Discover the vibrant flavors and rich culinary heritage of Brazil with our collection of 25+ Brazilian lunch recipes.
From hearty stews to fresh salads and savory rice dishes, these recipes showcase the diverse ingredients and bold spices that define Brazilian cuisine.
Each dish offers a unique taste experience that can complement any midday meal or stand alone as a satisfying feast.
Whether you’re craving comforting classics like feijoada or lighter fare like tropical salads, this variety ensures something for every palate and occasion
25+ Healthy Brazilian Lunch Recipes for Balanced Eating
These 25+ Brazilian lunch recipes bring a delicious fusion of tradition and fresh ingredients to your dining table.
Each recipe invites you to explore Brazil’s rich culture through bold spices, hearty textures, and vibrant colors.
Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, these dishes will add excitement and authenticity to your midday meals.
Embrace the warmth and variety of Brazilian cuisine and enjoy every flavorful bite
Bobó
Bobó is a luscious Brazilian shrimp stew made with creamy mashed cassava and coconut milk.
The silky texture combined with the subtle sweetness of coconut and tender shrimp makes for a comforting, rich lunch option.
Serve it with fluffy white rice to soak up the vibrant, flavorful sauce.
This dish brings coastal Brazilian flavors straight to your table.
Let’s Cook It !Acarajé
Acarajé are crispy black-eyed pea fritters fried to golden perfection and filled with spicy shrimp paste.
Their crunchy exterior contrasts beautifully with the savory, slightly spicy filling inside.
Enjoy them as a flavorful lunch or a satisfying snack that embodies Afro-Brazilian street food culture.
Each bite bursts with bold, exciting tastes and textures.
Let’s Cook It !Feijoada
Feijoada is Brazil’s iconic black bean stew, simmered slowly with smoky sausages and tender pork cuts.
Its rich, hearty aroma fills the kitchen, inviting you to savor each bite of the deeply flavorful and comforting dish.
This protein-packed stew pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice and zesty orange slices, making it a perfect centerpiece for any lunch.
Enjoy feijoada on its own for a soul-warming experience or alongside traditional sides for a festive meal.
Let’s Cook It !Moqueca
Moqueca is a fragrant seafood stew bursting with fresh fish, coconut milk, tomatoes, and a touch of cilantro.
The silky broth offers a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors, enlivened by the subtle heat of malagueta peppers.
This vibrant dish brings the fresh tastes of Brazil’s coast to your table, ideal for a light yet satisfying lunch.
Serve it with rice or farofa for a taste of Brazilian culinary tradition that delights every sense.
Let’s Cook It !Coxinha
Coxinha is a beloved Brazilian snack featuring shredded chicken wrapped in dough and fried to golden perfection.
Its crispy exterior gives way to a tender, savory filling infused with herbs and spices, delivering a comforting, hand-held delight.
Perfect for a quick lunch or party appetizer, coxinha pairs well with fresh salads or dipping sauces.
Enjoy these bites anytime you crave a crunchy, flavorful treat that’s uniquely Brazilian.
Let’s Cook It !Pão de Queijo
Pão de Queijo are chewy, cheesy bread bites made from tapioca flour, offering a delightful gluten-free snack.
Warm and fragrant, their crispy outside contrasts beautifully with the soft, airy interior filled with melted cheese.
These versatile treats complement any lunch spread or can be enjoyed on their own with a cup of coffee.
Their subtle tang and comforting texture make them an irresistible part of Brazilian cuisine.
Let’s Cook It !Vatapá
Vatapá is a creamy, spiced paste made from bread, shrimp, coconut milk, and peanuts, creating layers of complex flavors.
Its velvety texture and rich taste make it a luxurious addition to any Brazilian lunch table.
Serve vatapá with rice or as a dipping sauce for farofa, elevating your meal with coastal Afro-Brazilian influences.
This dish stands out for its bold ingredients and comforting warmth.
Let’s Cook It !Farofa
Farofa is toasted cassava flour mixed with herbs, onions, and sometimes bacon or nuts, adding crunch and flavor to any meal.
Its nutty aroma and crisp texture provide the perfect contrast to moist stews and grilled meats.
This simple yet essential side dish enhances Brazilian lunches by bringing depth and a satisfying crunch.
Enjoy farofa as a standalone snack or as a complementary texture boost alongside your favorite dishes.
Let’s Cook It !Vatapá
Vatapá is a savory, creamy paste crafted from bread, peanuts, coconut milk, and shrimp, offering complex layers of flavor.
Its silky texture and spicy undertones make it a standout addition to any Brazilian lunch spread.
Serve vatapá alongside rice or farofa for a traditional meal that’s rich in Afro-Brazilian heritage.
It’s a unique dish that balances richness and spice beautifully.
Let’s Cook It !Acarajé
Acarajé are deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters with a crunchy exterior and soft, savory inside.
They’re typically stuffed with spicy shrimp paste and drenched in hot sauce, offering a bold flavor explosion.
This street-food favorite works well as a snack or a filling lunch, perfect for those who crave something crispy and flavorful.
Experience the vibrant taste of Brazil’s Bahia region with every bite.
Let’s Cook It !Farofa
Farofa is toasted cassava flour often mixed with sautéed onions, garlic, and bits of bacon or nuts.
Its crunchy, nutty texture perfectly complements moist, savory mains like stews and grilled meats.
A staple side dish in Brazilian cuisine, farofa adds depth and contrast to any lunch plate.
Use it to enhance your meal’s texture and flavor profile effortlessly.
Let’s Cook It !Empadão
Empadão is a savory Brazilian pie filled with shredded chicken, olives, and creamy tomato sauce.
Its flaky crust and rich, tender filling make it a comforting, satisfying lunch option.
Enjoy empadão warm as a standalone dish or with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that highlights classic Brazilian flavors.
Let’s Cook It !Caldo Verde
Caldo Verde is a hearty, green kale soup enriched with potatoes and smoky sausage slices.
The warm, earthy aroma invites you in, while the smooth texture and mild spice soothe and satisfy.
This traditional soup is perfect for a light yet nourishing lunch that comforts and delights.
Pair it with crusty bread for an authentic Brazilian experience.
Let’s Cook It !Vatapá
Vatapá is a creamy, flavorful Brazilian dish made from shrimp, coconut milk, bread, and ground peanuts.
Its rich texture and mildly spicy taste create a perfect balance that enhances any lunch spread.
Enjoy vatapá with rice or as a delicious accompaniment to grilled meats.
This dish brings the warmth of Afro-Brazilian coastal flavors right to your table.
Let’s Cook It !Moqueca
Moqueca is a fragrant seafood stew simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and coconut milk.
Its silky broth carries a delicate mix of sweet and savory flavors, accented by fresh herbs and lime.
This vibrant dish is perfect on its own or served alongside rice for a wholesome lunch.
Savor the authentic taste of Brazil’s coastal cuisine in every spoonful.
Let’s Cook It !Coxinha
Coxinha are crispy fried snacks filled with shredded chicken and seasoned with herbs and spices.
Their crunchy exterior contrasts delightfully with the tender, flavorful filling inside.
Perfect as a quick lunch or party appetizer, coxinhas pair wonderfully with dipping sauces.
Experience a beloved Brazilian treat that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Let’s Cook It !Pão de Queijo
Pão de Queijo are small, chewy cheese breads made with tapioca flour and Parmesan cheese.
Their crisp exterior gives way to a soft, airy center bursting with cheesy goodness.
These gluten-free delights can be enjoyed on their own or as a side to soups and salads.
They’re a versatile snack that brings a touch of Brazil to any meal.
Let’s Cook It !Farofa
Farofa is toasted cassava flour mixed with ingredients like onions, garlic, and sometimes bacon or nuts.
Its nutty, crunchy texture provides a perfect complement to hearty stews and grilled dishes.
This essential Brazilian side dish adds depth and texture to every lunch plate.
Enjoy it sprinkled over rice or meats for an authentic taste experience.
Let’s Cook It !Escondidinho
Escondidinho is a comforting layered casserole made with mashed cassava and seasoned meat or chicken.
The creamy, smooth topping contrasts with the savory, spiced filling beneath, creating a delightful harmony.
Perfect as a main course, this dish brings warmth and richness to any lunch table.
Its rustic flavors showcase the heart of Brazilian home cooking.
Let’s Cook It !Tapioca
Tapioca pancakes are light and chewy, made from hydrated tapioca flour that creates a naturally gluten-free base.
Their neutral flavor pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory fillings, offering endless versatility for lunch.
Enjoy them filled with fresh cheese, coconut, or shredded chicken for a taste of Brazilian street food.
These quick and easy pancakes bring a delightful texture to your midday meal.
Let’s Cook It !Quibebe
Quibebe is a creamy pumpkin stew flavored with garlic, onions, and a touch of fresh herbs.
Its smooth texture and subtly sweet taste make it a comforting and nutritious lunch option.
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread to soak up every bit of its rich sauce.
Experience a traditional Brazilian comfort food that’s perfect for cooler days.
Let’s Cook It !Empada
Empada are small savory pies with a flaky crust and a variety of fillings like chicken, palm heart, or shrimp.
The buttery, golden crust encases a flavorful, tender filling that makes for a perfect portable lunch.
These versatile pastries can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature, making them ideal for any occasion.
They’re a delicious way to enjoy classic Brazilian flavors on the go.
Let’s Cook It !Carne Seca
Carne seca is Brazilian-style dried and salted beef that’s slow-cooked to tender perfection.
Its intense, smoky flavor adds depth to rice dishes, stews, or salads.
This protein-rich ingredient brings a hearty, rustic touch to any lunch plate.
Enjoy it shredded or diced for a variety of meal options that celebrate Brazilian tradition.
Let’s Cook It !Caldo Verde
Caldo Verde is a comforting kale and potato soup enriched with smoky sausage slices.
Its warm, earthy aroma and creamy broth soothe and satisfy any midday hunger.
Pair this nourishing soup with crusty bread for an authentic Brazilian lunch experience.
It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that comforts the soul.
Let’s Cook It !Pastel
Pastel are thin, crispy Brazilian pastries filled with savory ingredients like cheese, meat, or heart of palm.
Their crunchy texture and warm, flavorful filling make them an irresistible snack or light lunch.
Perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own, pastéis bring festive street-food vibes to your table.
These handheld treats offer a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Let’s Cook It !Conclusion
With over 25 Brazilian lunch recipes at your fingertips, you have the perfect gateway to enjoy authentic flavors and wholesome ingredients.
These recipes provide versatility, allowing you to mix and match dishes to suit your taste and schedule.
From comforting classics to quick, fresh options, Brazilian cuisine offers something for every lunch occasion.
Dive into this collection and elevate your meals with the spirited tastes of Brazil.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.