Brazil’s vast coastline stretches for over 7,000 kilometers, offering an abundance of delicious seafood. From the Amazon rainforest to the southern shores, Brazilian cuisine showcases an array of seafood dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re planning to enjoy a seafood feast in Brazil or simply want to explore the language of seafood, this Dica will guide you through the rich vocabulary of seafood in Portuguese! You will learn the vocabulary related to seafood (including shrimp, oysters, squid, crab, lobster and more!) and examples of typical Brazilian dishes, all in Portuguese!
Vocabulary for Seafood in Portuguese
First, let’s begin by learning how to pronounce a few words in Portuguese, all related to seafood: shrimp, oysters, squid, crab and lobster are just a few of them! Remember: if you want to understand different types of fish better, we have a Dica just about them!
| Frutos do Mar | Seafood | |
| Camarão | Shrimp | |
| Lula | Squid | |
| Polvo | Octopus | |
| Ostras | Oysters | |
| Lagosta | Lobster | |
| Mexilhão | Mussels | |
| Marisco | Shellfish | |
| Siri | Blue Crab | |
| Carangueijo | Crab | |
| Enguia | Eel | |
| Caviar | Fish Eggs | |
| Vôngole / Amêijoa | Vongole |
Famous Seafood Dishes in Brazil
Brazilian cuisine is known for its diverse and flavorful seafood dishes, thanks to the country’s extensive coastline and rich culinary traditions. Here are some famous Seafood in Brazil:
Moqueca de Camarão (Shrimp Moqueca)

The state of Bahia hails Moqueca as a traditional Brazilian seafood stew. It consists of fish or shrimp, coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a medley of spices, such as coriander and palm oil (dendê). Chefs slow-cook these ingredients together to create a rich and aromatic dish. Typically, it is served with rice and pirão (a cassava-based side dish). If you ever want to learn how to make this amazing dish, you can come with us in our Brazilian cooking class in our RioLIVE!.
Casquinha de Siri (Stuffed Crab Shells)
Crab meat, breadcrumbs, coconut milk, tomatoes, and spices make this delightful appetizer. The mixture is stuffed into crab shells and baked until golden brown. It’s a popular dish in coastal regions.
Vatapá

Originating from Bahia, Vatapá is a flavorful seafood dish. It features shrimp or fish cooked in a creamy sauce crafted from bread, coconut milk, ground peanuts, palm oil, and various spices. We usually serve it with acarajé (deep-fried black-eyed pea dumplings) or rice.
Acarajé com Camarão (Shrimp-stuffed Acarajé)

Acarajé is a popular street food in Bahia. It consists of deep-fried black-eyed pea dumplings filled with a spicy shrimp and herb mixture. Both locals and visitors love this flavorful and savory snack!
Lagosta na Manteiga (Butter Lobster)
In coastal areas of Brazil, particularly in the Northeast, they have a simple yet delicious way to prepare lobster. People typically grill or pan-fry lobster tails and then coat them in a rich garlic and herb butter sauce.
Bobó de Camarão (Shrimp Bobó)

This dish is a delicious blend of shrimp, coconut milk, and puréed cassava (manioc) seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices. It’s a creamy and comforting seafood stew that is often served with rice or farofa (toasted cassava flour).
Camarão na Moranga (Shrimp in Pumpkin)

This dish features shrimp cooked in a creamy coconut milk and tomato sauce, served inside a hollowed-out pumpkin. The sweetness of the pumpkin complements the savory shrimp and sauce, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Tutu de Feijão com Camarão (Shrimp with Black Bean Puree)
Made from black beans and cassava flour, tutu de feijão is a another incredible Brazilian dish. When combined with shrimp, it becomes a hearty and savory dish with rich flavors.
Are you feeling hungry? Well, you can always select a few months to spend here in Brazil learning Portuguese and tasting all these amazing dishes! An amazing experience is waiting for you with our student visa!
Brazilian Portuguese seafood vocabulary is a gateway to exploring the diverse and vibrant world of Brazilian cuisine. With its rich coastal culture and bountiful seafood offerings, Brazil provides an exciting culinary journey for seafood enthusiasts. So, whether you’re ordering seafood in a restaurant in Brazil or cooking up a seafood feast at home, you can now navigate the menu and market with confidence, savoring the flavors of the sea in this captivating South American destination.
So, which one of the seafood we just learned in Portuguese is your favorite: shrimp, oysters, squid, crab or lobster? Tell us in the comments!
Bom apetite!
Click in the links below to see more related Dicas
Brazilian Typical Food
Fish in Portuguese
Good Friday in Brazil
SEO Content Coordinator at Rio & Learn Portuguese School.
She was seven month Rio & Learn Online Courses Academic Coordinator and our A Dica do Dia blog Coordinator for two years and a half. Fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and with elementary proficiency in Chinese, she is a versatile communicator and a strategic asset to global teams.