Many Brazilians (and often Europeans and other Latin Americans) are shocked by our eating habits. The following is a list of helpful information regarding eating habits and table manners.
(Note: Once again, please understand that these behavioral "facts" are relative and may not apply to all people you meet. Use good judgment!)
Do not touch any food with your fingers. Using the hands is considered ill-mannered and unhygienic. Brazilians use utensils for pizza, sandwiches, fruit and chicken.
Fruit is often served in a dish or sliced as it is eaten.
Wrap food carefully with a napkin before picking it up.
Wipe your mouth after every sip of drink taken.
Try to eat in the "continental" style, with the fork in the left hand at all time and cutting with the right hand.
Food should always be shared, even if the amount of food is clearly not sufficient to share, the offer should be made.
When offered something in Brazil, one must say "yes" or "please." "Thank you" indicates a refusal, "No, thank you" is considered rudely blunt. Always offer an excuse so that the one offering is not offended.
Feijoada is a standard Brazilian dish, traditionally served on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It consists of highly spiced black beans and assorted (!) meats, eaten with, orange slices and rice.
Coffee is only served during breakfast, and usually with milk. It is served following other meals. Brazilian cafezinho, after dinner coffee, is very strong and very sweet.
The American habit of belching and then excusing oneself is particularly repulsive to Brazilians. Brazilians consider belching highly offensive, and to call attention to the belch after the fact is considered embarrassing for all. The same goes for sneezing and coughing, one should simply leave the table or at least turn completely around, away from the group.
Toothpicks (palitos) may be used at the table, but the mouth must be covered with hand or napkin.
Brazilians keep both hands above the table while eating. The American habit of keeping one hand on the lap strikes them as very odd and may spark jokes.
When not being held, the knife rests with the handle on the table and the tip on the side of the plate.
Never use the fork to cut anything.
When talking, rest the silverware on the plate.
When finished, place the utensils across the plate.
In a restaurant, patrons may have to call the waiter both to order and/or to get the bill. Waiters are beckoned with the index finger of an upraised hand, saying softly garçon. To signal the check, mimic the writing of a bill, and say, if within hearing distance, "A conta por favor" Snapping the fingers is considered extremely rude!
The bill should either be paid for by one person or evenly divided among the group. Brazilians find the American habit of itemizing a bill for each to pay the exact amount petty.
Brazilians do not drink from bottle or can, they will always use a glass.
If invited to a Brazilian's home, you will be expected to eat a lot of whatever is offered. Do not voice any displeasure at any of the food. Acceptance of what is on the plate is tantamount to acceptance of host, country and company.
