, cheese, eggs, oil and milk. And don’t be fooled by its small size. Pão de queijo is incredibly filling and can easily be a meal on its own. It’s often enjoyed for breakfast with a coffee or fruit juice, or eaten as a snack later in the day.

This is my absolute favourite Brazilian breakfast food. If there’s one thing you should try for breakfast in Brazil, above all else I recommend pão de queijo!

Açaí Bowl

One Brazilian breakfast item which has actually gained popularity in the west in recent years is the açaí bowl. And with good reason!

Açaí bowls are made from frozen açaí berries that are blended into a thick and creamy smoothie-like consistency. The bowls are then finished with the toppings of your choice. Most commonly this will include banana and other fresh fruits, granola, or nuts and seeds.

Native to Central and South America, the açaí berry is packed with antioxidants and fibre that will keep you fuelled and energized throughout the day. Plus, it tastes delicious! Eating an açaí bowl is kind of like eating a healthy fruity ice cream for breakfast.

In Brazil, you will find açaí bowls at pretty much any local café or breakfast spot. Plus they are widely sold by street vendors as a snack food. In particular, they are an excellent food to get at the beach, since they’re super refreshing on a hot day.

Bread, Butter & Jam

When it comes to breakfast in Brazil, bread, butter and jam may be the most common and classic option. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring!

Brazilians are big on their bread, and have actually been largely influenced by the French. As a result, having freshly baked bread every day is common in Brazil. And the quality of bread sold in bakeries and cafés is some of the best you will find outside of France!

In fact, the most common bread in Brazil is actually called Pão Francês (‘French bread’). This is a type of white bread roll, which is crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy in the middle, similar to a French baguette.

Brazilians typically enjoy their bread with butter and a variety of sweet jams, such as guava or strawberry. When you’re eating good quality fresh bread it’s best to keep it simple!

When eating breakfast out in Brazil, you can expect to receive a selection of different fresh breads to try, along with your jam, butter and other spreads.

Brazilian Coffee

Brazilian coffee is world-renowned, and is an essential part of an authentic Brazilian breakfast. So it is more than worthy of a mention on this list!

Brazilian coffee is bold, rich, and robust, and it is a perfect companion for the vast majority of Brazilian breakfast dishes.

Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee beans, so it’s not hard to find the perfect cup of coffee. Brazilians usually drink their coffee strong and black, but it’s also common to add a touch of milk and sugar.

Tapioca Pancakes

Another popular and satisfying breakfast food in Brazil is tapioca (or cassava) pancakes. This is a staple dish made from tapioca flour, which comes from cassava, a root vegetable that is widely used in Brazilian cooking.

Cassava is not only delicious, but is also highly nutritious and rich in fibre, making it perfect for a healthy and filling start to the day.

To make the pancakes, tapioca flour is mixed with salt and water before being cooked in a frying pan. The result is a fluffy and crispy gluten-free and vegan pancake. The pancakes usually come with simple toppings like butter, cheese, condensed milk or coconut.

Tapioca pancakes are often eaten for breakfast, as a snack, and sold as street food in Brazil. So you shouldn’t struggle to find some to try when visiting!

Fresh Fruit

A very common food to feature on the breakfast table in Brazil is fresh fruit. Slices of fresh fruit will often be served on the side of other breakfast items, or as part of a breakfast combo.

I don’t know if it’s just me, but when I was visiting Brazil, I found the fruit tasted better there! Plus, they have an abundance of locally grown tropical fruits to try. Papaya, bananas, mango, pineapple, melon and passion fruit are some of the most common fruits you will find at breakfast time in Brazil.

Fruit Juices & Smoothies

Brazilians really love their fruit. So as an alternative to sliced fruit, fruit juice and smoothies are also a staple for breakfast. And what makes these drinks so delicious is that they almost always come fresh!

Freshly squeezed juices are usually made with fresh fruit pulp, ice, and water, which are blended together (rather than pressed through a juicer). Sometimes a little bit of sugar is added to enhance the sweetness. And you can also add extras like ginger, mint or coconut water.

Smoothies, on the other hand, are thicker and creamier thanks to the addition of yogurt or milk. A smoothie alone is enough to fill you up at breakfast time. Whereas a fruit juice is usually served as a drink, alongside other breakfast items.

Bolo de Fuba

Bolo de Fuba is essentially a cornmeal cake, which is eaten as a snack, dessert or for breakfast in Brazil. Made with corn flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, this delicious and filling cake is a staple in many Brazilian households and is commonly enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee.

What makes Bolo de Fuba so special is its unique texture and taste. It’s subtly sweet and in the traditional version, the corn flour gives the cake a gritty-texture. However, some variations include coconut milk or grated cheese, giving the cake a more custard-like creamy texture. This variation is known as Bolo de Fubá Cremoso (creamy cornmeal cake).

This cake is so popular that you can find it in every Brazilian bakery and market. And it’s also easy to make, so it’s a popular cake to bake at home.

Cuscuz

Cuscuz is a typical breakfast food in the northeast of Brazil, although it actually originates from North Africa. It’s made with finely ground cornmeal that is cooked with steam and served with a variety of toppings. While regional variations exist, the dish is typically served in a pyramid or triangular shape, which is cut into slices to serve.

Cuscuz can be served either sweet or savoury. It’s often topped with a little bit of butter, and served with eggs, cheese, sautéed vegetables, and meats. Or, if you have a sweet tooth, you can opt for toppings like coconut milk, honey, and condensed milk.

If you really want to indulge, there is also a sweet version of Cuscuz which is cooked with the addition of coconut and sugar.

Ham & Cheese

Another common and satisfying item to see on the breakfast table in Brazil is ham and cheese. This is usually served as a plate of cold cuts and cheese slices. Although ham and cheese grilled sandwiches are also not uncommon for breakfast in Brazil!

A plate of ham and cheese will typically include queijo fresco, a soft and mild cheese that has a lot of moisture, or queijo prato, a semi-hard and nutty cheese, similar to gouda.

Canjica

Although breakfast in Brazil often mirrors more of a continental style breakfast, Brazilians also love their comfort food. And Canjica is a satisfying favourite!

Canjica is a creamy and sweet porridge which is served warm. It’s made from white corn kernels, coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk. Traditionally it’s served topped with cinnamon, shredded coconut, or peanuts. But, like oatmeal, you can get creative with it and top it with just about anything.

Canjica is commonly eaten for breakfast in the winter months in Brazil, since it’s hearty and warming, or enjoyed as a dessert.

Final Thoughts – Brazilian Breakfast

Although it might not be considered the most important meal of the day, breakfast in Brazil is still a significant part of the country’s gastronomy and culture. And there are plenty of delicious breakfast foods to try!

From freshly-baked breads and cakes, to hearty porridge, fresh fruit and rich coffee, there is something for everyone on the Brazilian breakfast menu.

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