Hey friends! First of all, our Dica today is about something delicious. In fact, let’s talk about Brazilian Barbecue, or as we Brazilians call it: churrasco. Churrasco means barbecue, and it’s a typical Brazilian meal. It also has very specific vocabulary in Portuguese. So, today let’s learn this vocabulary: all about Brazilian barbecue food and meat: the cuts of beef, types of sausages and other kinds of meat. But what actually is a churrascaria restaurant and how does it work? We will take a close look at all this today!
It’s very common on Sunday afternoon for Brazilians to gather with their families and friends to have a barbecue. On these occasions, a nice chat in Portuguese and a cold beer are a must! I am sure you will know everything about churrasco by the time this Dica is over!
History of Brazilian Barbecue
In the past, native Americans prepared a barbecue style way of cooking due to its practicality and quickness since the preparation only calls for fire and meat! Although the origin was attributed to the natives, it was in the Pampas (The Pampas are a region of plains covered by grasslands in South America) that the churrasco in Brazil gained recognition.
According to stories, Brazilian barbecue appeared in the XVII century with the tropeiros. Tropeiros were travelers who went to southern Brazil trading various products. Cattle was initially used for transportation, but over time they noticed that the cows could be a quick and easy source of food. This is how the Brazilian barbecue first appeared in our country, becoming popular among the tropeiros, and later the rest of the population.
All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
In the mid-60’s in Rio Grande do Sul the all-you-can-eat restaurants that specialized in Brazilian BBQ, called rodízio, began to appear. These rodízio restaurants are the traditional BBQ Brazilian steakhouses. Rumor has it that one day Albino Ongaratto’s restaurant was full, and an experienced waiter mixed up several orders, causing dissatisfaction among the clients. To work around this situation, Ongaratto stipulated that everyone could enjoy all the cuts of meat by paying only one single price! Everyone liked the idea, and today we have all-you-can-eat restaurants that function like this, serving only Brazilian barbecue. So, next time you come study in Brazil, you should see for yourself the meaning of Churrascaria : an all-you-can-eat meat restaurant where the waiters come and carve the cuts at your table!
If you ever visit Porto Alegre in Rio Grande do Sul and want to have an authentic gaucho barbecue in Brazil, you should go to one of the best Brazilian barbecue restaurants: Braseiro.
How Does a Brazilian Churrascaria Work?
If you’ve never been to a Brazilian churrascaria before, you’re in for a unique dining experience. Most traditional Brazilian steakhouses operate using the famous rodízio system. Instead of ordering individual dishes, you pay a fixed price and waiters continuously walk around the restaurant carrying large skewers of freshly grilled meat. They stop at every table and slice the meat directly onto your plate. Whenever you want more meat, simply keep your card on the green side. If you need a break, turn it to the red side, and the waiters will stop serving your table. Besides the endless selection of meats, most churrascarias also offer a large buffet with salads, cheeses, vegetables, rice, farofa, sushi, desserts and many traditional Brazilian dishes, making it one of the most popular dining experiences for both locals and tourists.
But What Do You Eat at a Brazilian BBQ: Churrasco?
The Brazilian BBQ food is very traditional and easy to prepare. On the grill, you can usually find some Brazilian BBQ steaks, sausages, chicken wings and garlic bread. Other traditional Brazilian BBQ food is rice, farofa and vinagrete. Let’s check out some of the most traditional foods you can find in a traditional Brazilian churrasco:
- One of the most famous Brazilian BBQ cuts of meat is the picanha, known worldwide for being very tasty and tender. It doesn’t need much to be grilled: just salt and perhaps a little pepper.
- Fraldinha e Maminha are both cuts that do not have much fat in them. It’s a very nice option for people that are simply trying to stay fit!
- Chicken Wings are very popular during Churrascos in Brazil, mostly with children. When grilled, they get crunchy and delicious. You can easily pair it up with sweet and sour spices.
- Filé Mignon and Contra Filé are expensive options, but they are for sure totally worth it. Usually they are served rare, and the meat is very tender and juicy. So if you like rare meat, this is the option for you.
- Cupim is the back of the ox’s neck. It is a more consistent and fibrous meat, so it takes time to be ready. Goes very well with salads and risottos!
- We have many options for Brazilian BBQ sausages: linguiça toscana, chicken linguiça and even ham linguiça. They are very good as a snack with a good cold beer.
Most Popular Cuts of Brazilian Beef
Brazil is one of the world’s largest beef producers, and its barbecue culture includes a wide variety of flavorful and high-quality cuts. The most famous is picanha (top sirloin cap), loved for its tenderness and rich flavor and usually seasoned with nothing more than coarse salt before being grilled over charcoal. Another favorite is fraldinha (flank steak), known for its rich beefy flavor and juicy texture. Maminha (tri-tip) is a lean yet tender cut that is often served sliced and cooked to medium. Contra filé (striploin) is appreciated for its balance of tenderness and marbling, making it one of the most popular steaks in Brazil. Filé mignon (tenderloin) is the most tender cut of beef, famous for its buttery texture and delicate flavor. Alcatra (top sirloin) is a versatile cut commonly found in churrascarias and family barbecues, while costela (beef ribs) is slowly grilled for several hours until the meat becomes incredibly soft and falls off the bone. One of the most unique Brazilian cuts is cupim (hump cap), which comes from the hump of Zebu cattle and develops an exceptionally juicy and rich flavor when cooked slowly over low heat. Although every cut has its own characteristics and loyal fans, picanha is undoubtedly the most iconic and is considered by many Brazilians to be the true king of churrasco. Whether you’re visiting a traditional churrascaria or attending a family barbecue, trying a variety of these cuts is one of the best ways to experience authentic Brazilian cuisine.

Best Side Dishes for a Brazilian Barbecue
Although the meat is the star of every churrasco, the side dishes are just as important. A traditional Brazilian barbecue is usually served with a combination of simple but delicious accompaniments. Some of the most common side dishes include farofa, a toasted cassava flour mixture often prepared with butter, bacon or eggs; vinagrete, a fresh Brazilian salsa made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, vinegar and olive oil; white rice, French fries, garlic bread (pão de alho), grilled cheese (queijo coalho), potato salad (maionese) and fresh green salads. Together, these dishes perfectly complement the rich flavors of the grilled meat and are found at almost every Brazilian barbecue.
Vegetarian Options at a Brazilian Barbecue
Although churrasco is famous for its grilled meat, vegetarians can still enjoy plenty of delicious food. Many Brazilian barbecues include grilled queijo coalho, garlic bread, roasted corn on the cob, grilled vegetables, mushrooms, salads, rice, farofa and roasted potatoes. One of the most popular vegetarian treats is grilled pineapple sprinkled with cinnamon, often served at the end of the meal as a light dessert. Thanks to the wide variety of side dishes available, everyone can enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Brazilian barbecue regardless of their dietary preferences.
Typical Drinks Served at a Churrasco
A Brazilian barbecue is not only about great food but also about enjoying good company and refreshing drinks. Ice-cold Brazilian beer is by far the most popular choice among adults, often accompanied by caipirinhas, Brazil’s national cocktail made with cachaça, lime, sugar and ice. Soft drinks, Guaraná Antarctica, sparkling water, coconut water and freshly squeezed fruit juices are also commonly served. Since many Brazilian barbecues last for several hours, it’s common for people to snack, chat and enjoy drinks throughout the afternoon while fresh meat keeps coming off the grill.
Brazilian Churrasco Etiquette
Being invited to a Brazilian churrasco is about much more than eating meat—it’s a social event that brings together family and friends. Barbecues usually start around lunchtime and can continue well into the evening. Guests often gather around the grill while the churrasqueiro (the person cooking the meat) prepares each cut over charcoal. Instead of everyone eating at the same time, people usually enjoy small portions throughout the day as fresh meat is served. It’s perfectly normal to ask for another slice, compliment the cook or spend hours talking between meals. Sharing food, relaxing and enjoying each other’s company are essential parts of the Brazilian barbecue tradition.
Vocabulary Related to Churrasco: The Brazilian BBQ
| A churrasqueira | The barbecue grill |
| O carvão | The coal |
| O espeto | The skewer |
| A carne | The meat (beef) |
| O frango | The chicken |
| A linguiça | The sausage |
| A cerveja | The beer |
| O gelo | The ice |
| O sal | The salt |
| A faca | The knife |
| O fogo | Fire |
| O gado | The cattle |
| Cortes de carne | Cuts of Meat |
| Rodízio | All-you-can-eat restaurant |
How to Prepare a Brazilian Churrasco
So, let’s practice our pronunciation of each term we have just learned! Repeat after the words, and remember you can always set up subtitles!
Frequently Asked Questions About Brazilian Barbecue
What is the most famous meat in Brazil?
Picanha is considered Brazil’s most famous and beloved cut of beef. Its tenderness, flavor and signature layer of fat make it the highlight of almost every traditional churrasco.
What is a churrascaria?
A churrascaria is a Brazilian steakhouse that specializes in grilled meats, usually served using the traditional rodízio system, where waiters continuously bring different cuts of meat directly to your table.
How much does a churrascaria cost in Brazil?
Prices vary depending on the city and restaurant, but a traditional rodízio usually costs between R$80 and R$250 per person, with premium steakhouses charging even more.
Is Brazilian barbecue spicy?
No. Traditional Brazilian barbecue is rarely spicy. Most meats are seasoned only with coarse salt, allowing the natural flavor of the beef to stand out.
What is usually served with churrasco?
Besides grilled meat, a typical Brazilian barbecue includes rice, farofa, vinagrete, garlic bread, salads, French fries, grilled cheese, vegetables and a variety of refreshing drinks.
So guys, now you’re ready to prepare a great Brazilian churrasco! Don’t forget to invite a Brazilian to taste it! Thank you for reading our Dica! Follow us on our Facebook to learn more, so you can improve and study Portuguese.
Let’s cook some meat, make a barbecue in Brazil, and of course drink some beers!


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Beach Foods in Brazil
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Rio Grande do Sul
Online Academic Coordinator at Rio & Learn Portuguese School.
Experienced educational coordinator and teacher since 2007, adept in curriculum development, creating physical and digital educational materials, and leveraging online platforms to enhance learning outcomes